California asks US government for billions in fire relief funds

Governor Gavin Newsom said the requested funds will help in immediate and long-term recovery work.

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Newsom sent the request to congressional leaders in a letter on Friday. He said the funds would help both immediate and long-term recovery work.

"I'm asking Congress to have the back of the American people and provide disaster funding to help Californians recover and rebuild as soon as possible," he wrote on social media.

The fires, which began 7 January, burned 37,469 acres and killed at least 26 people in the greater Los Angeles area.

The funds would be used for workforce recovery, tax incentives, wildfire resilience and private property redevelopment, Newsom said.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce8mdrvnmkno

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