California Governor Newsom: “It’s Getting Hotter”

And while some are calling his recent trip “self-promoting”, Governor Newsom says his state is “ready” to fight the flames thanks to a budget worth billions. 

Just Got Back 

On Wednesday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom was back in the state after an East Coast tour campaigning for President Joe Biden. 

We Are Prepared 

State fire and emergency officials joined him in Sacramento at CalFire McClellan Air Tanker Base to talk about CalFire’s fire suppression fleet and provide an update on the state’s response to and readiness for wildfires.   

Not Looking Great 

This comes at a pressing time since California’s peak wildfire season has hit the state with a bang – and statistics are so far telling us that this year’s blazes are more active compared to the previous five years. 

Uncontrolled Blazes 

While temperatures have been shown to skyrocket, especially across the US, the Golden State has already seen numerous destructive wildfires get out of hand.

This was Newsom’s first media opportunity since his trip. 

Duty Called 

Defending his decision to travel, Newsom stated that the presidential race has a huge impact on California citizens. 

“Everything about this campaign will impact this state disproportionately,” Newsom said. “We were involved in 122 lawsuits with the Trump administration.” 

Did It Really? 

However, Tab Berg, a Republican strategist, has called out Newsom’s nationwide campaigning as self-promotion, saying: “I think it’s pretty transparent that he’s just trying to position himself the successor to Biden if he gets forced out”. 

A Warmer Globe 

Turning his attention to the raging wildfires, Newsom says climate change is partly to blame. 

There is nothing typical,” he said. “Hots are getting a lot hotter. We are seeing unprecedented heat. These heat domes across the United States. Over and over and over and over again”. 

A Fiery Record 

There’s a lot of truth to Newsom’s words. 

2024 has so far seen over 3,500 wildfires burn across California, leaving about 207,415 acres scorched and 128 structures damaged or destroyed.

Much More Burning 

Compared to this time last year, only 10,080 acres were burned, with the five-year average being 38,593 acres burned. 

It IS Serious 

While not downplaying the danger and the damage caused by the wildfires, Newsom was adamant about CalFire’s commitment to the problem: “The last couple years brought welcome relief for California as we saw historically low levels of wildfire. This season is shaping up to be very active, bringing the threat of dangerous wildfire to many parts of our state.” 

But We’re Ready 

Newsom continued: “California is ready with the world’s largest aerial firefighting fleet and new technology that helps us fight fire smarter – and we’re already seeing our investments pay off”.

One Hot Topic 

Joe Tyler, Director and Fire Chief at CalFire, agrees: “We are not just in a fire season, but we are in a fire year”.

“The same time last year we were down 538 fires and we have burned 197,000 more acres this year than we did last year,” stated Tyler. 

New Flames Overnight 

Tyler added that in the last 24 hours, 44 new wildland fires have popped up across the state. He also implored Californians to be extra careful when mowing, towing, welding, shooting, or participating in any activity that can cause a spark and potentially create a new wildfire. 

We’re Gearing Up 

During the news conference, Governor Newsom spoke about California’s investments in firefighting equipment.

He mentioned that the state is also continuing to increase its aerial firefighting force, which is the biggest in the world. In order to support its firefighting capabilities, California proceeds to leverage new technologies. 

What’s the Budget? 

According to the recently signed 2024 budget agreement, $2.6 billion will be used through 2028 to help protect the state from wildfires and improve forest health. 

Millions More 

There is also an additional $200 million per annum intended for healthy forest and fire prevention programs, which includes prescribed fire and other fuel-reduction projects. 

What About Firefighters? 

The administration also aims to add over 2,400 additional firefighters over the next five years to increase staffing levels, as well as implement shorter workweeks for state firefighters. 

Out With Biden? 

One of the questions posed to Newsom was about Hollywood star and Biden fundraiser George Clooney, who recently wrote a New York Times piece calling for Biden to withdraw from the presidential race. 

In the article, Newsom was mentioned as a possible replacement. 

No Comment 

However, Newsom states that he hadn’t read the piece: “I don’t have any comment as it relates to George, who I’ve known for years and years, admire, respect”. 

No Rest for the Flames 

Meanwhile, California remains on high alert because of lighting predicted to hit Sierra County this weekend. 

Firefighting crews are already busy battling almost 20 large wildfires in the state, with the biggest one being the Lake Fire. At the moment, the fire is only 16% contained and is already responsible for scorching 29,000 acres. 

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