California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office said the federal government rejected his state’s request for a disaster declaration after six wildfires that ripped through the state earlier in the year.
The White House has not responded to a request for comment.
Ferguson told the LA Times that an exact amount was not requested because “the true cost won’t be known for months or years afterward." He added: “What the state is looking for is the highest level of federal support, which requires the highest bars be cleared. But we feel our case for those requirements has been met.”
“Federal assistance is critical to support physical and economic recovery of California and its communities,” Newsom wrote. “The longer it takes for California and its communities to recover, the more severe, devastating and irreversible the economic impacts will be.” Newsom said that wildfire damages exceeded $229 million.
"The longer it takes for California and its communities to recover, the more severe, devastating, and irreversible the economic impacts will be," Newsom said.

Some of the counties that were impacted in last year's wildfires are still recovering, Newsom said. He said the disaster funds would go to rebuilding or repairing infrastructure, roads, parks, signs, and more.
President Donald Trump said he would withhold federal dollars to California over wildfires, saying the state needs to better manage its forests.