Former Rep. Lee Zeldin said Thursday he would visit California as administrator of the Environment Protection Agency to assist in the recovery from Los Angeles fires that devastated America’s second most populous city.

Mr. Zeldin made the pledge to Sen. Adam B. Schiff, California Democrat, during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee

“I would want to, in fact, do everything in my power to assist,” Mr. Zeldin said. “To make sure that his recovery is as speedy as possible, I would like to come to California to speak to those on the ground, [and] hear any concerns that we need to take back to Washington.”

He said the EPA would ensure there is safe drinking water in Los Angeles, much as it did after the fires in Maui, Hawaii.

Firefighters are working to contain Los Angeles fires that have killed at least 25 people and destroyed thousands of homes and other structures in a 60-square-mile territory.

Mr. Zeldin said all states in distress would be a priority for the EPA, regardless of their political persuasion.

“All 50 states are going to be of the highest importance, regardless of where disaster strikes anywhere in America,” he said.

• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.