Fueled by dry conditions and gusty winds, over 175 wildfires scorched 6.6 square miles across South Carolina, prompting Governor Henry McMaster to declare a state of emergency and implement a statewide burn ban. Evacuations were ordered in eight Horry County neighborhoods, with the National Guard deploying helicopters to assist firefighting efforts. While progress was made containing several blazes, including the Carolina Forest fire, neighboring states like North Carolina and Georgia also battled significant wildfires. Improved weather conditions are expected by Tuesday.
Read More
Driven by dry conditions and strong winds, wildfires are raging across the Carolinas, prompting evacuations and a state of emergency in South Carolina. The Carolina Forest Fire near Myrtle Beach has expanded to 1,200 acres with zero containment, while another large fire near Tryon and Saluda, North Carolina, has consumed 400 acres. Over 175 wildfires have burned 4,200 acres across South Carolina, fueled by dry vegetation and a statewide burn ban. While winds are expected to lessen, the ongoing dry conditions maintain a high wildfire risk.
Read More
A new study by World Weather Attribution confirms climate change significantly increased the likelihood of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, making the hot, dry conditions responsible approximately 35% more probable. The study highlights a lengthening wildfire season and reduced rainfall, contributing factors exacerbated by a warming climate. While acknowledging the complexity of wildfire causation, researchers confidently attribute increased risk to climate change, emphasizing that the probability of such events will rise with continued fossil fuel use. The study utilized climate models and real-world observations to reach these conclusions.
Read More
Following devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, President Trump criticized FEMA’s performance, suggesting that states should assume greater responsibility for disaster recovery. He expressed a preference for states handling their own problems, implying a potential restructuring of FEMA’s role. This statement follows previous Republican calls for conditional federal aid to California, though congressional support remains uncertain. Trump further asserted, inaccurately, that California’s water management practices hinder wildfire mitigation efforts.
Read More
A new wildfire near Los Angeles has rapidly expanded to 9,400 acres, prompting evacuations and raising serious concerns about the ongoing fire season. The speed at which this fire grew, from a reported 5 acres to nearly 10,000 in less than a day, is alarming and highlights the extreme fire risk currently facing Southern California. The proximity to Castaic Lake initially offered a glimmer of hope for containment, but that hope quickly faded as the blaze outpaced firefighting efforts.
This situation underscores a much larger issue: the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in California. The state’s unique geography and climate, featuring areas with dry chaparral ecosystems, combined with a history of fire suppression, creates a dangerous build-up of fuel.… Continue reading
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) told Meet the Press that federal disaster relief for California’s wildfires is not guaranteed. He linked funding to a review of what he termed “foolish policy decisions.” The conditional offer suggests disaster aid may be contingent upon policy changes in California. Johnson’s statement highlights a potential political impasse over wildfire relief funding.
Read More
Donald Trump’s return to power on January 20th necessitates continued, robust reporting. HuffPost remains committed to providing fearless coverage of the new administration. This crucial information will remain freely accessible to all, thanks to reader support. Even those unable to contribute financially can help by creating a free account and logging in.
Read More
Senator Tommy Tuberville opposes federal aid to California for wildfire relief unless policy changes are implemented, arguing the state’s leadership is responsible for its plight. In contrast, Senator Katie Britt advocates for immediate support, emphasizing the need for aid while acknowledging responsible allocation of funds. Britt’s position differs significantly from Tuberville’s, highlighting a division within the Republican party on disaster relief. While acknowledging the need for fiscal prudence, Britt stresses the importance of showing solidarity with Californians. Tuberville’s conditional aid proposal drew criticism for its punitive nature and disregard for the human suffering caused by the wildfires.
Read More
President Trump’s claim that California could have prevented its wildfires by diverting Canadian water is factually inaccurate. Experts state that diverting the Columbia River, the likely source Trump referenced, to southern California is logistically impossible and would require extensive, costly infrastructure. This assertion ignores the actual causes of the water shortages experienced during the fires, namely increased demand and existing water management challenges. Trump’s statements are viewed by experts as preposterous and are criticized for diverting attention from the real crisis.
Read More
Governor Newsom’s executive order protects Los Angeles County fire victims from predatory real estate practices by prohibiting undervalue offers on fire-damaged homes for three months. This action, mirroring a similar Hawaii order, targets speculators exploiting vulnerable residents in areas like Altadena, hard-hit by the Eaton Fire. The order directs state agencies to inform the public of their rights and resources, with violations potentially resulting in criminal prosecution. The governor also announced additional measures, including expedited debris removal and a legislative request for $2.5 billion in fire aid.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood