California Governor Gavin Newsom has faced intense backlash after commenting that “the local folks are trying to figure that out” when questioned about fire hydrants running out of water during the Pacific Palisades wildfire. The fire has destroyed neighborhoods, leaving firefighters without sufficient water as hydrants ran dry due to empty supply tanks. This logistical failure has compounded criticisms of state and local leadership, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
Newsom attributed the issue to systemic overload, comparing it to challenges faced in other large-scale disasters. However, his response has been met with anger as thousands of homes and businesses burn, fueled by relentless Santa Ana winds. Critics, including President-elect Donald Trump, have accused Newsom of prioritizing environmental policies, such as protecting endangered fish species, over ensuring adequate water supply for Southern California.
Trump’s remarks on Truth Social targeted Newsom’s refusal to divert water from Northern California to the state’s drier regions, calling it a decision that left Californians vulnerable. Meanwhile, Mayor Bass has also been criticized for budget cuts to the Los Angeles Fire Department and for attending Ghana’s presidential inauguration during the crisis.
As fire crews battle to contain multiple blazes across the region, the lack of preparedness and resource allocation continues to dominate public discourse, raising urgent questions about disaster management in California.
