The Department of the Interior has deployed personnel to assist with wildfire recovery efforts in Southern California. This action aligns with the Trump Administration's focus on public safety and effective disaster response. The team is working to help communities affected by recent wildfires and severe wind events.
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum stated, "The Department of the Interior strongly stands with communities impacted by these devastating wildfires." He emphasized that under President Trump's leadership, there is a priority on rapid, coordinated disaster response and strong interagency teamwork. The deployment aims to protect lives, restore communities, and manage resources efficiently.
The Bureau of Reclamation has sent five Quality Assurance Technical Monitors and one Safety Professional to the Eaton and Palisades Wildfire sites. They are collaborating with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for debris removal and cleanup efforts as part of a broader federal initiative to aid community recovery.
Reclamation teams are performing crucial field operations such as site inspections, coordination with contractors and homeowners, and overseeing debris management progress. These staff members work seven days a week in 30-day rotations to ensure effective recovery operations.
Acting Reclamation Commissioner David Palumbo remarked, "The Bureau of Reclamation is proud to stand alongside the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and our other federal partners in the wake of these devastating wildfires." He highlighted their commitment to safe debris clearance while prioritizing community needs during recovery efforts.
As the principal planner for Emergency Support Function #3, Reclamation oversees all aspects including coordination, funding, and staffing for emergency missions. These deployments will continue throughout the year as needed for ongoing recovery processes from disasters like wildfires or hurricanes. Emergency Support Function #3 plays a critical role in restoring services and infrastructure post-disaster, working closely with various agencies at different government levels.
