Padilla, Feinstein push for major disaster declaration

On Monday, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Dianne Feinstein and Representative Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) sent a letter to President Biden in support of Governor Gavin Newsom’s request for a major disaster declaration for California in response to a series of devastating wildfires, including the largest single-fire in California history, the Dixie Fire.

“These large fires come during a time of dangerous fire conditions, including extreme drought, dry fuels, low humidity, and high winds. The explosion of fire activity this season has resulted in an immense strain on California’s resources and firefighting capabilities,” the members wrote. 

While California is instituting all possible actions at its disposal to combat these fires, it is increasingly difficult for the State and local governments to obtain the necessary resources to respond to these fires,” the members continued. “The size and scope of these fires require additional assistance, coordination, and federal action.”