WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congresswoman Lois Capps (CA-23), U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, and 38 other House Members called on the Bush Administration to support the State of California’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration, U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans and funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Emergency Loan Program.  The Major Disaster declaration would provide critical federal resources to help fight the three large fires burning across Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.  These resources would help protect lives, property and the livelihoods of Californians, as well as aid the recovery and rebuilding process when these fires are eventually extinguished. 

“Once again our state has been devastated by a number of serious fires, including the Tea fire in our community,” said Capps.   “Our thoughts and prayers go out to our neighbors who were injured or who lost property in the fire, as well as our appreciation for the fire fighters and emergency personnel who are fighting the Tea fire to protect our lives and property.  As we shift our efforts from extinguishing the fire to recovering from its devastation, it’s critical the federal government step up and provide additional resources to help with the cost of repairing the damage the Tea fire inflicted on our community.  My Congressional colleagues and I join with Governor Schwarzenegger in asking the Bush Administration to quickly grant a Major Disaster Declaration so the full resources of the federal government can aid Californians as they fight and recover from these fires.”

The text of the letter follows:

November 18, 2008

The Honorable George W. Bush
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

We write in support of the State of California’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration, U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans and funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Emergency Loan Program. 

There are currently three large fires burning across Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, which have been spread by winds as fast as 70 miles an hour.  Almost 40 firefighters and residents have been injured, tens of thousands of Californians have been evacuated from their neighborhoods and more than 800 homes have been destroyed.

While conditions have somewhat improved, the brave men and women fighting these fires in Southern California continue to face record high temperatures and unpredictable Santa Ana winds. 

A Major Disaster Declaration under the Stafford Act will provide the essential federal resources needed not only to save the lives, homes, and livelihoods of Californians, but also to help people recover and rebuild when these fires are finally extinguished.  These resources are urgently needed and will be immediately put to good use.

Thank you for your time and attention to this urgent issue.

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Pictured above: (center) Congresswoman Capps meets with Central Coast firefighters to discuss emergency preparedness.