Biden offers support in LA County amid 'astounding' fires
Share and Follow


President Biden on Wednesday viewed the damage from wildfires in Southern California and pledged his administration’s support for state and local officials and first responders battling the blazes.

Biden met with firefighters and California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) during a briefing at a Santa Monica fire station, where he described the fires as “astounding” and pledged the full support of the federal government.

“We’re prepared to do anything and everything as long as it takes,” Biden said at the briefing. “It’s astounding what’s happening.”

Firefighters are battling three separate blazes in Los Angeles County, officials said. Los Angeles County fire chief Tony Marrone told Biden the department was receiving assistance from firefighters in Arizona, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.

“The good news is, I’m a great-grandfather,” Biden quipped at the end of his briefing with first responders, a reference to his granddaughter giving birth at a nearby hospital on Wednesday.

The White House said it was surging resources to the impacted areas of California, including five U.S. Forest Service air tankers, 10 federal firefighting helicopters and dozens of fire engines from the Forest Service.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also approved a fire management assistance grant to reimburse the state for firefighting costs.

Fires have raged this week in Los Angeles County, with high winds further complicating efforts to quell the blazes. At least two people have been killed and thousands have been forced to evacuate. 

Newsom offered praise for Biden’s response to the fires, saying during Wednesday’s briefing that it was “impossible for me to express the level of appreciation and cooperation we’ve seen from the White House and this administration. So on behalf of all of us, Mr. President, thank you for being here.”

Newsom’s comments came shortly after President-elect Trump directly blamed the California governor for the state of the fires, asserting some of his environmental policies were preventing adequate water supply from reaching the affected areas.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Revealed Emails Indicate FBI Concerns Over Insufficient Evidence Prior to Mar-a-Lago Search

Recently unveiled documents have brought to light that the FBI did not…

Groundbreaking PA Court Ruling: Warrantless Google Searches Now Permitted

Pennsylvania’s highest court just handed Big Tech and law enforcement a massive…

California’s ‘Lying Teacher’ Law Struck Down: Judge Rules in Favor of Parents’ Rights

In a controversial move, California’s leadership, spearheaded by Governor Gavin Newsom,…

Brown University Puts Safety Chief on Leave Amid Growing Safety Concerns: A Delayed Response?

In response to the tragic shooting deaths of students Ella Cook…

Venus Williams Ties the Knot with Italian Beau Andrea Preti in Florida; Sister Serena Stuns with Lavish Wedding Gift

Tennis icon Venus Williams and her Italian partner, actor and model Andrea…

US Military Successfully Eliminates Notorious Narco-Terrorist in Strategic Eastern Pacific Operation

In a decisive move against narcotics smuggling, the U.S. military conducted a…

Chilling Encounter: Brown University Shooter Nonchalantly Strolls by Police Post-Incident

In startling new video footage, the suspect in the Brown University shooting…

Brooklyn Beckham’s Surprising Decision: Ramsay Family Reportedly Disheartened as Sources Unveil Holly Ramsay and Adam Peaty’s Wedding Plans and Describe Brooklyn’s Evolving Relationship with Nicola

In his childhood, Brooklyn Beckham cherished playing with his closest companions—Gordon Ramsay’s…