A devastating wildfire sweeping through Los Angeles County has forced more than 100,000 residents to evacuate their homes, with early damage estimates reaching a staggering $57 billion, potentially making it one of the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history. The fast-moving blaze has already destroyed approximately 1,500 buildings, including several celebrity homes, as fierce winds reaching up to 80 mph continue to fuel the inferno.
Two fatalities have been confirmed, including local resident Victor Shaw, who tragically perished while attempting to protect his family home with a garden hose. Mayor Karen Bass faces mounting criticism for her handling of the crisis and previous budget cuts to the Fire Department, which some claim left emergency services underprepared for the catastrophe.
Donald Trump has called for Gavin Newsom’s resignation, stating, “One of the best and most beautiful parts of the United States of America is burning down to the ground.” Meanwhile, emergency response teams are working tirelessly to contain the blaze as weather forecasts suggest continuing challenging conditions.
The disaster has sparked renewed debate about California’s wildfire management strategies and emergency preparedness, with local officials scrambling to coordinate evacuation efforts and protect vulnerable communities from the advancing flames.