By Michael Hernandez
WASHINGTON (AA) - Additional federal air resources will be diverted to Los Angeles to help authorities combat devastating wildfires as they continue to tear through communities, the White House announced Friday.
So far, five Forest Service large air tankers and over 20 federal firefighting helicopters are assisting the effort. An additional air tanker is en route, and will be further supplemented by two air firefighting system units from the California and Nevada National Guards, as well as 10 Navy helicopters with water buckets that are on their way from San Diego, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters.
"We stand ready to provide further support as needed, and we urge residents in the affected areas to remain vigilant and heed the warnings of local officials, especially if you have been ordered to evacuate and to everyone impacted by this tragedy, please remember that we see you," she told reporters.
"This is not about politics. This is about people. This is about humanity, people who have literally lost everything, homes, schools and businesses, entire communities burnt to the ground, treasured artifacts like personal photos, precious family heirlooms and other priceless belongings all reduced to rubble," she added.
Biden earlier Friday brought together key officials, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, Mayor Karen Bass and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell to discuss the response across Los Angeles. Biden during the meeting announced that FEMA, the US' emergency response agency, has activated its Critical Needs Program, allowing for one-time payments of $770 to survivors to allow them to purchase critical necessities, a White House official said.
Additional funding and resources are expected to come on line after Biden on Wednesday signed his major disaster declaration.
Earlier Friday, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Maroney said the Eaton Fire, which has devastated wide swathes of the foothill city of Altadena, is approximately 3% contained.
Kristen Crowley from the Los Angeles City Fire Department reported that the Palisades Fire is now 8% contained, adding: "When gusts are expected to increase in daylight hours that will test our containment lines."
Crowley also reported that the Hurst Fire is now 37% contained and announced that "all evacuation orders and warnings have been lifted."
She said the Kenneth Fire is also "stopped with 35% containment at 1,000 acres (approximately 4 square kilometers)" and reported that the evacuation orders have been lifted.