California Gov. Gavin Newsom has asked Congress to approve nearly $40 billion in aid to help the Los Angeles area recover from January’s devastating wildfires

The aid would go toward “immediate and long-term recovery work needed to rebuild lives and properties,” according to the letter.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) is asking Congress to provide nearly $40 billion in disaster funding to help Los Angeles recover and rebuild from the wind-driven fires that swept across Pacific Palisades and Altadena last month.