California Governor Gavin Newsom has launched californiafirefacts.com to counter what he describes as "misinformation" about the Southern California wildfires.
The website addresses claims about firefighting budgets, forest management, and water availability as fires continue to threaten major landmarks including the Getty Museum and UCLA.
Newsom has recently come under attack by critics of his handling of the historic wildfires. President-elect Donald Trump even called him "Newscum" on his Truth Social platform while declaring the disaster was "all his fault."
A lot of misinformation out there.
Just launched a new site to ensure the public has access to fact-based data around the Southern CA wildfires.
The TRUTH:
- CA did NOT cut our firefighting budget. We have nearly doubled the size of our firefighting army and built the world’s…
Why It Matters
At least 11 people have been killed, five in the Palisades fire and six in the Eaton fire, according to the LA County medical examiner's office. More than 12,000 structures have burned, affecting communities from working-class neighborhoods to celebrity enclaves, including damage to historic sites like the Will Rogers' Western Ranch House and an 1887 Queen Anne mansion.
With no significant rainfall in over eight months, crews are working to prevent flames from crossing Interstate 405, which could allow fire spread into the Hollywood Hills and San Fernando Valley.
What To Know
Newsom's office accused the California Assembly Republicans of promoting "flat out false and misleading information" after they alleged the governor had "cut funding for fire prevention by 80%" since 2021.
In response to the claims, the governor's staff said the California Department of Foresty and Fire Protection's (CAL FIRE) budget had nearly doubled from $2 billion to $3.8 billion since he took office in 2019. According to research by the independent California Legislative Analyst's Office, the 2024-25 California state budget did cut funding for wildfire and forest resilience by $101 million.
However, speaking previously to Newsweek, a spokesperson for Newsom noted that under the governor's "leadership", the CAL FIRE budget and personnel had both increased substantially since 2019.
Some conservative outlets, influencers and social media accounts have also shared theories of budget cuts, alleged administrative negligence and supposed secret real estate agreements contributing to the spread of the deadly wildfires.
Latest Updates
The state has mobilized significant resources including more than 12,000 emergency personnel and 1,660 pieces of firefighting apparatus.
The California National Guard presence has doubled to 1,680 members, with over 1,000 Military Police Forces managing traffic control points.
The Palisades Fire has become the most destructive in LA's history, destroying 5,300 structures.
Current Fire Status (CAL FIRE):
- Palisades Fire: 22,660 acres, 11% contained
- Eaton Fire: 14,117 acres, 15% contained
- Kenneth Fire: 1,052 acres, 80% contained
- Hurst Fire: 799 acres, 76% contained
From Newsom's Announcement:
- "CA did NOT cut our firefighting budget. We have nearly doubled the size of our firefighting army and built the world's largest aerial firefighting fleet."
- "CA has INCREASED forest management ten-fold since we took office."
- "California will NOT allow for looting."
Budget Facts Disputed:
- California Assembly Republicans claim 80% cut to fire prevention since 2021
- Newsom's office cites doubled CalFire budget ($2B to $3.8B) since 2019
- Forest management funding increased from $200M to $2.2B annually
- Legislative Analyst's Office confirms $101M reduction in 2024-25 wildfire budget
What People Are Saying
Governor Gavin Newsom: "I'm not interested in politicizing a natural disaster."
Newsom on Trump's criticism: "I'd like to have that conversation with the next president of the United States. Let's turn the page as it relates to the incoming president. We'd like him to have the spirit of the current president and have the backs of people so we can recover."
County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath: "We had another night of unimaginable terror and heartbreak, and even more Angelenos evacuated due to the northeast expansion of the Palisades Fire."
CAL FIRE on X: "California has expanded its response efforts, welcoming assistance from Texas, Canada, and Mexico to join neighboring states already providing critical support in battling the Southern California wildfires. These reinforcements are crucial not only for containment efforts but also to provide much-needed relief to the brave firefighters on the frontlines. #LAfires #MutualAid"
What Happens Next
The National Weather Service (NWS) warns of potentially returning Santa Ana winds, while Newsom has ordered an investigation into water infrastructure failures.
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