    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book II)]
    [October 24, 2007]
    [Pages 1378-1379]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Cabinet Meeting
    October 24, 2007

    Southern California Wildfires

        I want to thank the members of my Cabinet for being here today to
    discuss a lot of issues. I started off the meeting by summarizing a
    series of conversations that I've had regarding the fires in southern
    California. I had a conversation with Governor
    Schwarzenegger. My question to him
    was, are you getting what you need; are the people there in California
    getting the help they need from the Federal Agencies to help the good
    folks in California deal with these devastating fires? His answer was,
    yes. I assured him that if he needs anything and we're able to provide
    it, we'll do so.
        I also had an opportunity to thank him, as well as California
    officials, for working hard to save houses, save lives. I appreciate
    very much the fact that they're willing to work in a collaborative
    fashion with the Federal Government. I've been meeting with my Cabinet
    Secretaries that are responsible for helping the State and local
    authorities fight these fires. I will report to you that I am--I believe
    the effort is well-coordinated. I know we're getting the manpower and
    assets on the ground that have been requested by the State and local
    authorities.
        I wish we could control the wind, because one of the things that's
    hampering our joint capability of fighting these fires is the strong
    westerly winds. I'm told the winds may be dying down soon, in which case
    it will make it--make this equipment we've got in place a lot more
    effective at helping fight the fires.
        I initially declared an emergency declaration, which will enable us
    to send Federal equipment and manpower into the scene, including
    Department of Defense help. Today I've just signed a major disaster
    declaration, which will then enable Federal funds to start heading
    toward the families who have been affected by these fires.
        Looking forward to going out to California tomorrow. I will continue
    to make sure that our efforts are coordinated, that we are responsive to
    the needs of people. But most importantly, I want the people in southern
    California to know that Americans all across this land care deeply about
    them. We're concerned about their safety; we're concerned about their
    property; and we offer our prayers and hopes that all will turn out fine
    in the end. In the meantime, they can rest assured that the Federal
    Government will do everything we can to help put out these fires.
        Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:55 a.m. in the Cabinet Room at the White
    House. In his remarks, he referred to Gov. Arnold A. Schwarzenegger of
    California.

    [[Page 1379]]