Los Angeles wildfire: Donald Trump calls California leaders 'incompetent' over fire response

Los Angeles wildfire: President-elect Trump criticises California officials for incompetence in handling deadly wildfires near Los Angeles, sparking controversy and debate.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump accused California officials on Sunday (January 12, 2025) of incompetence over their handling of deadly wildfires raging around Los Angeles.

"The fires are still raging in L.A. The incompetent pols (politicians) have no idea how to put them out," Mr. Trump said on his Truth Social platform.

"This is one of the worst catastrophes in the history of our Country. They just can't put out the fires. What's wrong with them?" he wrote.

The speed and intensity of the blazes ravaging Los Angeles have tested its firefighting infrastructure and given rise to questions and criticism about the state's preparedness.

Hydrants ran dry in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood as it was ravaged by one of the region's five separate fires, while water shortages additionally hampered efforts elsewhere.

With just over a week before he returns to the White House, Trump has launched a series of evidence-free broadsides accusing California's Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom of failings in response to the blazes.

Mr. Newsom has meanwhile invited Mr. Trump to visit Los Angeles and survey the devastation with him.