Five new wildfires have ignited in Southern California, complicating the region's ongoing battle against wildfire devastation just as President Trump plans his visit. The situation remains critical, with thousands evacuated and federal aid under discussion.**
New Wildfires Erupt in Southern California Ahead of Presidential Visit**
New Wildfires Erupt in Southern California Ahead of Presidential Visit**
As wildfires rage across Southern California, President Trump prepares to visit the area to assess the damage and address fire management criticisms.**
Article text:
Firefighters in Southern California are grappling with newly ignited wildfires just ahead of President Donald Trump's visit to the state. On Thursday, five fires were reported, specifically identified as the Laguna, Sepulveda, Gibbel, Gilman, and Border 2 blazes, spreading across various areas in Los Angeles, San Diego, Ventura, and Riverside counties.
Among the major incidents, the Hughes Fire in Los Angeles, which has already consumed 10,000 acres since its outbreak on Wednesday, is contained to 36% as crews make tangible progress in managing the flames. The area has recently faced overwhelming wildfire challenges, with the Palisades and Eaton fires having burned over 37,000 acres combined and resulting in at least 28 fatalities.
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), the latest fire incidents are as follows: the Border 2 fire is extending across 800 acres; evacuation orders are currently active for the Laguna fire, covering 94 acres, and 70% of it is already contained; the Sepulveda fire, affecting 45 acres, is now 60% contained, and evacuation orders have been lifted; the Gibbel Fire in Riverside County spans 15 acres with the flames halted; and the Gilman Fire in San Diego city limits covers two acres, also under control.
As President Trump is slated to visit Los Angeles on Friday for assessing wildfire conditions firsthand, he has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with California's wildfire management practices. He has indicated that federal assistance could be withheld unless there are changes in the state's water supply management, echoing criticisms aimed at California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Brian Rice, president of the California Professional Firefighters, expressed concern that denying federal aid would have dire consequences. "The most important focus we have is getting federal aid into California, into these communities where people have lost their lives, their homes," Rice stated. He emphasized that historically, federal disaster aid has not been linked to political conditions.
Meanwhile, thousands have been forced to evacuate due to the Hughes Fire, which ranks as the third largest blaze in the state. Recent updates indicate that the US National Weather Service forecasts persistent dry weather and heightened wildfire risks, although relief may come with rain expected over the weekend. As the battle against these wildfires continues, the ongoing discussions surrounding federal aid remain pivotal for affected communities.
Firefighters in Southern California are grappling with newly ignited wildfires just ahead of President Donald Trump's visit to the state. On Thursday, five fires were reported, specifically identified as the Laguna, Sepulveda, Gibbel, Gilman, and Border 2 blazes, spreading across various areas in Los Angeles, San Diego, Ventura, and Riverside counties.
Among the major incidents, the Hughes Fire in Los Angeles, which has already consumed 10,000 acres since its outbreak on Wednesday, is contained to 36% as crews make tangible progress in managing the flames. The area has recently faced overwhelming wildfire challenges, with the Palisades and Eaton fires having burned over 37,000 acres combined and resulting in at least 28 fatalities.
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), the latest fire incidents are as follows: the Border 2 fire is extending across 800 acres; evacuation orders are currently active for the Laguna fire, covering 94 acres, and 70% of it is already contained; the Sepulveda fire, affecting 45 acres, is now 60% contained, and evacuation orders have been lifted; the Gibbel Fire in Riverside County spans 15 acres with the flames halted; and the Gilman Fire in San Diego city limits covers two acres, also under control.
As President Trump is slated to visit Los Angeles on Friday for assessing wildfire conditions firsthand, he has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with California's wildfire management practices. He has indicated that federal assistance could be withheld unless there are changes in the state's water supply management, echoing criticisms aimed at California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Brian Rice, president of the California Professional Firefighters, expressed concern that denying federal aid would have dire consequences. "The most important focus we have is getting federal aid into California, into these communities where people have lost their lives, their homes," Rice stated. He emphasized that historically, federal disaster aid has not been linked to political conditions.
Meanwhile, thousands have been forced to evacuate due to the Hughes Fire, which ranks as the third largest blaze in the state. Recent updates indicate that the US National Weather Service forecasts persistent dry weather and heightened wildfire risks, although relief may come with rain expected over the weekend. As the battle against these wildfires continues, the ongoing discussions surrounding federal aid remain pivotal for affected communities.
