Additional Coverage:
- FEMA administrator: L.A. officials were “prepared” for wildfires given historic winds (newsbreak.com)
Los Angeles Wildfires: FEMA Responds
Los Angeles officials were well-prepared for wildfires, but they were caught off guard by extreme winds fueling the blazes, according to FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell. These winds have made it difficult to contain the fires, which have caused widespread damage.
Criswell stressed the importance of staying updated on local warnings as winds are expected to pick up again. She also urged residents to be aware of insurance concerns, as many Californians have lost coverage before the fires.
FEMA is providing assistance but acknowledged that its grants may not be sufficient to rebuild homes in expensive areas like California. The agency is working with partners to offer loans, grants, and other resources to affected families.
Criswell emphasized the need to rebuild homes with fire resistance in mind, to reduce future risks. She also encouraged the undergrounding of power lines to prevent wildfires and ensure power supply during extreme weather events.
The total cost of the damage is still unknown, but Criswell believes that Congress can provide additional funding and resources to aid in the recovery efforts.