US President George Bush has declared a major disaster in Arizona where firefighters are battling the biggest blaze in the state's history.
His action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Apache and Navajo counties and the Fort Apache Indian Reservation.
President Bush planned to visit the area later today for briefings on the wildfires that already have charred more than 330,000 acres and approached the Show Low town center, about 150 miles northeast of Phoenix.
The disaster declaration makes federal funding available for housing, grants, low-cost loans and other programs. Money would also be available to local governments on a cost-sharing basis for debris removal as well as restoration of roads, bridges and public buildings damaged by the fires that began a week ago.
Damage surveys are continuing in other areas and additional counties and assistance may be added when they are completed, the White House said.
