Los Angeles Wildfires Spark Political Blame Game and Conspiracy Theories

Wildfires raging across Los Angeles have ignited a political firestorm, with former President Donald Trump blaming California Governor Gavin Newsom for mismanaging the state’s water supply, while others criticize Mayor Karen Bass for budget cuts to the fire department. The claims have been met with skepticism, as BBC Verify found no evidence supporting Trump’s assertion that Newsom refused to sign a ‘water restoration declaration.’

In a social media post, Trump accused Newsom of prioritizing the protection of endangered fish species over wildfire response, a claim echoed by his spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt. However, Newsom’s press office dismissed the accusation as ‘pure fiction,’ stating no such document exists. Jeffrey Mount, a senior fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California, clarified that water availability for firefighting is not impacted by efforts to protect endangered species.

Meanwhile, firefighters on the ground reported water shortages, with some hydrants running dry during the crisis. Governor Newsom has called for an independent investigation into the water supply issues, describing the reports as ‘deeply troubling.’ Los Angeles Fire Department Captain Adam Van Gerpen confirmed that crews had to improvise due to water shortages.

Mayor Karen Bass has faced criticism for cutting $17.6 million from the fire department’s budget, though she defended the decision, stating the reductions did not affect the wildfire response. Despite the budget cuts, experts note that Los Angeles County has some of the most advanced wildfire-fighting resources globally, though extreme conditions have limited their effectiveness.

Amid the devastation, conspiracy theories have proliferated, ranging from claims of eco-terrorism to accusations of aid diversion to Ukraine. These theories, amplified by social media, have added to the chaos, with experts warning of the weaponization of tragedy for political gain. As the fires continue to burn, the focus remains on addressing the immediate crisis and preventing future disasters.