Donald Trump castigates the “incompetence” of Californian leaders who “have no idea how” to put out the fires

Donald Trump once again attacks the authorities of the State of California. “Fires are still raging in Los Angeles. Incompetent politicians have no idea how to put them out”declared the American president-elect in a message published Sunday January 12 on his Truth Social platform. On Wednesday, the Republican leader had already accused the Democratic governor of California, Gavin Newsom, of being “responsible” serious fires that continue to rage in Los Angeles, because of its water management. The governor, for his part, promised “a comprehensive independent review” city ​​water distribution services. Follow our live stream.

Alert on the health risks of toxic fumes. Los Angeles health authorities on Saturday warned residents of the risks posed by toxic fumes caused by the large fires. They advise residents not to go out. Young people, the elderly and the sick should be particularly careful.

The death toll climbs to 16 deaths. Besieged by flames since Tuesday, the American megacity continues to count its dead: the toll, which so far showed 11 victims, increased on Saturday evening to 16 dead. The fire has so far destroyed or damaged more than 12,000 structures. A figure which includes buildings, but also cars, the authorities said on Saturday.

Fires still growing. Despite the efforts of thousands of firefighters on site, the “Palisades Fire” spread to the northwest of Los Angeles on Saturday. It now threatens the densely populated San Fernando Valley, but also the Getty Museum and its priceless works of art. Firefighters have benefited from a calm in the winds over the past three days. But the gusts should get stronger again this weekend.

A curfew declared. Faced with looting in disaster-stricken or evacuated areas, a strict curfew, in force between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., was decreed Friday by the authorities in the Pacific Palisades and Altadena sectors, the most ravaged. The bill is expected to run into tens of billions of dollars, and some experts already fear that these fires will be the costliest on record.