In brief
New fires emerge in Southern California, prompting evacuation orders as President Trump visits to examine damage and criticize state disaster relief efforts.
New wildfires have erupted across Southern California just ahead of President Donald Trump’s visit to the area. Named the Laguna, Sepulveda, Gibbel, Gilman, and Border 2 fires, these blazes began on Thursday, affecting counties including Los Angeles, San Diego, Ventura, and Riverside. Meanwhile, firefighters are making strides in controlling the Hughes Fire in Los Angeles, which has burned 10,000 acres and is currently 36% contained.Recent weeks have seen California ravaged by wildfires, with the Palisades and Eaton fires cumulatively consuming more than 37,000 acres and resulting in at least 28 fatalities. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) shared updates on the current fires: the Border 2 fire in San Diego spans 4,250 acres with evacuation orders in place, but it is only 10% contained. In Ventura, the Laguna blaze covers 94 acres and is 70% controlled. The Sepulveda fire in Los Angeles has grown to 45 acres and is currently 60% contained. The Gibbel fire in Riverside County is 50% contained over 15 acres, while a smaller bush fire named Gilman has halted progress at 2 acres.Expected to arrive in Los Angeles on Friday, Trump is set to inspect the wildfire damage following a stop in North Carolina, where he will view destruction from Hurricane Helene. During his earlier North Carolina visit, Trump expressed disappointment with the Biden administration's disaster relief efforts and pledged to address the "significant damage,” while criticizing California's wildfire response under Governor Gavin Newsom.Trump has suggested withholding federal aid unless the state alters its water management policies, arguing that California's issues stem from diverting water to protect a small fish species. He further stated a desire for the state to implement voter ID laws, asserting that he would become "the greatest president that California has ever seen." Newsom's office denounced Trump's approach as "conditioning aid for American citizens."The president of the California Professional Firefighters, Brian Rice, voiced concerns that Trump may deny crucial federal support. He emphasized the importance of delivering aid to communities affected by the wildfires. Criticism has also been directed at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the Biden administration, with Trump suggesting a potential restructuring of disaster management to empower states instead.Meanwhile, Governor Newsom announced a state aid package of $2.5 billion (£2 billion) to address wildfire damage. The ongoing Hughes Fire, California's third-largest blaze, forced mass evacuations as it spread rapidly, although crews managed to gain ground in their containment efforts on Thursday.With elevated fire risks in Los Angeles and forecasts for rain and snow over the weekend, there are mixed feelings about how this weather will affect firefighting efforts and the potential for flooding and mudslides in burned areas. Residents have received flood prevention supplies to protect their properties while specialist teams work on securing vulnerable zones. The aftermath of the wildfires has raised memories of the tragic mudslides that occurred in Montecito in 2018.
