Wildfires devastate Los Angeles, destroying thousands of homes; Trump and Governor Newsom exchange barbs over crisis management.
Washington DC [US], January 13: US President-elect Donald Trump has sharply criticized officials managing the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, calling them "incompetent" in handling one of the worst catastrophes in the country's history.
Taking to Truth Social, Trump expressed his frustration at the ongoing situation. "The fires are still raging in L.A. The incompetent pols have no idea how to put them out. Thousands of magnificent houses are gone, and many more will soon be lost. There is death all over the place. This is one of the worst catastrophes in the history of our country. They just can't put out the fires. What's wrong with them?" Trump wrote.
Devastation on a Massive Scale
According to reports from the New York Post, the wildfires have claimed at least 16 lives, displaced nearly 200,000 residents, and destroyed 10,000 structures, including entire residential neighborhoods.
Multiple fires are still active across the region:
- Sunset Fire: Contained
- Hurst Fire: 771 acres burned
- Kenneth Fire: 959 acres burned
- Eaton Fire: 13,690 acres burned
- Palisades Fire: 19,978 acres burned
In total, over 35,000 acres of land—an area approximately two-and-a-half times the size of Manhattan—has been reduced to ashes.
Governor Newsom Fights Back
In response to Trump’s criticism, California Governor Gavin Newsom addressed the public, warning against misinformation regarding the wildfires.
“A lot of misinformation out there. Just launched a new site to ensure the public has access to fact-based data around the Southern CA wildfires,” Newsom posted on X (formerly Twitter).
He refuted claims of reduced firefighting resources and emphasized his administration’s efforts:
- Firefighting Force: Nearly doubled in size
- Aerial Fleet: Home to the world’s largest aerial firefighting fleet
- Forest Management: Increased tenfold since taking office
- Public Safety: Strict measures to prevent looting
Governor Newsom urged residents to remain vigilant and rely on verified information to avoid panic and confusion.
