California Wildfire: Joe Biden 'prepared to do anything'

Washington DC, January 9: President Joe Biden has announced federal support for the wildfires in Southern California.

Biden also approved Governor Gavin Newsom’s major disaster declaration and will provide whatever it takes to help the communities affected.

On X, Biden posted: "We're prepared to do anything and everything, as long as it takes, to contain the Southern California fires and help reconstruct. But we know it'll be a hell of a long way. The federal government is here to stay as long as you need us."

In another post he wrote, "I've approved Governor Newsom's request for a major disaster declaration and ordered Federal assistance to supplement response efforts in areas affected by wildfires, ensuring impacted communities and survivors have immediate access to funds and resources to begin their recovery."

Meanwhile, the death toll has risen to 5 after wildfires swept through Southern California fueled by dry and windy conditions, according to reports.

Nicole Nishida, LA County Sheriff’s Department spokesperson, confirmed the deaths on Wednesday afternoon. Nishida said 25,000+ acres burned.

On the other hand, 1.5 million customers without power in LA County as of Wednesday afternoon, according to poweroutage.us

Earlier, the death toll was 2. At a press conference on Wednesday, LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said 2 people were killed and many injuries from the Eaton Fire.

Over 1,000 structures burned in the Palisades Fire, the most destructive in LA history, according to CalFire, while more than 100,000 people under mandatory evacuation orders, according to reports.

President Joe Biden posted on X: “Over 100,000 people have been ordered to evacuate the communities affected by the Southern California wildfires. 2 people have died. Many more are injured - including firefighters. It’s devastating. To the people of Southern California: We are with you.”

The Eaton Fire, which is miles away from the Palisades Fire in Altadena, CA has burned 2,227 acres with 0% containment. The Hurst Fire broke out and spread northeast of San Fernando, CA and has burned at least 500 acres.

The National Weather Service says another round of high winds will hit Thursday afternoon and continue through Friday morning with isolated gusts in the mountains up to 70 mph.

In the wake of the LA wildfires, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has extended the Oscar nomination voting period.

Voting for the 10,000+ Academy members opened January 8 and was originally set to close January 12. Now it’s January 14, according to Variety.