The City of Angels has descended into hell.
California wildfires have ravaged the Los Angeles area, burning thousands of homes and forcing tens of thousands of residents to evacuate. At least five people have died, and the death toll is expected to rise. Analysts from AccuWeather predict that total damages could climb as high as $57 billion, while J.P. Morgan braces for $20 billion in insurance losses. Multiple infernos remain totally uncontained.
The nightmarish catastrophe began on Tuesday, with fires in Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, Lidia, Sunset, Woodley, and Olivas spreading rapidly via turbulent Santa Ana winds as high as 100 mph. Authorities have not yet identified the source of the fires.
Firefighters have reportedly contained the Woodley and Olivas fires. However, the Palisades and Eaton fires remain uncontrolled, scorching an estimated tens of thousands of acres. Per the Los Angeles Times, the Palisades Fire has consumed 17,234 acres, while the Eaton Fire has burned 10,600.
State and local government officials face scrutiny for their poor response to the fires, with hydrants running dry and resources stretched thin. L.A. Mayor Karen Bass is also under fire for being in Africa when the disaster began and previously slashing her city’s firefighting budget by nearly $18 million.
Last month, Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Chief Kristin Crowley warned Bass about the department’s lack of funds and “limited… capacity to prepare for, train for, and respond to large-scale emergencies, including wildfires… and large public events.”
“The LAFD remains steadfast in its mission to protect the residents of Los Angeles; however, these reductions have compromised the Department’s ability to maintain essential 911 systems, fire and emergency medical communications systems, respond to emergencies, and provide specialized services,” Crowley addressed the mayor and city council in a letter. “Addressing these deficiencies is imperative to ensuring the department’s ability to deliver life-saving services, uphold firefighter safety, and sustain public trust in its ability to respond to emergencies and protect the community.”
Bass appears to have ignored the letter.
Similarly, President-elect Trump has been warning California Governor Gavin Newsom about his state’s poor water and forest management since at least 2019.
“Every year, as the fire’s [sic] rage [and] California burns… [Newsom] comes to the Federal Government for $$$ help,” Trump wrote five years ago. “No more. Get your act together Governor. You don’t see close to the level of burn in other states.”
Additionally, a recently resurfaced clip from Trump’s 2024 interview with Joe Rogan shows him sounding the alarm about the Golden State’s increased risk for forest fires.
WATCH:
WAS THIS A PROPHETIC WORD FROM TRUMP ABOUT CALIFORNIA FIRES?
— Dr. Malachi - (Dr. Run) (@malachiobrien) January 9, 2025
—Here is President Trump three months ago on the famous Joe Rogan episode talking about how California refuses to build water reservoirs and manage their forests to prevent wildfires.
Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/v4vEOsODIm
On Wednesday, Trump blasted Newsom for watching while one of the “best and most beautiful parts of the United States of America is burning down to the ground,” calling for the governor to resign. Later, he slammed Bass for her “gross incompetence.”
Bass, who did not return to her city until over 1,000 homes had been destroyed, hosted a press conference on Thursday, dodging heated questions about her absence. Although she was attending President John Dramani Mahama’s inauguration in Ghana, frustrated citizens have noted that forecasters had been warning about extreme fire danger since last week.
“There was zero preparation,” said one resident whose home was destroyed. “It was an utter breakdown in leadership and it starts with the mayor’s office.”
“This is a massive failure of epic proportions,” agreed billionaire Rick Caruso, who ran against Bass in 2022 and has sponsored a private team of firefighters. “To know the storm was coming and then to leave, and not rush back. Leadership matters and the first thing is to be present.”
“I just left the hellscape formerly know [sic] as Pacific Palisades where I’ve lived for 26 years,” posted businessman Wes Nichols. “I’m mad at what I saw. Our politicians have failed us. Unprepared, unimaginative, understaffed, now overwhelmed. Heads must roll for this disaster.”
Multiple celebrities, including Cary Elwes, Paris Hilton, Billy Crystal, Mandy Moore, and James Wood, have also lost their homes in the fires.
“Join me in praying for the brave firefighters sacrificing so much to save our houses and our town,” posted actor Chris Pratt, who lives in the area. “Jesus protect the lives of those battling the flames and the lives of those who couldn’t evacuate.”
This is a developing story. Refresh for updates.
