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California battles new wildfires before Trump’s Los Angeles visit

by editor

Southern California is currently facing challenges from five new wildfires that ignited just ahead of US President Donald Trump’s anticipated visit to the state. The fires, identified as Laguna, Sepulveda, Gibbel, Gilman, and Border 2, erupted on Thursday across various locations, particularly affecting the counties of Los Angeles, San Diego, Ventura, and Riverside.

In parallel, firefighters have been making headway in controlling the Hughes Fire in Los Angeles, which has already scorched approximately 10,000 acres since it began on Wednesday. As of now, the containment effort has reached 36%.

Details on the ongoing fires

The newly ignited fires have prompted immediate responses from California’s firefighting teams. Here are the latest updates from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire):

  • Border 2 Fire: Located in San Diego, this fire has spread over 800 acres, and evacuation orders remain in effect.
  • Laguna Fire: This blaze covers 94 acres, with 70% of it now under control.
  • Sepulveda Fire: Affecting 45 acres in Los Angeles, this fire is currently 60% contained. Thankfully, the Los Angeles Fire Department announced that they have successfully halted its spread and lifted evacuation orders.
  • Gibbel Fire: Situated in Riverside County, it has covered 15 acres, but firefighting crews have managed to prevent further advancement.
  • Gilman Fire: A smaller bush fire in San Diego, it spans just two acres, and its spread has been successfully contained.

Trump’s visit and federal aid concerns

President Trump is scheduled to visit Los Angeles on Friday to assess the damage caused by these devastating wildfires. The newly inaugurated president has been vocal about his discontent with California’s wildfire response and has threatened to withhold federal assistance unless the state modifies its water management practices. He has placed blame on California Governor Gavin Newsom, asserting that the state’s water issues stem from diverting resources to save a small fish called a smelt.

“I might have to do that. Sometimes that’s the only thing you can do. California’s a great example of it.”

In a further discussion about the situation, Trump remarked on the state’s political stance regarding sanctuary cities, suggesting that public sentiment does not align with the policies endorsed by Newsom and other progressive politicians.

Brian Rice, president of the California Professional Firefighters, expressed hope that Trump will not deny federal assistance to the state. He emphasized the urgency of getting aid to communities devastated by the fires:

“The most important focus we have is getting federal aid into California, into these communities where people have lost their lives, their homes.”

Rice also noted that federal disaster aid has traditionally not been contingent upon political negotiations, marking a significant shift if such conditions were imposed.

The Hughes Fire, now the third largest in California after the Palisades and Eaton fires, has already forced tens of thousands to evacuate since its outbreak. According to Cal Fire, progress continues to be made in containment efforts as firefighters work diligently to protect lives and property.

With heightened fire risk due to brisk winds, Los Angeles is presently on alert. Fortunately, forecasts indicate that rain and even snow may arrive over the weekend, potentially providing some relief to the affected areas in southern California.

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