Trump approves disaster aid for California amid devastating wildfires

The White House said Sunday that President Trump has approved a disaster declaration for California as the state battles devastating wildfires.

The declaration makes federal funding available to individuals and business owners in Shasta County for temporary housing and home repairs, losses on uninsured property and other recovery programs, the White House said in a statement.

State, tribal and other local governments and nonprofit organizations will also have access to federal funds for emergency work and to repair or replace damaged facilities, it added.

{mosads}Shasta County, in Northern California, is the site of the deadly Carr Fire, which reportedly claimed a seventh victim on Saturday.

The White House noted that damage assessments are continuing in other areas, and assistance may be approved for additional counties.

California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) on Saturday said he was confident Trump would send aid.

“The president has been pretty good on helping us in disasters, so I’m hopeful,” Brown said, according to The Associated Press, which noted the governor has clashed with the president on immigration and environmental policies.

“Tragedies bring people together,” he added.

The Sacramento Bee, citing Cal Fire, reported that more than 14,000 firefighters were battling 17 blazes across the state.

The fires have burned almost a half-million acres since June and destroyed more than 2,000 structures, it added.

Nearly 40,000 state residents are reportedly under evacuation orders.