- Trump’s Allegations: Former U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly blamed California Governor Gavin Newsom for the wildfires ravaging the state, accusing him of refusing to sign a water restoration declaration that would have allowed millions of gallons of water to flow into California. According to Trump, Newsom prioritized protecting a fish species called the smelt, over providing water to fight the fires.
- Trump’s Criticism: Trump stated that Newsom’s decision not to provide water contributed to the wildfires, and he criticized Newsom for not caring about the people of California. He also lamented the lack of water in fire hydrants and insufficient firefighting planes.
- Trump’s statement on Truth Social:
“Governor Gavin Newscum refused to sign the water restoration declaration… He wanted to protect an essentially worthless fish called a smelt, by giving it less water (it didn’t work!), but didn’t care about the people of California.”
- Trump’s statement on Truth Social:
Wildfire Destruction and Impact
- Multiple Fires Burning: Several fires are currently devastating parts of California, including the Eaton Fire and Palisades Fire in Los Angeles County.
- The Eaton Fire has burned over 2,200 acres with zero per cent containment, while the Palisades Fire has consumed 5,000 acres.
- As of the latest reports, at least two people have been killed, and more than 100 structures have been destroyed. Thousands of people have been forced to evacuate, and the fires have caused widespread power outages.
Criticism of California’s Preparedness
- LA Fire Chief’s Concerns: LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone acknowledged the high number of injuries and fatalities from the Eaton Fire and criticized the lack of preparedness for the magnitude of multiple fires in the region.
- LAPD Chief’s Statement: LAPD Chief James McDonnell noted that Los Angeles County was not prepared for four simultaneous major fires and that resources were stretched thin.
Governor Newsom’s Response
- State of Emergency Declared: California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency and visited fire-affected areas, including Pacific Palisades, to support firefighting efforts.
- Newsom expressed concern over the extreme fire conditions and thanked first responders. He also urged residents to stay alert and follow evacuation orders and weather updates.
Federal Government’s Support
- Federal Assistance: The U.S. federal government has stepped in to assist with firefighting efforts, including deploying large air tankers and firefighting helicopters.
Conclusion
As wildfires continue to ravage Southern California, Donald Trump has criticized Governor Gavin Newsom for his handling of the crisis, particularly regarding the water supply for firefighting efforts. Despite this, Newsom has declared a state of emergency, and efforts are ongoing to contain the fires and support affected communities.