President Trump has called on California Gov. Gavin Newsom to "release the water." and claimed FEMA lacked the funds to respond to the L.A. fires. Here's what to know.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has billions of dollars in disaster funds, which are used to reimburse states for eligible recovery efforts after major disasters, contrary to posts online saying FEMA has “no money” to respond to the wildfires in southern California.

The agency was created in the late 1970s and is tasked with helping states and communities impacted by disasters nationwide.

Trump says he’ll have Republican National Committee chair Michael Whatley working on hurricane relief matters instead of using the Federal Emergency Management Agency

To contest a FEMA decision, submit a signed appeal letter detailing your reasons, accompanied by relevant documents and an appeal form included in your determination letter. Ensure your full name, disaster number, and FEMA registration number are on each page of your appeal documentation. Appeals can be submitted:

Rain and cooler temperatures will bring relief to Southern California this weekend, after a prolonged stretch of dry, breezy weather that allowed wildfires to thrive.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) plays a crucial role in disaster response across the United States. Established in 1979, the agency employs over 17,000 people and manages a £33-billion budget to support communities in need.

It became part of the Department of Homeland Security in March 2003, according to its website. FEMA operates through program offices ... CA The latest statistics on the California wildfires show that as of Jan. 15, over 40,000 acres have been scorched.

FEMA officials are currently responding to wildfires in California and last year’s hurricane ... in 2002. On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the Department of Homeland Security.

Trump wants to shut down the Federal Emergency Management Agency and let states handle their own disaster needs. ‘I don’t think we should give California anything,’ he said

A 19th-century presidential assassination was a signature event in helping the U.S. establish a meritocratic system for filling federal government jobs. Now, Donald Trump and Republican loyalists appear to be making good on promises in recent years to make radical changes to the civil service.

ABC7 talked to FEMA to answer viewer questions about wildfire recovery and how to get aid. Watch the Ask7 special here.