Biden Provides $770 Payments for Wildfire Victims

President Joe Biden announced a federal aid package providing a one-time payment of $770 to victims of the severe wildfires in Los Angeles County, which have resulted in at least 29 fatalities and significant destruction. Nearly 6,000 survivors have registered for the aid, with $5.1 million already distributed through FEMA's activated Critical Needs Assistance Program aimed at helping individuals purchase essential items like food and prescriptions. Biden emphasized the urgency of support, stating, "We're not waiting until those fires are over to start helping the victims." He also mentioned that the federal government will cover 100% of California's firefighting costs for six months and called on Congress for additional funding, estimating that recovery could cost tens of billions of dollars. The wildfires have caused estimated damages ranging from $250 billion to $275 billion, exceeding losses from Hurricane Helene in 2024. The situation has prompted support from the entertainment industry, with various celebrities pledging aid for recovery efforts.