Wildfires Erupt Across Southern California Ahead of President Trump’s Visit
Southern California, The Gulf Observer: Five new wildfires have erupted in Southern California, just as U.S. President Donald Trump prepares to visit the state to assess wildfire damage.
The latest blazes, named Laguna, Sepulveda, Gibbel, Gilman, and Border 2, broke out on Thursday across Los Angeles, San Diego, Ventura, and Riverside counties, according to media reports.
Meanwhile, firefighters have made progress in controlling the Hughes Fire in Los Angeles, which has burned 10,000 acres since its outbreak on Wednesday. Officials reported it is now 36% contained.
Over recent weeks, California has faced devastating wildfires, with the Palisades and Eaton fires scorching more than 37,000 acres and claiming at least 28 lives.
Updates on the New Fires:
- Border 2 Fire (San Diego): Covers 800 acres; evacuation orders remain in place.
- Laguna Fire (Ventura): Spans 94 acres; 70% containment achieved.
- Sepulveda Fire (Los Angeles): A 45-acre blaze now 60% contained; evacuation orders have been lifted.
- Gibbel Fire (Riverside): Covers 15 acres; fire crews have halted its progression.
- Gilman Fire (San Diego): A two-acre bushfire; its progress has been stopped.
President Trump is expected to visit Los Angeles on Friday to inspect wildfire damage. His visit comes amid his continued criticism of California’s fire management practices. Trump has threatened to withhold federal disaster aid if the state does not adjust its water management policies, specifically citing a long-debated issue involving water supplies being diverted to protect a small fish species, the delta smelt.
Speaking to U.S. media, Trump said, “I might have to do that [withhold aid]. Sometimes that’s the only thing you can do.”
This stance has sparked concern among state officials and emergency response leaders. Brian Rice, President of the California Professional Firefighters, expressed hope that federal aid would not be tied to policy changes. “The most important focus we have is getting federal aid into California, into these communities where people have lost their lives, their homes,” Rice said.
California remains under elevated fire risk today due to brisk winds, according to BBC Weather. However, rain and mountain snow are forecasted for the weekend, offering potential relief for the affected regions.
