Wildfires devastate southern California
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) - President Joe Biden visited a fire station in Santa Monica Wednesday as wildfires devastate the Los Angeles area.
"We're prepared to do anything and everything to contain as long as it takes to contain these fires," President Biden said, including firefighting help from the Department of Defense.
Strong wind is fueling the flames that have forced more than 80,000 people to flee.
"These winds are gusting up to 100 miles per hour. If they tell you 'You need to leave,' you need to leave," Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) said.
Congressman Brad Sherman is watching as parts of his district west of Los Angeles burn.
"Palisades High School is pretty much gone," Sherman said.
Officials say two people have died and others are injured.
Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-Calif.) spoke on the phone before flying back to California Wednesday. Her district includes Pasadena, where she says important institutions, like the Pasadena Jewish Temple, are now gone.
"My heart is so heavy after seeing the devastation," Chu said.
While firefighters across the state are responding, FEMA is also assisting. The Federal Agency approved grants to reimburse California for firefighting costs.
"From the White House down to the city council level, we are in constant communication," Rep. Laura Friedman (D-Calif.) said.
Congresswoman Laura Friedman wants her constituents in Los Angeles to be vigilant and,"to listen to first responders. If you get an evacuation warning, don't wait."
Some lawmakers want Congress to pass legislation aimed at preventing future fires, like San Diego Congressman Scott Peters's "Fix Our Forests Act."
"So, when these events come along, they're just not as disastrous as they are today," Peters said.
The bill passed the House last session but didn't become law.
"We're hoping to move that this year," Peters said.