The federal government has rejected California’s request for financial help with a series of wildfires that began in early August,. The denial could leave the state struggling to cope with the costs of dealing with the worst fire season in California history. Federal aid can run into hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on the scope of the disaster.
In his letter to President Donald Trump seeking the disaster declaration, Gov. Gavin Newsom estimated potential federal assistance at $346 million — including $200 million from the Creek Fire, money which has so far been denied.
In the past, Trump has occasionally threatened to withhold wildfire assistance from California, saying the state hasn’t done enough to manage its forests. The threats hide the fact that the federal government controls 57% of California’s forested lands.
