California Representative Ami Bera (D) said the fires raging across parts of Los Angeles could be the worst disaster in the state's history.
Berra appeared on NewsNation's The Hill on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing fires and the briefing the California delegation received from the Department of Emergency Services.
“This is horrifying and tragic and our hearts go out to all those affected.” “Looking ahead, this could easily be the worst disaster in California history.”
Vela said he and other California lawmakers are ready to help with emergency relief “not just to put out the fires, but to rebuild afterward.”
“Recovery will take months and years, so we must come together now, not as Democrats or Republicans, but as a country and as a state, to alleviate this devastation,” Berra said. Ta.
The California Democrat said at a news conference that firefighters and emergency responders knew high winds were coming, but learned it was a “perfect combination of events” to create the devastation. .
The Palisades Fire, burning west of Los Angeles, had burned about 18 square miles as of Wednesday evening. The Eaton Fire north of Pasadena has burned about 16 square miles, and the Hearst Fire in the San Fernando Valley is approaching 1 square mile. Associated Press reported.
At least 70,000 residents were under evacuation orders, and footage shared online showed rows of burned-out houses.
Berra praised firefighters who helped evacuate people in the Palisades neighborhood, which has winding roads.
He said this was testimony to first responders that only a few deaths had been reported so far.
“The winds may subside within the next 24 hours, but we hope so,” Vella said.
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