George Bush Declares Californian Wildefires As Major Disaster

George Bush has declared the wildfires in southern California a ‘major disaster’ after several areas across the state were devastated. It is estimated that one million people have been forced to leave their homes due to the fires, which have destroyed a mammoth 1,600 properties.

George bush signed a major disaster declaration, which means federal money is available to those who have lost their homes in the fires. Along with signing the declaration, Mr Bush issued a message to the people of southern California from Washington ahead of a visit to the affected areas.

“Americans all across this land care deeply about them. We’re concerned about their safety. We’re concerned about their property.”

According to weather forecasters, the Santa Ana wind whipping across southern California will be replaced by cool sea breezes - little comfort for the thousands who no longer have homes. The estimated cost of the damage is $1 billion in San Diego alone.

The change in weather conditions should allow firefighters to beat the fires. Wildfires in southern California aren’t uncommon this time of yeah but this year has seen a break from the norm.

“What’s been unusual this year has been the prolonged nature and intensity of these winds. Added to this, California has had one of its hottest, driest summers on record giving perfect, tinder-dry ground and vegetation to the fires to feed and spread.”

The fires have killed around three people and injured around 40.

Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor of California has thanked the fire crews for working around the clock.

It’s not only general residents of southern California that have been effected, fires are also threatening the homes of Mel Gibson, Cher, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, Nick Nolte, Jennifer Aniston, Mel Brooks, Ryan O’Neal and others.

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