"The deadly Los Angeles area wildfires were turned into a political conflagration on Wednesday as President-elect Donald Trump rekindled past threats to withhold disaster aid to Democratic opponents in California.
It came as howling Santa Ana winds pushed flames through palm-studded neighborhoods in explosive bursts that left more than 1,000 homes, businesses and schools in chars, with no end in sight as firefighters in some areas struggled to find enough water to combat the surging flames. At least five people had died as of Wednesday night.
Trump put the blame on President Joe Biden and Gov. Gavin Newsom in a broad political attack aimed at everything from environmental protections for delta smelt — which Trump described Wednesday as a “worthless fish” — to Biden’s handling of disaster aid. It could be a preview of his second term, during which Trump has pledged to withhold wildfire aid from California unless Newsom gives in to his policy demands."
Scott Waldman reports for E&E News January 9, 2025.
SEE ALSO:
"Death Toll In Eaton, Palisades Fires Rises To 24 As Crews Prepare For More Strong Winds" (ABC News)
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