Donald Trump declares major disaster as California wildfires kill 44 people

David Gardner13 November 2018

The California wildfires death toll rose to 44 today as Donald Trump declared a major disaster days after accusing state officials of mismanagement and threatening to cut funding.

He changed his tone after his re-marks met with outrage from Californians and firefighters battling the state’s deadliest fire season ever.

“I just approved an expedited re-quest for a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of California,” he tweeted.

“Wanted to respond quickly in order to alleviate some of the incredible suffering going on. I am with you all the way. God Bless all of the victims and families affected.” The move frees up federal cash to tackle the blazes.

California wildfires

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Over the weekend Mr Trump had claimed, with no evidence, that there had been “gross mismanagement” and “with proper Forest Management, we can stop the devastation!”

The Camp Fire in northern California has obliterated the town of Paradise in Butte County, and the Woolsey Fire in the south has spread to Malibu and destroyed the homes of celebrities.

An air tanker drops water on a fire as blazes raged across the state
AP

Miley Cyrus, Gerard Butler and Neil Young lost their homes. Kanye West and Kim Kardashian paid private fire-fighters to create fire breaks to save their £40 million Hidden Hills mansion and neighbours. Lady Gaga visited a Red Cross shelter, chatting and taking photos with fellow evacuees.

A lull in winds driving the Camp Fire allowed rescuers to find 13 more victims, bringing the toll for this blaze to 42, making it the deadliest in California’s history. About 220 are missing.

Butte sheriff Cory Nonea said: “In some cases the only remains are bone fragments.” Some victims perished in scorched cars. Describing her family’s escape, Paradise mayor Jody Jones said: “There was fire on both sides of the car. You could feel the heat.”

A couple died in their vehicle in the Woolsey Fire, which has incinerated about 370 properties so far.

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