The ongoing wildfires in Southern California have reignited scrutiny over the state’s wildfire management policies and water infrastructure, as well as Governor Gavin Newsom’s handling of these critical issues. The fires, including the devastating Pacific Palisades blaze, have laid bare systemic challenges that critics argue are a result of mismanagement and misplaced priorities.
In 2021, an investigation by CapRadio revealed that Governor Newsom had overstated his wildfire prevention efforts, claiming significant accomplishments in forest management that data did not support. According to the report, Newsom exaggerated the number of acres treated with fuel breaks and prescribed burns by 690%. Additionally, Cal Fire’s fuel reduction efforts in 2020 fell to levels lower than those seen during Governor Jerry Brown’s administration, as Newsom reduced the wildfire prevention budget by $150 million.
Spent time surveying a burn site with @GavinNewsom in an area that has been devastated by the recent wildfires in California. I’m incredibly grateful for the courage of our brave firefighters and those who have come near and far to help those fleeing the destruction. pic.twitter.com/EHSUPgkOsl
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) September 15, 2020
Trampas Patten, the son of the homeowners whose home burnt down in the picture above, stated:
“For the friends of mine that don’t recognize the fireplace in the background, that is what is left of my parents house! What has me really frustrated right now is the fact that these two politicians used my parents loss for a photo opportunity to push their political agenda! Political party wouldn’t have made a difference in this moment. Decent human beings that have character and class, wouldn’t air someone else’s misfortune on national television! Think about this when you go to the polls in a few weeks to vote. Look at this picture closely, imagine it is what is left of your hard work, hopes, dreams, place of sanctuary. Do you want this kind of leadership, using you and your loss for political gain?!”
Criticism of Newsom’s approach extends to broader forest and water management practices. In 2019, then-President Donald Trump publicly criticized Newsom’s leadership on forest management, advocating for controlled burns and other preventative measures to mitigate wildfire risk. Trump’s administration later attempted to increase water access to Southern and Central California through a memorandum aimed at loosening environmental restrictions. California filed a lawsuit, citing potential harm to endangered species like the delta smelt and chinook salmon.
Southern California continues to grapple with significant water challenges. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the Los Angeles area remains in a “severe drought,” a condition that intensifies fire risks and complicates firefighting efforts. The Pacific Palisades fire, one of the most destructive in Los Angeles’ history, has underscored these issues. The region’s water system is under immense strain, with increased demand leading to reduced pressure and degraded water quality due to ash infiltration, according to Janisse Quiñones, chief executive of Los Angeles’ Department of Water and Power.
The firefighting effort in the Palisades has also highlighted infrastructure vulnerabilities. The area’s three water tanks, each capable of storing one million gallons, ran dry at one point, unable to maintain sufficient pressure for hydrants. NotifyLA, the city’s emergency alert system, warned residents of potential health risks due to compromised water quality and pressure.
Critics argue that preventative measures could have mitigated the current crisis. Cal Matters and the Pacific Institute have identified opportunities to improve water supply, including capturing rainwater and runoff. Urban areas in Southern California lose millions of acre-feet of water annually—enough to supply millions of households.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom cut $100M for fire prevention before deadly wildfires: report https://t.co/j5nVUg7hqh pic.twitter.com/GM7yGdyvh6
— New York Post (@nypost) January 11, 2025
Newsom’s policies and actions have also drawn public backlash beyond water and wildfire management. A notable example occurred in September 2020, when Newsom and then-vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris visited a wildfire-damaged property in Auberry, California, to promote their climate change agenda. The homeowners later criticized the visit as exploitative, stating the visit took place without permission while their property was under an evacuation order.
As the fires continue to burn, questions remain about California’s preparedness and its leadership’s ability to address the state’s long-standing vulnerabilities. With billions in damages expected and widespread displacement, the debate over management, resources, and accountability is likely to intensify in the weeks and months ahead.
