Environmental workers race to clear toxic debris left by LA fires
Altadena, California Reuters First there were the fast-moving, devastating fires. Now, amid the ruins of homes burned to the ground in the Los Angeles area blazes this month, workers are starting the massive, delicate task of removing hazardous debris as a prelude to rebuilding. And they are racing against the clock: President Donald Trump directed […]
Trump mulls scrapping FEMA, pledges disaster help to North Carolina, California
Los Angeles, US Reuters US President Donald Trump on Friday floated shuttering the Federal Emergency Management Agency during a trip to disaster areas in North Carolina and California, where he pledged government support and sparred with Democratic officials. Fresh from assuming office on Monday, Trump’s visit showcased a desire to show up early in the […]
Massive new Los Angeles-area fire balloons as winds pick up
Castaic, California, US Reuters Powerful winds and bone-dry conditions could pose a challenge to firefighters battling new wildfires in southern California on Thursday, including a blaze that swelled over the past day and forced tens of thousands of evacuations north of Los Angeles. The Hughes fire, about 80 kilometres north of Los Angeles, grew to […]
Pope Francis will not veto Trump’s Vatican ambassador pick, officials say
Vatican City Reuters Pope Francis is not expected to veto President Donald Trump’s choice of a high-profile critic of his papacy as the next US ambassador to the Holy See, according to two senior Vatican officials, despite misgivings about his stance on many issues. Brian Burch, who leads a right-wing advocacy group, has said the […]
Los Angeles wildfires rage as strong winds put millions at risk
Los Angeles Reuters Firefighters on Wednesday contended with persistently strong and dry winds fuelling two giant wildfires that have terrified Los Angeles for eight days, testing the resolve of a city upended by the worst disaster in its history. Officials urged residents to remain vigilant and be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice with […]
Mexican firefighters prepare to do battle with LA fires
Los Angeles, US Reuters A contingent of 72 Mexican firefighters received a briefing from US fire officials on Monday alongside their American counterparts before heading out to help fight the wildfires plaguing Southern California. The group is made up of military specialists, including doctors, engineers and search and rescue personnel, as well as a group […]
Dangerous winds forecast to resume in fire-stricken Los Angeles
Los Angeles, US Reuters Dangerously high winds were expected to return to Los Angeles on Monday, jeopardising efforts to contain two massive wildfires that have levelled whole neighbourhoods, claimed the lives of at least two dozen people and burned an area the size of Washington, DC. Dry Santa Ana winds of up to 80 to […]
Vast Los Angeles fire spreads into new areas near Palisades
Los Angeles, US Reuters A full-scale firefighting effort stretched into Saturday in the upscale Los Angeles neighbourhood of Pacific Palisades, as the wildfire there expanded into an additional 400 hectares overnight with residents warned of potential worsening weather conditions over the next 72 hours that could further stoke the blaze. Cal Fire official Todd Hopkins […]
Battle against Los Angeles fires gains ground as intense winds ease
Los Angeles, US Reuters A pause in the fierce winds that super-charged the ring of wildfires that devastated Los Angeles this week helped crews make some progress in controlling the infernos on Friday, but strong gusts returning next week could resuscitate the flames. The fires, which have devastated Los Angeles neighbourhoods on the east and […]