Members of Congress from California on Saturday toured the ruins in Altadena and northern Pasadena caused by the still raging Eaton Fire.
Representative Judy Chu, who represents the areas most affected by the Eaton Fire in Los Angeles County, guided a group of California Members of Congress on a visit to the devastated neighborhoods and streets.
The Eaton Fire expanded to more than 14,100 acres with 15% containment, Cal Fire reported Saturday night. About 7,000 structures have been scorched.
The burned out shell of Altadena Community Church in Altadena, Calif., after being ravaged by wildfire. (Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)
The estimated damage and economic impact from the Eaton Fire have risen to $135 billion as of Thursday, according to AccuWeather, a private company specializing in weather data and analysis.
Chu said she looks forward to working with her colleagues to secure disaster relief funding necessary for recovery and rebuilding.
She added she will push for legislation “to prevent disasters like this from occurring again.”
The burned out shell of Altadena Community Church in Altadena, Calif., after being ravaged by wildfire. (Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)
In a statement, Chu emphasized the importance of collaboration between different levels of government in effectively responding to natural disasters and providing immediate and long-term aid to those who have suffered losses. She stressed the need for bipartisan support in passing emergency disaster funding to aid in the recovery efforts for the victims of the wildfires in Southern California. Chu acknowledged the challenges ahead but underlined the essential need for sufficient disaster relief to facilitate the rebuilding process for Californians affected by the fires.
The Members of Congress in attendance included: House Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33); House Financial Services Ranking Member Rep. Maxine Waters (CA-43); Rep. Linda Sanchez (CA-38); Rep. Norma Torres (CA-35); Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA-34); Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37); and Rep. Luz Rivas (CA-29).
