President Trump has approved a Major Disaster Declaration for California after his administration at first denied federal aid.
The reversal came just hours after FEMA rejected California’s request for disaster relief funds aimed at cleaning up damage from six devastating wildfires.
“Just got off the phone with President Trump who has approved our Major Disaster Declaration request. Grateful for his quick response,” said Governor Newsom.
The presidential declaration bolsters emergency response and recovery efforts in Siskiyou, Fresno, Los Angeles, Madera, San Bernardino and San Diego counties. This includes the Slater Fire that killed two people and devastated the Siskiyou County town of Happy Camp.
Northstate Congressman Doug LaMalfa responded to the President’s declaration, saying it’s a major help for hard-hit areas of the Northstate
“The President has listened to the North State’s calls for additional disaster assistance for Siskiyou County, reversing FEMA’s denial of the original request for aid,” LaMalfa said. “Keep in your prayers the families who lost their loved ones, those who lost their homes in Happy Camp, and our first responders who are working to extinguish fires in California.”
Nearly 200 homes have been destroyed by the Slater Fire in the Happy Camp area. The deadly blaze is 80 percent contained at 156,612 acres.
No new major fires were reported statewide Friday, but high fire danger persists. A red flag warning remains in effect in the Northstate until 8 a.m. Saturday.
