California allocates $2.5 billion for wildfire recovery in LA area

US Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a $2.5 billion relief package to assist the Los Angeles area in recovering from the recent devastating wildfires.

The bipartisan legislation, approved by the state Legislature earlier on January 23, aims to support disaster response efforts, including evacuations, survivor sheltering, and the removal of hazardous waste, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

During a press conference in Pasadena, which has been significantly impacted by the fires, Newsom emphasised the importance of fostering hope and rebuilding efforts in the affected communities.

“This is about distilling a sense of hopefulness,” he stated.

In addition to the major funding for disaster response, the package includes $4 million designated for local governments to expedite the rebuilding process for homes and $1 million to aid school districts in repairing and rebuilding educational facilities.

The relief package comes just one day before former President Donald Trump's scheduled visit to California to assess the wildfire damage. Trump has previously suggested that any federal relief for wildfires should come with certain conditions, a stance that has faced pushback from congressional Republicans representing the state. Earlier this month, Former President Joe Biden approved initial disaster aid for the region.

The fire destroyed more than 12,300 buildings, including celebrity properties. The homes of former US President Joe Biden's son Hunter, actress and model Paris Hilton, and actor and director Mel Gibson burned down. According to the latest data, 28 people died. The economic damage from the fires raging in Los Angeles County has exceeded $250 billion.