The Latest: President declares disaster over California fire

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (AP) — The Latest on a gigantic wildfire in Southern California (all times local):

6:40 p.m.

President Donald Trump has declared a major disaster in California over a wildfire that destroyed more than 1,000 buildings.

The White House announced Tuesday that the president has granted disaster status, which will help make federal funds available to supplement recovery efforts in the wake of the Thomas Fire that ravaged Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.

Gov. Jerry Brown requested the declaration last month.

Firefighting costs for the blaze have approached $200 million. Brown also noted the need to help cover immense costs expected to rebuild homes, deal with economic issues and remove vast amounts of debris.