On Thursday, California wildfire crisis escalated as five new wildfires erupted, complicating ongoing firefighting efforts. According to updates from Cal Fire, the blazes, named Laguna, Sepulveda, Gibbel, Gilman, and Border 2, spread across Los Angeles, Ventura, San Diego, and Riverside counties.
In San Diego, the Border 2 fire has scorched 800 acres, prompting an active evacuation order for nearby communities. Meanwhile, Ventura’s Laguna fire, which spans 94 acres, is 70% contained, allowing crews to focus on hotspots.
Firefighters in Los Angeles have made significant progress, containing 60% of the 45-acre Sepulveda fire and lifting prior evacuation orders. Riverside County witnessed the Gibbel fire affect two acres before crews stopped its advance.
Amidst these new outbreaks, fire crews achieved critical containment on the Hughes fire in Los Angeles. This 10,000 acre blaze, which erupted on wednesday, is now 36% contained, offering some relief after days of intense firefighting efforts.
California has endured relentless wildfire devastation this season, with the Palisades and Eaton fires scorching over 37,000 combined acres. These wildfires have tragically claimed at least 28 lives and displaced thousands of residents statewide.
President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Los Angeles on Friday to assess wildfire damages firsthand. However, Trump has criticized California’s wildfire management and threatened to withhold federal disaster aid unless the state changes its water supply policies.
Trump referred to issues with Governor Gavin Newsom’s decisions, accusing the administration of prioritizing environmental protections over effective wildfire prevention. Brian Rice, President of the California Professional Firefighters, expressed concerns about federal aid delays.
“The most important focus we have is getting federal aid into California, into these communities where people have lost their lives, their homes,” explained Rice. Despite rising containment levels, Cal Fire and the National Weather Service cautioned about dry conditions sustaining elevated wildfire risks.
Relief may arrive over the weekend as forecasts predict rain for fire-stricken regions. The California wildfire crisis escalates daily, and ongoing efforts are critical to protecting communities from further devastation.
