California Wildfires Claim 16 Lives, Burn 35,000 Acres; Newsom Warns of Worst U.S. Disaster Amid 70mph Winds

Jan 12, 2025, 05:02 PM

California Governor Gavin Newsom has described the wildfires raging across the Los Angeles area as potentially the worst natural disaster in U.S. history in terms of costs. Speaking on NBC's 'Meet the Press,' Newsom highlighted the scale and scope of the disaster, suggesting that the financial impact could exceed previous records. The fires have already claimed at least 16 lives, with officials warning that the death toll may rise as more areas are searched. The wildfires have consumed over 35,000 acres, with containment efforts ongoing amidst fears of strong winds returning, which could exacerbate the situation. Newsom has also addressed criticisms over water supply issues, which have affected firefighting efforts, and announced an executive order aimed at addressing fraud, price gouging, and insurance claims in the wake of the disaster. The expected return of 70mph winds on Monday poses a significant challenge to containment efforts.