Biden commits federal aid as historic Los Angeles fires rage

The authorities in Los Angeles reported that three of the five largest fires, including the biggest one, the Palisades Fire, are still uncontrolled. Two others have begun to be contained, thanks to the weakening of strong winds overnight. However, on Thursday, another fire, called the Kenneth Fire, emerged in the southern part of the county, resulting in a new evacuation order for residents. So far, about 180,000 people have been ordered to evacuate.

“This is the most widespread, devastating fire in California's history," said Biden during a meeting with administration officials at the White House regarding the fires around Los Angeles.

The president promised that the federal government would cover 100 percent of the costs of rebuilding and responding to the fires for 180 days. He also called on Congress to approve additional funds for this purpose.

Biden also announced the deployment of 400 federal firefighters to California, along with over 30 helicopters and airplanes, including eight C-130 military transport planes adapted for firefighting.

Vice President Kamala Harris, from California, stated that the fires are "apocalyptic" and pointed out that many insurance companies have canceled policies for homes that burned in the fires. She added that it is necessary to address this issue.

According to county fire chief Anthony Marrone, due to one of the fires, Eaton, west of Los Angeles, 4,000 to 5,000 buildings have burned. So far, six deaths have been confirmed, but authorities expect this number to rise. The direct causes of the fires have not yet been determined.

On Thursday, President-elect Donald Trump strongly criticized the leadership in Los Angeles and California, referring to Governor Gavin Newsom in disparaging terms and urging him to release water from Northern California to address the state's drought and wildfire issues, rather than allowing it to flow into the Pacific Ocean.