California Wildfires: A Billion-Dollar Blaze with No End in Sight

The wildfires raging across California might turn out to be the most expensive disaster in US history. The fires have already scorched over 40, 000 acres, according to CalFire. Governor Gavin Newsom warned that the costs and scale of the fires could be unprecedented. As of Saturday, sixteen people had lost their lives, with that number expected to rise. Strong winds, known as Santa Ana winds, have prompted the evacuation of thousands. Despite efforts to control the blazes, especially in areas like Mandeville Canyon and Brentwood, the fires continue to threaten homes. Weather forecasts predict winds reaching speeds of 50 to 70 mph, with critical fire conditions persisting through Wednesday. Newsom faced criticisms from the incoming President Trump, who blamed the governor for water mismanagement. Newsom dismissed these claims, stating that the reservoirs are full. He extended an invitation to Trump to witness the devastation, but no response has been received. The Federal Emergency Management Agency suggested deploying US troops to assist in controlling the fires. Analysts at AccuWeather estimate the economic loss to be between $135 billion and $150 billion. President Biden pledged full federal support for the recovery efforts. Trump, known for his conflicting relationship with California, has not commented on providing federal assistance. Instead, he criticized the state's officials on handling the crisis.