The Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Kathryn Barger, has extended an invitation to President-elect Donald Trump to visit the region and witness the devastation caused by multiple catastrophic wildfires since January 7.
Officials have confirmed at least 16 fatalities from the ongoing Eaton, Hurst, Kenneth, and Palisades fires, which have collectively scorched over 38,000 acres. However, the total death toll remains unclear as emergency personnel struggle to access certain areas.
Collaborative Efforts Amid Crisis
Barger’s invitation follows a similar call from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who urged Trump to assess the damage last Friday. Newsom emphasized the importance of federal and state collaboration in disaster response.
This wouldn’t be Trump’s first visit to California to observe wildfire damage. In 2018, he toured the aftermath of the devastating Camp Fire in Paradise, which remains the deadliest wildfire in the state’s history.
Wildfires’ Growing Impact
The recent fires highlight California’s ongoing struggles with wildfire management, exacerbated by climate change, dry conditions, and strong winds. Emergency teams continue to battle the flames, working tirelessly to safeguard affected communities.
