California fires spread, heat ignites social media

Alsharq Tribune - Yassine Abadli

California has experienced 24 deaths and dozens of injuries due to fires that broke out on January 7.

The fires, which have destroyed over 12,000 homes and buildings and displaced over 180,000 people, have consumed 40,000 acres of land and caused economic losses of $150 billion.

State Governor Gavin Newsom has criticized the government for reducing the budget for fighting forest fires by over $100 million last year.

Firefighters also faced difficulties in reducing water supplies due to a severe shortage in some fire tanks.

President-elect Donald Trump commented on the situation, stating that politicians have no idea how to put them out.

The heat of the fires reached social media, with activists and commentators expressing their concerns.

California authorities warned of winds reaching speeds of 112 kilometers per hour, indicating that the fires may expand and grow in new directions.

The US Army has announced its readiness to intervene in the efforts to extinguish the fires, with specialized units placed on high alert.