California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) or official state announcements

Biden Cancels Final Italy Trip to Address California Wildfires: 5 Dead, 130,000 Evacuated Due to 6 Fires

Jan 9, 2025, 04:00 AM

President Joe Biden has canceled his final foreign trip of his presidency to Italy, opting to stay in Washington to monitor the response to the devastating wildfires in California. The decision came after Biden met with emergency services in Los Angeles and approved a major disaster declaration for the state. The wildfires, which have caused significant damage in and around Los Angeles, have resulted in at least 5 deaths and led to the evacuation of approximately 130,000 people due to 6 wildfires. Biden prioritized directing the federal response over his planned meetings with Pope Francis, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.