California’s U.S. Senators have joined in the call for a federal disaster declaration for the Erkine Fire. Senators Diane Feinstein and Barbara Boxer sent a letter Tuesday to the White House urging the declaration so the 280 property owners that lost homes can get federal assistance. They said the degree and extent of damage constitutes a disaster. Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom had contacted the White House asking for the designation last week.

Sean Michael Lisle