Government agencies use lessons learned from Katrina

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Two years after being criticized for a slow response to Hurricane Katrina, federal officials said they have moved resources quickly to California to tackle wildfires and have overseen what President Bush described yesterday as a "well-coordinated" effort among federal, state and local officials.

Mr. Bush, who will visit California today, declared a major disaster in the state yesterday, freeing up federal emergency funds for families affected by the numerous fires raging in Southern California. He also spoke with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, a Republican, and told the public that the multilevel response is progressing well.

"I will report to you that ... I believe the effort is well-coordinated," he said. "I know we're getting the manpower and assets on the ground that have been requested by the state and local authorities."

The public complained loudly of a slow and poorly coordinated government response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

"The most significant lesson learned from Katrina is that we don't wait any longer," said Glenn Cannon, assistant administrator for disaster operations at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). "We move resources. ... We're very proactive."

Mr. Cannon said he would rather deploy resources immediately, even if they are ultimately unnecessary, than wait for an official request and shipping time. FEMA has provided resources such as beds, food and water; has set up a joint field office in Pasadena; is helping run five of the largest shelters; and is offsetting some of the state's firefighting costs. FEMA also is helping deploy 1,900 federal firefighters to California while preparing backup teams in case the fire situation worsens.

White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said Mr. Bush's visit to California today is part of regular protocol after a disaster, not to show "lessons learned" from Katrina. She did note that local, state and federal agencies improved coordination and communicated "early and often," and had evacuation plans and resources ready.

Carlos Castillo said help-line operators have received more training since Katrina. Fire victims will be able to call 800/621-3362 to find out whether they are eligible for federal assistance.

Federal agencies involved in fire response include the National Guard and Drug Enforcement Administration. DEA spokesman Garrison K. Courtney said the agency's Airwing has sent additional resources to Long Beach to supplement the San Diego-based Airwing assets, and the San Diego DEA training room and other offices have been outfitted with cots and sleeping bags for evacuated personnel.

Federal officials pointed out key differences between the Katrina and the wildfire disasters. Mr. Cannon noted, for instance, that Katrina wiped out infrastructure. The fact that infrastructure is still in place in California makes response easier, he said.

Small pockets of political criticism have emerged. One group used the wildfire disaster to call for more efforts to combat global warming. Earlier this week, Sen. Barbara Boxer, California Democrat, complained that California's National Guard is depleted because of ongoing efforts in Iraq, CBS and others reported.

But House Speaker Nancy Pelosi yesterday praised Mr. Bush for helping fire victims by declaring a major disaster.

"The Congress will continue to work in a bipartisan manner to make sure their short-term and long-term needs are met," the California Democrat said.

• Jerry Seper contributed to this report.