President Biden pledged on Thursday that the federal government would pay the entire cost of the Los Angeles fires for 180 days, a significant increase from what is typically covered when disaster strikes.

Mr. Biden on Wednesday approved the disaster declaration which unlocks federal taxpayer funds to local officials dealing with the disaster. Under the declaration, the federal government typically covers roughly 75% of the costs. However, Mr. Biden upped the amount to 100% of the costs. That was more than what was requested by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who asked the feds to pay for 90% of the costs.

The funds will reimburse local government for the cost of debris and hazardous material removal, temporary shelters, first responder salaries and “all necessary measures to protect life and property and folks,” Mr. Biden said.

“I’ve told the governor and local officials to spare no expense to do what they need to do and contain these fires in their communities,” he said in remarks from the White House. 

“You’re living through a nightmare, I know,” the president said. “I promise you, we’re going to help you get through this, and eventually recover and rebuild.” 

Mr. Biden urged Congress to step up to aid victims of the California fires and acknowledged the cost would be significant. 

“The truth of the matter is no one can tell you that,” Mr. Biden said of the cost. “Anybody who gives you a number now, they have no idea what the hell they are talking about. It’s a big, big, big number.”

The president also urged victims of the fires to begin contacting federal officials to request funds to cover immediate needs such as shelter, prescription drugs and food.

Mr. Biden also disputed claims by President-elect Donald Trump that the water shortage in Southern  California was the result of Mr. Newsom diverting water flow out of the region for environmental reasons.

Though Mr. Biden said there are water shortages — which local officials have denied — he offered a different explanation than Mr. Trump.

Mr. Biden said some fire hydrants ran dry because utilities turned off power to prevent power lines from sparking new fires, which, he said, “cut off the ability to generate pumping the water.”

The president added that fire officials were bringing in generators to help restore water pumping in affected areas. 

“There’s a direct correlation between the utility company and the ability to pump water out of a hydrant and so it allows for a lot of uninformed people to make assertions or accusations about the local officials not caring,” he said in a shot at Mr. Trump.

Firefighters in Southern California continue to battle the deadly blazes Thursday.

The fires have created anguish and devastation as more than 100,000 people in the region have been forced to flee their homes. There are at least five active fires in Los Angeles County. Firefighters have not even begun to contain the two largest wildfires.

At least five people are dead and thousands of homes and businesses are destroyed. Iconic Hollywood landmarks are either threatened, damaged or have already been destroyed. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the situation “a historic firestorm” during a briefing Wednesday night. City officials have warned that more injuries and deaths are possible until the fires are contained.

• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.