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.

Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) is seeking funding to help Los Angeles recover from the wind-driven fires that swept across the Pacific Palisades and Altadena last month.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has asked the US federal government for $40 billion (£31.6b) in funds to help rebuild areas of Los Angeles devastated by January fires. Newsom sent the request to congressional leaders in a letter on Friday.

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

In a letter to Congress, California Gov. Gavin Newsom requested $40 billion to help Los Angeles recover from January's disastrous fires.