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WASHINGTON — President Bush flew to fire-ravaged California today with promises of federal help, supportive words for those who have lost homes and businesses and thanks to overworked firefighters.

Bush, who was getting an aerial tour of the devastation wrought by blazes fanned by Santa Ana winds, ferried several California lawmakers with him on Air Force One. He was greeted on the tarmac at Marine Corps Air Station-Miramar here by his tour guide for the day, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the smell of smoke.

The president also was getting a look at the situation on the ground. But first came the helicopter tour inspection of the wildfire damage and a visit to a San Diego neighborhood. He was then traveling north to Escondido to assess that area's damage, talk about recovery efforts and have lunch with emergency responders.

Bush declared the fires a major disaster on Wednesday, setting in motion long-term federal recovery programs.