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, which he said could become the costliest natural disaster in U.

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.