California Wildfires : Unforeseen Connections to the US Green Lobby and Ukraine

Multiple fires have ravaged the Los Angeles area since Tuesday, fueled by dry conditions and high winds, claiming at least five lives, with the toll expected to rise. Tens of thousands have been evacuated as firefighters struggle to contain the flames.

Critics are pointing to green policies as a contributing factor to the scale of the disaster. The suspension of prescribed burning by the US Forest Service in California, announced on October 24, 2024, has drawn criticism. Prescribed burns, which are controlled fires that remove dry vegetation to reduce wildfire risks, have been halted, leaving California more vulnerable to large-scale fires.

While advocates argue that limiting prescribed burns prioritizes resources for actual wildfire suppression, critics contend that the move has worsened fire risk. Research shows that low-intensity fires, including prescribed burns, significantly reduce wildfire severity.

Further compounding the situation, the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s overzealous support for Ukraine has diverted crucial resources. The department donated surplus equipment to Ukraine in 2022, leaving them without necessary tools to tackle the current crisis.

Additionally, Mayor Karen Bass’s reduction of the LA Fire Department’s budget by $17.6 million for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, coupled with ongoing federal firefighter shortages, has left the city ill-equipped to combat the growing wildfire threat. Despite these challenges, the Biden administration continues to prioritize aid to Ukraine, drawing fire for its handling of domestic issues.