Wildfires Have Engulfed Los Angeles

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Four large fires have burned over 15,000 acres in 24 hours in Los Angeles County, with wind gusts reaching hurricane-level strength in one of the region’s most destructive fires in history.

Authorities warn that the severe winds are likely to intensify in the hours ahead. But as of this writing, 80,000 people are under mandatory evacuation orders, and over 300,000 residents remain without power. Officials on Wednesday confirmed two reported fatalities and a “high number of significant injuries.” According to Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone, over 1100 structures have been destroyed. While fire officials investigate the causes of the fires, they have undeniably been fueled by the Santa Ana winds which have surpassed 100 mph.

Meanwhile, high-profile conservatives and President-elect Donald Trump have wasted no time blaming Democratic lawmakers for the fires. Trump claimed Gov. Newsom, whom he referred to as “Newscum,” wanted “to protect an essentially worthless fish called a smelt, by giving it less water (it didn’t work!), but didn’t care about the people of California.” Elon Musk and Caruso have also weighed in to criticize current democratic Mayor Karen Bass, who is in Ghana for the inauguration of Ghana President John Mahama. Bass is on her way back to LA as of Wednesday.

Caruso, who was Bass’s challenger in 2022, notably ran without a climate plan.

#wildfire #losangeles #climatechange

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