Multiple wildfires have erupted in California since Tuesday, killing at least 10 people and forcing tens of thousands to evacuate. Damage estimates from the ongoing blazes in and around Los Angeles range from $135 billion to $150 billion, according to AccuWeather.
❗️FIRE-RELATED DEATHS RISE TO 10
At least 10 people have died during LA wildfires, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner.
Officials warn that the actual death toll will remain unclear until it’s safe for investigators to access neighborhoods. https://t.co/E7GCHESpJs
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While the current water crisis is driven by infrastructure issues, climate change, and budget cuts, the Resnicks’ massive agricultural water use in California’s Central Valley adds further strain to the fragile system.
Also fueling the crisis, budget cuts have strained firefighting resources. Mayor Karen Bass reduced the LAFD budget by $17.6 million for 2024-2025, leaving $837 million – just 65% of the city’s $1.3 billion homeless budget. Firefighter shortages have persisted since 2020.