U.S. President Barack Obama spoke with California Governor Jerry Brown by telephone Monday to receive an update on the wildfires in California, including the Rim fire that is affecting Yosemite National Park, the White House said. "The President expressed his gratitude for the brave men and women working tirelessly to combat this devastating fire," the White House said in a statement. "The President reiterated his commitment to providing needed federal resources to support the ongoing state and local response." According to the White House, the Obama administration will continue to stay in contact with local officials and coordinate with all its partners across the federal government. "Over 3,400 men and women are working to combat the Rim fire, and thousands more are responding across the west. A National Wildland Fire Type 1 Incident Management Team has also been deployed to assist with the response in California. On August 23, FEMA approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant for the Rim fire, providing federal assistance on a cost share basis," the statement said. Obama encourages all local residents to follow the state's and local officials' instructions, including evacuation orders, the White House said.
