California wildfires: Trump declares major disaster as blaze and coronavirus ravage state

Thousands of people have been forced to evacuate their homes as wildfires sweep across the region where six people have already been killed. Such is the dire situation in the state, Mr Trump has now granted federal aid and assistance to help California deal with the damage. A batch of high winds, temperatures and lightning is expected to strike north California today, which could dramatically worsen the situation in the state.

State Governor Gavin Newsom has insisted the region has never seen wildfires like this before.

He said: “We simply haven’t seen anything like this in many, many years.”

He also concluded resources of personnel are being stretched by the current crisis and coronavirus.

Firefighters have been dealing with the fire since August 15, with around 12,000 in action to stop the 500 wildfires which have sparked in the state.

In order to help battle the blazes, California has requested assistance from Australia, Canada and 10 other US states.

The National Weather Service also issued a red flag warning on Monday afternoon for low humidity, high temperatures and winds reaching 65mph.

Chief of CalFire’s Sanoma a-Lake-Napa unit said: “All of our resources remain stretched to capacity that we have not seen in recent history.”

A resident who lost their home to the fire, Hank Hanson of Vacaville said: “Tuesday night when I went to bed I had a beautiful home on a beautiful ranch.

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There have been more than 650,000 coronavirus infections, meaning California now has the highest number of infections in the US.

Currently, the US has recorded 5,851,809 cases across the country.

There have also been 180,304 deaths which marks the highest death toll in the world.

In a controversial move, Mr Trump claimed the American Food and Drug Administration was not acting quick enough to approve a vaccine.

Without any substantive proof, he said: “The deep state, or whoever, over at the FDA is making it very difficult for drug companies to get people in order to test the vaccines and therapeutics.

“Obviously, they are hoping to delay the answer until after November 3rd. Must focus on speed, and saving lives!”

Democrat and Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi has criticised the US President for the move.

She said: “The FDA has a responsibility to approve drugs judged on their safety and efficacy, not by a declaration from the White House on speed.

“This was a very dangerous statement from the president … that went beyond the pale.”

source: express.co.uk