The Los Angeles wildfires grow more catastrophic by the hour.
Governor Gavin Newsom, anticipating stronger winds in the coming hours, has called this the worst natural disaster in U.S. history. AccuWeather, a leading meteorological forecaster, has revised its damage estimate to an astounding $250–$275 billion, while the death toll has climbed to 26.
Firefighters are bracing for new waves of flames as winds are expected to reach 50 mph, with mountain gusts up to 70 mph. “If an evacuation order is issued,” warned Ariel Cohen from the National Weather Service, “it must be followed immediately.”
However, fear of fire isn’t the only concern. Among evacuees, rumors are spreading about looters exploiting the absence of homeowners to break into properties.
“We’ve seen them climbing through windows as people fled,” shared Kathryn Barger, a Los Angeles County Supervisor.
In the past week, 20 arrests have been made in evacuation zones. The Los Angeles Police Department has taken a hard stance, with the chief warning, “Any unlawful activity during this emergency is unacceptable. Anyone found in restricted areas without valid reason will be detained immediately.” Nathan Hochman, the newly elected District Attorney for Los Angeles County, labeled the looting “disgusting” and pledged to prosecute offenders to the fullest extent of the law.
Mayor Karen Bass echoed this tough approach and revealed that she had discussed the crisis with President-elect Donald Trump, who she expects will visit the city soon.
Meanwhile, Trump, Elon Musk, and other prominent Republicans have criticized California’s Democratic leadership for the unfolding disaster, further escalating tensions between the soon-to-be Republican-led federal government and local Democratic officials.
“The fire situation in Los Angeles is completely out of control,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Incompetent politicians can’t figure out how to stop it. What’s their problem?”
In response, Governor Newsom sent a formal invitation urging Trump to witness the devastation firsthand.
“The loss and devastation are unimaginable,” Newsom wrote. “The threat to lives and property remains dire, with forecasts predicting high winds and ongoing drought conditions. As leaders of this great country, we must not politicize human tragedy or spread misinformation. Hundreds of thousands of Americans, displaced and fearful, deserve to see us working together to ensure swift recovery and rebuilding.”
The letter concluded with a call for unity: “As you prepare to assume the presidency again, I invite you to California to meet those affected, witness the destruction, and thank the heroic firefighters and first responders risking their lives.”
Among those first responders are more than 900 incarcerated individuals working alongside exhausted fire crews. These inmates, part of California’s Conservation Camp Program, help cut firebreaks and clear debris to slow the fire’s advance.
While this program is praised for its effectiveness, it has drawn criticism from activists who argue it exploits incarcerated workers. Participants earn a maximum of $10.24 per day, with an additional $1 per hour during emergencies. They also receive sentence reductions—two days off for every day worked.
However, the risks are significant. A 2022 report by the ACLU and the University of Chicago Law School revealed that over five years, four incarcerated firefighters died on duty, and more than 1,000 sustained injuries.
As the fires rage on, California faces not just flames, but also deep social and political challenges, with no end to the devastation in sight.
