As wildfires rage in southern California, President Trump's upcoming visit raises concerns over federal aid and local response.
New Wildfires Erupt in Southern California as Trump Prepares to Visit
New Wildfires Erupt in Southern California as Trump Prepares to Visit
Multiple blazes ignite across the state, creating challenges for firefighting efforts.
Five new wildfires have ignited in southern California ahead of President Donald Trump's visit to the state on Friday. The newly named blazes—Laguna, Sepulveda, Gibbel, Gilman, and Border 2—flare up throughout the regions of Los Angeles, San Diego, Ventura, and Riverside as firefighters continue to grapple with the ongoing disaster.
Progress has been made on the Hughes Fire, which has a footprint of around 10,000 acres in Los Angeles, with containment efforts reportedly at 36% following its ignition on Wednesday. The region has experienced significant destruction in recent weeks, with prior fires like the Palisades and Eaton blazes burning over 37,000 acres, leading to 28 fatalities.
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), the latest wildfires have varying sizes and containment statuses. Specifically, the Border 2 fire has affected 800 acres in San Diego, prompting evacuation orders. Meanwhile, the Laguna fire has burned 94 acres, with 70% of it contained. The Sepulveda fire in Los Angeles has covered 45 acres and is 60% contained, with evacuation orders lifted following updates from the Los Angeles Fire Department. The Gibbel Fire has erupted in Riverside County, affecting 15 acres, although firefighters have stopped it from advancing, while the Gilman Fire in San Diego is currently contained at two acres.
As Trump is expected to assess the wildfire impact firsthand, he has a history of criticizing California's management of its water resources and has threatened to withhold federal assistance if the state does not adapt its policies. His remarks about California's water being diverted to protect a fish species, along with implicit threats regarding Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding, have raised alarms among local leaders.
Brian Rice, president of the California Professional Firefighters, expressed concern about the potential political ramifications for federal aid: "The most important focus we have is getting federal aid into California," he stated, emphasizing the historical precedent for disaster relief being separate from political disagreements.
The Hughes fire has already necessitated evacuations for tens of thousands of residents after its abrupt onset. Firefighting crews have managed to make strides in containment as weather forecasts predict a welcome shift with potential rain this weekend, which may alleviate the ongoing crisis and heightened wildfire risks in southern California.
Progress has been made on the Hughes Fire, which has a footprint of around 10,000 acres in Los Angeles, with containment efforts reportedly at 36% following its ignition on Wednesday. The region has experienced significant destruction in recent weeks, with prior fires like the Palisades and Eaton blazes burning over 37,000 acres, leading to 28 fatalities.
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), the latest wildfires have varying sizes and containment statuses. Specifically, the Border 2 fire has affected 800 acres in San Diego, prompting evacuation orders. Meanwhile, the Laguna fire has burned 94 acres, with 70% of it contained. The Sepulveda fire in Los Angeles has covered 45 acres and is 60% contained, with evacuation orders lifted following updates from the Los Angeles Fire Department. The Gibbel Fire has erupted in Riverside County, affecting 15 acres, although firefighters have stopped it from advancing, while the Gilman Fire in San Diego is currently contained at two acres.
As Trump is expected to assess the wildfire impact firsthand, he has a history of criticizing California's management of its water resources and has threatened to withhold federal assistance if the state does not adapt its policies. His remarks about California's water being diverted to protect a fish species, along with implicit threats regarding Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding, have raised alarms among local leaders.
Brian Rice, president of the California Professional Firefighters, expressed concern about the potential political ramifications for federal aid: "The most important focus we have is getting federal aid into California," he stated, emphasizing the historical precedent for disaster relief being separate from political disagreements.
The Hughes fire has already necessitated evacuations for tens of thousands of residents after its abrupt onset. Firefighting crews have managed to make strides in containment as weather forecasts predict a welcome shift with potential rain this weekend, which may alleviate the ongoing crisis and heightened wildfire risks in southern California.
