U.S. Senators and Representatives Urge President Biden to Approve Major Disaster Declaration Following Park and Borel Fires

On September 25, 2024, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-California), Representatives Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) and Vince Fong (R-Bakersfield) urged President Biden to grant Governor Gavin Newsom’s request for a major disaster declaration in response to the severe impacts of the Park and Borel Fires on Butte, Tehama, and Kern counties.  

The fires, both exacerbated by extreme heat across the state from July 24 to August 26, damaged homes and businesses throughout these counties. The extensive harm caused by the Park and Borel fires have stretched local resources thin and disproportionately impacted vulnerable communities. 

Full text of the letter is available here.