Former NASCAR and IndyCar driver Danica Patrick has voiced her strong criticism against California amid the ongoing devastating wildfires.
Her frustration, shared initially on her Instagram Story, showed her questioning the state's preparedness for such disasters. She wrote:
"So sad. Shouldn't California be more prepared for this situation? Wtf."
Her comments come at a time when the state is struggling with severe wildfires that have already led to significant losses. President Joe Biden has stepped in by approving a major disaster declaration to speed up aid and resources to those affected by the fires.
These devastating wildfires have caused over 1,000 structures to be destroyed, displacing approximately 80,000 residents.
Los Angeles County and Ventura County have been significantly impacted, with the fires fueled by strong windstorms, low humidity, and ongoing drought conditions.
Their scale has been devastating, with at least five reported fatalities and more than 2,000 structures either damaged or completely destroyed. This has forced the evacuation of more than 137,000 people from their homes.
Some areas, like those affected by the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire, remain completely uncontained, leading to further evacuations and damage.
Patrick took to social media platform X to write:
"California has 840 miles of coast line and 3,000 lakes and reservoirs. Why don't they have enough water to fix any and all fires? At some point I have to imagine it's getting difficult for hardcore cali lovers to accept the state of their state and how it's managed."
California has 840 miles of coast line and 3,000 lakes and reservoirs. Why don't they have enough water to fix any and all fires?
At some point I have to imagine it's getting difficult for hardcore cali lovers to accept the state of their state and how it's managed.
President-elect Donald Trump also weighed in on the situation, particularly criticizing Governor Gavin Newsom for his handling of the state's water resources. He explained:
"Governor Gavin Newscum refused to sign the water restoration declaration put before him that would have allowed millions of gallons of water, from excess rain and snow melt from the North, to flow daily into many parts of California, including the areas that are currently burning in a virtually apocalyptic way.
"He wanted to protect an essentially worthless fish called a smelt, by giving it less water (it didn't work!), but didn't care about the people of California. Now the ultimate price is being paid. I will demand that this incompetent governor allow beautiful, clean, fresh water to FLOW INTO CALIFORNIA! He is the blame for this. On top of it all, no water for fire hydrants, not firefighting planes. A true disaster."
As the crisis continues, the major disaster declaration by President Biden is a significant step in addressing the needs of those affected by the fires.
Our thoughts are with those impacted by the ongoing horrific wildfires.
Note: Danica Patrick's views are her own.
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