Thu Jan 09 07:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Biden Declares Emergency as Devastating California Wildfires Rage

**Los Angeles, CA** – President Joe Biden declared a federal state of emergency in California on Wednesday in response to a series of raging wildfires that have already claimed two lives, destroyed over 1,000 buildings, and forced tens of thousands to evacuate. The declaration unlocks federal funding and resources to aid in the firefighting efforts.

Los Angeles County is grappling with four simultaneous, life-threatening wildfires, fueled by strong winds and low humidity, overwhelming local resources. “The Los Angeles County Fire Department is prepared to handle one or two major brushfires, but not four, especially given the sustained high winds and low humidity,” stated Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone. Over 2,000 acres have already burned, with the fires continuing to spread rapidly. Chief Marrone emphasized that firefighters have not yet gained any percentage of containment.

The situation is particularly dire in the Pacific Palisades community, where hurricane-force winds have driven the fire through homes, even depleting fire hydrants. Janisse Quiñones, CEO and Chief Engineer of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, reported water demand in the area was four times normal for 15 consecutive hours, pushing the system to its limit.

Over 2,000 National Guard members have been deployed to assist firefighters, and air support, previously grounded by high winds, resumed Wednesday evening, dropping water and fire retardant. More than 400,000 homes and businesses in Los Angeles are experiencing power outages.

The federal government is providing significant support, deploying four large air tankers and another tanker support aircraft from the U.S. Forest Service, along with ten helicopters and dozens of fire engines. President Biden warned that the recovery process will be lengthy. Officials continue to urge residents to heed evacuation orders.

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