By now, it has become clear to anyone paying the least attention that the apocalyptic fires ravaging southern California have caused nearly incomprehensible human and property damage. On Sunday’s Meet the Press, Governor Gavin Newsome told NBC’s Jacob Soboroff, “Just in terms of cost, these fires will be the worst natural disaster in the nation’s history.”
The insured losses from last week’s fires may exceed $20 billion, and total economic losses could reach $50 billion, according to estimates published by JPMorgan on Thursday.
Those losses would far exceed the $12.5 billion in insured damages from the 2018 Camp Fire, which killed 85, displaced more than 50,000 people, and destroyed around 18,000 structures. Until now, that was the costliest blaze in the country’s history, according to data from Aon.
Caused by a poorly maintained Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) transmission line, the Camp Fire caused the massive PG&E company to declare bankruptcy.
Thus far, no one knows the exact cause of the current inferno, but humidity of 8%, hurricane force winds of up to 100 miles per hour sweeping down LA’s canyons, and a single spark could easily account for the horrific devastation.
Sunday’s 18 minute interview with NBC’s Soboroff showed a leader at the top of his game. Newsom’s humanity was on full display as he sought to reassure Californians, especially Angelinos, as well as the rest of the nation, that the state’s resources and response are equal to the immensity of the task.
Watch the full interview, and you’ll see what I mean.
During the interview, Newsom described his conversation with President Biden. Newsom asked Biden for the federal government to cover 90% of the state’s costs; Biden replied he’d authorize 100% for six months. Soboroff asked about conversations with President-elect Trump. Newsom said he’d publicly asked Trump to come to California to view the damage. As I write this on Monday, Trump has yet to respond.
This is a disaster where all who can, should help. If you choose to contribute, you can donate through the Red Cross website or by scanning this QR code.
Thank you.