California wildfires could be America's costliest disaster

Khánh Minh |

California wildfires are expected to spread further, potentially becoming the costliest disaster in US history.

The fires have burned more than 40,000 acres, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire). Speaking on NBC on January 12, California Governor Gavin Newsom said it would be the worst fire the United States has ever seen "just in terms of the cost involved and the scale and scope."

According to the Los Angeles government, the number of people killed by the wildfire as of the evening of January 11, local time, was 16. However, Mr. Newsom noted that this number will increase.

The prospect of Santa Ana winds — California’s signature hot, dry winds — fanning the flames prompted tens of thousands of residents to evacuate on Jan. 12. The fires are threatening homes in upscale Mandeville Canyon and Brentwood, though officials said they have made progress in stopping the spread there.

O to bi thieu ruio Altadena, Los Angeles, California, My, ngay 10.1.2025. Anh: Xinhua
Cars burned in Altadena, Los Angeles, California, US, January 10, 2025. Photo: Xinhua

The National Weather Service predicts wind gusts of 50-70 mph as drought conditions persist.

“We know that severe fire conditions will continue through January 15,” Los Angeles County Sheriff Anthony Maroney said on January 12.

According to the nonprofit news service Cal Matters, Los Angeles is experiencing its second driest season in more than a century. At midseason, Los Angeles has recorded just 5mm of rain since October — far below the 114mm it typically sees in January.

Mot chiec may bay tham gia chua chay o Mandeville Canyon, Los Angeles, ngay 11.1.2025. Anh: Xinhua
A plane participates in firefighting in Mandeville Canyon, Los Angeles, January 11, 2025. Photo: Xinhua

Firefighters have contained three fires since Jan. 7, including the Sunset Fire that threatened the Hollywood Hills. The Hurst Fire in the San Fernando Valley, north of Los Angeles, was 80 percent contained by the afternoon of Jan. 12.

But firefighters are still struggling to contain the two largest fires. The Palisades and Eaton fires are only 11% and 27% contained, respectively. Thousands of firefighters have been deployed to fight the Palisades fire with heavy trucks and air support, the mayor’s office said. The city has also opened shelters for affected families.

No official cost estimates have been released, but analysts at AccuWeather last week pegged the economic cost at between $135 billion and $150 billion — less than the $250 billion cost of Hurricane Helene last year. At least 12,300 structures have been destroyed, according to CalFire.

President Joe Biden has pledged that the US government will cover "100% of the costs" caused by the disaster.

Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump has remained silent on whether he would provide similar assistance, continuing to criticize California officials. “Incompetent politicians have no idea how to put out the fires,” he tweeted. “This is one of the worst disasters in the history of our country.”

Newsom, a Democrat, responded to criticism from President-elect Donald Trump. “I don’t think that misinformation and disinformation is helpful or helpful to any of us,” Newsom said, inviting the president-elect to visit the affected areas but has not yet received a response from Trump’s transition team.

Khánh Minh
TIN LIÊN QUAN

US sends planes to spray pesticides to prevent forest fires from spreading

|

Aircraft have been deployed by the US to drop water and fire retardant on steep hillsides in an effort to stop the Palisades wildfire in Los Angeles from spreading.

Heavy damage in the fierce wildfire disaster in the US

|

At least five people have died and thousands have been evacuated and homes destroyed as wildfires rage across the Los Angeles area.

Hollywood Hills on fire, many superstars lost their homes due to wildfires

|

A wildfire broke out on the evening of January 8 in the Hollywood Hills area, threatening one of the most famous symbols of Los Angeles, USA.

Many households in Buon Ma Thuot are upset because of continuous water outages

|

Dak Lak - Many areas in Buon Ma Thuot city are constantly cut off from water, causing people to lack clean water for daily activities during the dry season.

The army mobilizes and appoints 12 officers of Military Region 1

|

On the afternoon of March 31, the Standing Committee of the Party Committee of Military Region 1 held a conference to hand over decisions on the transfer and appointment of cadres from agencies and units in the Military Region.

Ms. Cao Thi Hoa An holds the position of Secretary of Phu Yen Provincial Party Committee

|

Phu Yen - On the afternoon of March 31, Phu Yen Provincial Party Committee held a Conference to implement the Politburo's Decision on personnel work.

Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee assigns the task of investing in 7 metro lines

|

HCMC - The HCMC Urban Railway Management Board (MAUR) will be the investor of 7 metro lines from now until 2035.

The Ministry of Culture assigns the Radio and Television Department to investigate the ViruSs case

|

The incident between streamer ViruSs and rapper Phao, Ngoc kem, Emma Nhat Khanh... has received attention in recent days.

US sends planes to spray pesticides to prevent forest fires from spreading

Anh Vũ |

Aircraft have been deployed by the US to drop water and fire retardant on steep hillsides in an effort to stop the Palisades wildfire in Los Angeles from spreading.

Heavy damage in the fierce wildfire disaster in the US

Thanh Hà |

At least five people have died and thousands have been evacuated and homes destroyed as wildfires rage across the Los Angeles area.

Hollywood Hills on fire, many superstars lost their homes due to wildfires

Anh Vũ |

A wildfire broke out on the evening of January 8 in the Hollywood Hills area, threatening one of the most famous symbols of Los Angeles, USA.