President declares disaster over deadly California wildfire
VENTURA, Calif. — President Donald Trump on Tuesday declared a major disaster in California over a wildfire that destroyed more than 1,000 buildings as fierce winds whipped it through Ventura and Santa Barbara counties last month.
The declaration makes federal funding available to state and local governments and some non-profit organizations for emergency work in those counties and statewide for work to reduce hazards related to the fire, according to a White House statement.
The Thomas fire that began on Dec. 4 is the largest recorded in the state. It was 92 per cent contained on Tuesday. Firefighters were still putting out hot spots and smouldering areas.
The fire covered more than 440 square miles (1,140 sq. kilometres), killed two people, destroyed entire neighbourhoods, threatened coastal foothill communities, ravaged wilderness areas and cast a pall of smoke that shuttered businesses in downtown Santa Barbara.