SACRAMENTO – Acting Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Friday that the president and Federal Emergency Management Agency have granted California’s request, submitted Thursday, for a presidential emergency declaration for direct federal assistance to supplement the state and local emergency response to major wildfires burning in Butte, Ventura and Los Angeles counties.

"California is appreciative for the timely response, which will help emergency responders in their heroic efforts to protect Californians and their communities," said acting Gov. Newsom.

This federal assistance includes air assets to mitigate the impacts of the fires, shelter supplies and water for evacuated residents. It also provides support for mass care, ambulatory transport and the evacuation of individuals with access and functional needs. This aid will help save lives and protect property and public health and safety.

Acting Gov. Newsom has declared a state of emergency in Los Angeles, Ventura and Butte counties.

The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services has also activated the State Operations Center in Mather, California to its highest level and is coordinating with other local, state and federal emergency response officials to address emergency management needs.