In California, the Camp and Woolsey Fires continue to burn, with almost one thousand people missing, 77 fatalities, and over 10,000 homes destroyed. Thousands of displaced people are staying with friends or family or camping out in parking lots in nearby cities. President Donald Trump approved a major disaster declaration for the wildfires (DR-4407) on November 13. This declaration covers Butte, Los Angeles, and Ventura counties and makes additional federal resources available to those impacted by the fires.
Department of the Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, FEMA Administrator Brock Long, and California Governor Jerry Brown met with local and state officials in Butte County on November 14 to discuss ongoing efforts to combat the Camp Fire, which has already burned 150,000 acres. President Donald Trump visited California to survey the damage on Saturday, November 17.
The presidential major disaster declaration allows HUD to offer immediate foreclosure relief as well as additional mortgage and home rehabilitation insurance for Federal Housing Administration (FHA)-insured homes. The automatic foreclosure moratorium is in effect for 90-days.