Los Angeles, Jan 10 (V7N) — The city of Los Angeles is grappling with the worst wildfire in its history, with raging flames destroying thousands of structures and forcing the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of residents. The crisis has sparked a heated political exchange between President-elect Donald Trump, outgoing President Joe Biden, and California Governor Gavin Newsom.

Since the fires began last Tuesday, firefighters have struggled to contain six separate blazes, exacerbated by hurricane-force winds, dry conditions, and low water pressure. Over 2,000 structures, including homes worth billions of dollars, have been destroyed, and the damage is estimated to exceed $50 billion.

On Thursday, Donald Trump criticised the Biden administration and Governor Gavin Newsom on his social media platform, Truth Social. “Gavin Newsom should resign. All his failures!” Trump wrote, calling the situation a "symbol of extreme incompetence and mismanagement by the Biden-Newsom duo." He also expressed urgency to assume office on January 20 to address the crisis.

President Joe Biden defended the administration's efforts, stating that the water pumps in some areas had gone offline due to power outages rather than water shortages. He noted that utility companies often shut off power during wildfires to prevent further blazes caused by faulty lines.

At a White House briefing, Biden pledged federal assistance to those affected and canceled a planned trip to Italy to focus on the crisis.

Firefighters, overwhelmed by the intensity of the fires, are prioritizing evacuations over containment. Over 200,000 residents have been evacuated, and additional firefighting resources from six other states are being brought in to assist.

Los Angeles Fire Chief Anthony Maron reported water shortages in the Pacific Palisades area, where some hydrants have run dry. The fires have also caused significant power outages, leaving 350,000 homes and businesses without electricity.

On Wednesday evening, flames reached Hollywood, destroying several celebrity homes and threatening the iconic Hollywood sign. The Bangladeshi community, concentrated in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, has so far remained safe, according to reports.

The crisis has led to reports of looting in fire-damaged homes. Los Angeles Police Chief Katherine Berger warned looters would face severe consequences, with 20 arrests already made.

Health experts have warned about the dangers of fine particles from the fires, which can travel long distances and cause severe respiratory and cardiovascular issues. Meanwhile, firefighters hope to gain some control as wind speeds decrease compared to earlier days.

The situation remains dire, with firefighters battling against time to protect lives and property as the political debate continues to escalate.

END/RH/AJ