Washington, DC - Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced that the White House has approved California’s request for direct federal assistance to support the response to wildfires burning in Southern California.

“California is grateful for the quick approval of our request and the ongoing efforts of local, state and federal emergency responders to protect communities across Southern California,” said Governor Brown.

Yesterday, Governor Brown sent a letter to the President and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requesting a Presidential Emergency Declaration for direct federal assistance to supplement the state and local emergency response to the Southern California wildfires. The Governor has also issued emergency proclamations for Santa Barbara, San Diego, Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) has activated the State Operations Center in Mather, California to its highest level and is coordinating with local, state and federal emergency response officials to address all emergency management needs.