Five new fires have erupted across Southern California, including the Laguna, Sepulveda, and Border 2 fires, as firefighters continue to battle the extensive Hughes Fire, which has already claimed lives and property.
Southern California Faces New Wildfires Ahead of Presidential Visit
Southern California Faces New Wildfires Ahead of Presidential Visit
Multiple wildfires have broken out in Southern California just before President Trump's scheduled visit to assess fire damage.
As southern California grapples with a series of new wildfires, the timing coincides with President Donald Trump's visit to the state. Five new blazes, identified as the Laguna, Sepulveda, Gibbel, Gilman, and Border 2 fires, erupted Thursday across Los Angeles, San Diego, Ventura, and Riverside counties. The situation worsens as firefighters struggle to contain the massive 10,000-acre Hughes Fire in Los Angeles, which has now been 36% contained since it ignited on Wednesday.
Recent weeks have seen devastating fires ravage various parts of California, with the Palisades and Eaton fires burning over 37,000 acres and resulting in the loss of at least 28 lives. The current wildfires raise serious concerns as evacuation orders remain for multiple communities.
Notably, the Border 2 fire in San Diego has consumed 800 acres, while the Laguna fire in Ventura spans 94 acres. The Sepulveda fire in Los Angeles has reached 45 acres with 60% control achieved, and the Gibbel Fire covers 15 acres, with containment efforts seemingly successful. The Gilman Fire in San Diego, which is minimal at two acres, has also seen halted progression.
In light of the recent disaster, Trump is poised to visit Los Angeles on Friday to inspect the damage firsthand. He has openly criticized California's response to the wildfires, arguing that failure to improve water management could result in withholding federal aid. He specifically pointed to state policies revolving around the protection of fish species while ignoring water supply issues.
Brian Rice, president of the California Professional Firefighters, expressed concerns over the potential denial of federal aid. He emphasized that federal disaster relief should not be contingent upon political disputes and urged for swift assistance to communities severely affected by the fires.
As the Hughes fire continues to threaten tens of thousands, firefighting crews are making strides in controlling the fast-moving blaze. The US National Weather Service forecasts that despite ongoing dry conditions and "elevated wildfire risks," incoming rain over the weekend could offer a much-needed reprieve for the affected areas.
