The Trump administration has rejected California's request for federal financial assistance during the state's worst wildfire season in history.
California is filing an appeal. But Trump's rejection could leave California struggling to cope with the cost, despite the fact the federal government controls 57% of California's forested lands.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has estimated potential federal assistance at $346 million, including $200 million for the Creek Fire alone. Cal Fire on Thursday said there are over 9,000 firefighters battling 12 major and eight other large wildfires. The fires have consumed 4.1 million acres. California did not ask for a specific dollar amount because damage estimates are not completed, Brian Ferguson, with the governor's Office of Emergency Services. told the Los Angeles Times.
Federal major disaster declarations allow for cost-sharing for damage, cleanup and rebuilding between the state and federal governments.