Biden declares disaster mode in California due to wildfires

The current U.S. President Joe Biden declared a major disaster regime in the state of California in connection with forest fires. This is stated on the website of the White House on Wednesday, January 8.

"Today, President Joseph R. Biden Jr. declared a major disaster in the State of California and ordered the release of federal aid to supplement state, tribal and local efforts to rebuild in areas affected by wildfires and gusty winds from January 7, 2025 onward," the publication reads.

It clarifies that assistance may include temporary housing, repair services for affected homes and low-interest loans to rebuild uninsured properties. The assessment of the damage caused by the fire is still ongoing.

Curtis Brown of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will coordinate recovery efforts in the affected areas.

Earlier, on January 7, emergency services in Los Angeles urged residents to be ready to evacuate because of wildfires raging in the state. NBC News reported that the fire started in the Eaton Canyon neighborhood. Strong winds are fueling the fire.

On the same day in Los Angeles declared a state of emergency because of the fire situation. It was reported that 27 thousand residents of Pacific Palisades are called for forced evacuation.

In addition, in the evacuation zone was the residence of U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, who said she sympathized with all her heart to those affected by the fire. At the same time, CNN reported that the flames destroyed 2.9 thousand acres (more than 1,173 hectares) of land.