California Wildfires Devastate Los Angeles Region, Prompting Evacuations and Federal Aid Tensions

President Trump visits California as wildfires claim 28 lives, destroy thousands of structures, and ignite political conflict over disaster response.

Wildfires in the Los Angeles area have killed 28 people, destroyed over 16,000 structures, and burned more than 20,000 hectares since January 7.
A new fire near Lake Castaic has forced the evacuation of over 31,000 residents, with strong winds complicating firefighting efforts.
President Donald Trump, in his first trip since taking office, is visiting California, where he has threatened to cut federal aid over disputes with Governor Gavin Newsom.
The fires have raised concerns about climate change, with experts linking the region's prolonged drought and extreme weather to increased wildfire intensity.
Rain is forecast this weekend, offering potential relief but also raising risks of mudslides and toxic runoff in fire-damaged areas.