After Initially Denying Request, Trump Administration Reverses Course on California’s Wildfire-Related Disaster Declaration

Earlier this week, the State of California was notified that the Trump Administration rejected the state’s major disaster declaration following a series of recent historic wildfires, including fires in Fresno, Los Angeles, Madera, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Siskiyou counties. According to press reports, the state learned of the Trump Administration’s decision on late Wednesday and no additional details on the reason for the denial were given.

However, it was reported today that President Donald Trump reversed the decision by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) to deny California’s request. The presidential disaster declaration has been approved and federal financial assistance will be made available to support fire recovery efforts which include crisis counseling, housing and unemployment assistance, legal services, and response, recovery, and protective measures.

The full announcement from the Governor’s Office is available here.