White House Approves Newsom's Request For Fire Disaster Relief

CALIFORNIA — As wildfires rage across the Northern California, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Saturday that the White House had approved the state's request for help. The Presidential Major Disaster Declaration will help bolster the state's emergency response.

“Thank you to the President for your partnership and granting this urgent Major Disaster Declaration," Newsom said in a press release. California is battling two of the largest fires in our history and has seen nearly 600 new fires in the last week caused by dry lightning strikes. These are unprecedented times and conditions, but California is strong – we will get through this."

The declaration will help citizens in impacted counties by offering access to crisis counseling, housing and unemployment assistance as well as legal services. It will also provide federal assistance to help state, tribal and local governments fund fire agencies, recovery and other protective measures.