Bush Surveys California's Wildfires; Commits Federal Assistance

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - President George W. Bush took a first-hand look on Thursday at the destruction caused by the worst wildfires in California's history.

The president, accompanied by California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) and Federal Emergency Management Agency chief David Paulison, flew over Shasta-Trinity National Forest aboard Marine One.

Bush later thanked firefighters for their service and assured state officials that the federal government would exhaust all efforts to help.

"We had the privilege of going and meeting some of the smoke jumpers," the president said. "These are unusual people who are very courageous, determined and dedicated. And I had this special sense when I was with them, the espirit de corps and I want to thank them for their courage."

"I'd like to just let the people out here know that we're paying attention in Washington, D.C., we care about you, and that we'll respond as best as we possibly can," Bush said.

Schwarzenegger praised the federal government for its quick response to his request for assistance.

"We can fight 20, 30 fires at the same time because we have the best firefighters, the bravest, the best experienced firefighters in the world, without any doubt," Schwarzenegger said. "But when you hear that there are 2,000 fires at one given time, that's a little bit too much for us and for all the great firefighters."

More than 2,000 wildfires have destroyed about 900,000 acres since a lighting storm struck northern California on June 20. Twelve counties have been declared under a state of emergency and the National Guard has been helping firefighters control the flames since last week.

In spite of the magnitude of the fires, the damage to property and life have been small compared to previous wildfires, such as one in October 2003 which killed 24 people and and destroyed more than 3,600 homes. About 100 homes have so far been destroyed by the flames.