Golden State Today

The survivors of the Los Angeles area wildfires can now apply for federal assistance, according to an announcement made by Governor Gavin Newsom. A new website, CA.gov/LAfires, has been launched to aid Californians in accessing necessary resources.

Governor Newsom stated that with President Joe Biden's declaration of the fires as a Major Disaster, eligibility for federal programs will be determined based on local damage and impact levels. The governor emphasized ongoing efforts to support affected communities while continuing to fight the fires and protect lives and property.

"Apoyamos a los miles de californianos afectados por estos incendios sin precedentes. Gracias a nuestra fuerte colaboración con el gobierno federal y la rápida acción del Presidente, los californianos ya pueden obtener asistencia federal," said Governor Newsom.

Californians are encouraged to visit CA.gov/LAfires for information on government resources. Those who suffered losses can apply for disaster assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov/es or by calling 800-621-3362. Assistance is available in over 40 languages.

In collaboration with the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), disaster recovery centers will soon open to support survivors and businesses affected by the fires. These centers will offer coordinated assistance from various agencies.

California has deployed over 12,000 personnel, including firefighters and National Guard members, to combat the fires aggressively. More than 1,660 firefighting elements have been mobilized, including fire engines, aircraft, bulldozers, and water trucks.

Earlier this week, Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency and issued an executive order to assist affected communities. Following this declaration, President Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration to further support response efforts against the Hurst, Eaton, and Palisades fires.