Trump administration denies California fires a natural disaster

The administration of President Donald Trump has rejected California's request to declare a natural disaster in the state due to six devastating wildfires, including a massive fire in the forests of central California, which became the largest in the state's history. Writes about it CNN.

Photo: Shutterstock

“The request for a presidential major disaster declaration in response to the early September wildfires was denied by the federal administration,” confirmed Brian Ferguson, a spokesman for the Office of Emergency Management. The state plans to appeal the decision.

This came after California Gov. Gavin Newsom asked the federal government for financial help in a September 28 letter to the Trump administration describing the financial impact of the wildfires.

Writing that the estimated damage to infrastructure exceeded $ 229 million, Newsom argued that "federal assistance is critical to support California's physical as well as economic recovery and the state's population."

“The longer it takes California and its communities to recover, the more severe, devastating and irreversible the economic consequences will be,” he said.

Recent fires included in the Disaster Declaration Request include the Creek Fire, the largest wildfire in state history, burning 341 acres (722 ha) in Fresno and Madera counties, the Bobcat fire, which burned 138 acres (289 ha) in Los Angeles County, and El Dorado Fire triggered by a child sex disclosure party in San Bernardino County.

The other three wildfires in the request were Valley Fire in San Diego County, Oak Fire in Mendocino County, and Slater Fire in Siskiyu County.

The White House said that California's request to declare a major disaster by the president was rejected because it was "unsupported by relevant data."

Judd Deere highlighted other areas in which the federal government provided assistance to California during the historic fire season.

On the subject: Like on Mars: because of the fires, the sky in California turned into an unusual color

“This summer, President Trump quickly approved responses to wildfires in California, supported by damage estimates. In fact, the President has provided additional disaster assistance to California by authorizing an increase in the level of federal funding to 100% for debris removal and emergency protective measures taken as a result of the wildfires that began on August 14, 2020 and are ongoing,” Deere said in a statement.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency said the damage assessment "determined that the fires in early September were not severe enough to exceed the state's combined capacity."

“FEMA has approved four grants in five counties to combat wildfires included in the state's disaster request, allowing the state, local governments and other eligible agencies to be reimbursed for 75% of firefighting, evacuation and sheltering costs,” a FEMA spokeswoman said. Lizzie Litzow.

Since the beginning of this season of fire elements over 8 wildfires have burned over 500 million acres statewide... As a result, 31 people died, more than 9 buildings were destroyed.

During his visit last month, Trump refused to acknowledge the impact of the climate crisis on California bushfires and instead continued to push for better forest management to cut down dead trees that could serve as ideal wildfires.

Read also on ForumDaily:

In 10 years, climate change will cost us $ 20 billion a year

2020 is a bright year: experts say the future will only get worse

An abnormal 2020 continues: hurricanes, droughts and floods are yet to come

Fires and hurricanes: how to prepare for an emergency evacuation

Hurricane protection: will insurance cover disaster damage

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.