WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Bush designated four California counties scorched by wildfires a major disaster area Monday and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts.
The president's action makes federal money available for disaster-struck people in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego and Ventura counties.
Help includes grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the fires, said White House press secretary Scott McClellan.
Federal funding is available, on cost-sharing basis, to help remove debris, take emergency protective measures and mitigate hazards caused by the fires.
Surveys are being done to assess damage in other areas, which means more counties and other types of assistance might be designated.
Residents and business owners with fire losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance Tuesday at 1-800-621-FEMA.
