In a briefing held at the White House on Monday (January 13th), outgoing US President Biden announced a one-time assistance payment of $770 to families affected by the wildfires in California, as part of the federal government’s aid efforts during the wildfires.
“We will not wait until the fires are extinguished to start helping the victims. As everyone knows, we are helping them right now. Those affected by the wildfires will receive a one-time payment of $770 to quickly purchase items such as water, infant formula, and prescription medications,” Biden said.
The President stated that nearly 6,000 survivors have registered for the program, with $5.1 million already disbursed.
White House officials mentioned that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) activated the Critical Needs Assistance Program last week, allowing for a one-time initial payment of $770 to be distributed to each affected household.
On Monday, the President also reported that the wildfires in Pacific Palisades are 14% contained, in Pasadena 33%, and in Ventura fully contained.
Last week, Biden announced that the federal government will cover all costs of extinguishing wildfires in California within 180 days, the majority of which falls within the term immediately following President Trump’s inauguration on Monday.
Meanwhile, Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom engaged in a heated debate over the devastating wildfires. Trump demanded the Governor’s resignation, while Newsom expressed concerns that Trump may refuse disaster assistance to the state after his inauguration.
Republicans in Congress may propose additional conditions for wildfire relief funds in California, while Democrats argue that such actions would set a dangerous precedent.
According to Reuters, JPMorgan Chase announced on Monday that its subsidiary, Chase Home Lending, is providing disaster-based repayment extensions for mortgage clients impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires.
The initial three-month payment holiday by JPMorgan Chase can be extended in three-month increments up to a maximum of 12 months, subject to the circumstances of investors or insurance companies.
Bank of America also mentioned that they may tailor mortgage payment deferral terms based on customer needs, and Bank of Montreal in Canada is offering relief to affected clients.
As reported by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, as of Monday, the Palisades Fire has consumed 23,713 acres of land; the Eaton Fire has burnt over 14,000 acres, and the Hurst Fire has burned 800 acres.
Currently, over 5,200 firefighters are involved in combating the Palisades Fire, with over 3,000 firefighters battling the Eaton Fire.
(This article is based on a report from “The Hill”)