Bush Visits as California Burns

President Bush made a visit to fire-ravaged southern California yesterday to promise fast and generous aid to families who have lost their homes to the fires.

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The video above shows a time-lapsed account of fires near San Diego

The visit comes as the fires continue to burn and police announced yesterday that a man was shot as he fled police attempting to capture him in connection with an arson investigation relating to the wildfires.

The four hour tour by air and on land was seen by some as an attempt to ensure the government is not seen as mishandling another natural disaster. The administration was roundly criticized for how it handled emergency management in New Orleans in the wake of the Hurricane Katrina disaster.

"I want to let people know out here in southern California that many across our nation have been moved by the plight of citizens who have lost their homes, lost their possessions, and particularly those who have lost their life," said President Bush. "I've come to make sure that the federal government provides help for people here at the local level."

The government declared the fires a major disaster on Wednesday which allowed emergency management agencies to send more relief to the region. Bush and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenneger both attempted to reassure residents the government would assist them as quickly as possible.

Although winds in the areas of the fires had died down some recently, eight fires were still burning across southern California. Scientists today expressed worry over air quality in the region. Smoke and ash are accumulating, worsening already poor conditions throughout the area. Scientists say rain would be the best solution, but the weather forecast says there is no relief in sight.

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