    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book II)]
    [October 25, 2007]
    [Page 1385]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on Departure for a Tour of Southern California Areas Damaged by
    Wildfires
    October 25, 2007

        Good morning. I'm on my way out to California. I'm looking forward
    to seeing Governor Schwarzenegger,
    to thank him for all the good work that the State and local authorities
    are doing to help the good people of southern California battle these
    wildfires. I will assure the people of California that the Federal
    Government will be deploying resources, assets, and manpower necessary
    to help fight these fires. As well, I will assure them that there's a--
    because of the declaration I signed yesterday, there will be help for
    the people of California. Evidently, the winds are more favorable today,
    which should be encouraging to the firefighters.
        I'm also looking forward to spending some time with some of the
    firefighters. We've got some incredibly brave citizens who are risking
    their lives to protect people and property in California, and we owe a
    great debt of gratitude to our Nation's firefighters.
        It's a sad situation out there in southern California. I fully
    understand that the people have got a lot of anguish in their hearts,
    and they just need to know a lot of folks care about them. And looking
    forward to my trip out there.
        Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 7:31 a.m. on the South Lawn at the White
    House.