[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 43 (Monday, October 29, 2007)]
[Pages 1405-1406]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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

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equipment and manpower into the scene, including Department of Defense 
help. Today I've 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 Schwarzenegger of 
California.