In a recent episode of HBO’s “Real Time,” comedian Bill Maher and businessman Rick Caruso discussed the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, highlighting concerns over local government preparedness and resource management. Caruso criticized the city’s decision to have a main reservoir out of service during peak fire season, describing it as “border negligence.” He emphasized the importance of proactive measures, stating that the fires were both “predictable” and “preventable.”
Maher referenced past comments by President-elect Donald Trump regarding California’s forest management practices, particularly the need for better land maintenance to prevent fires. While these remarks were previously met with skepticism, Maher acknowledged that they might have merit, suggesting that not all of Trump’s statements are automatically incorrect.
This discussion comes amid widespread criticism of California officials’ handling of the wildfires. Mayor Karen Bass faced backlash for being on a trip to Africa during the crisis, with some public figures calling for her resignation. Additionally, reports indicated that firefighters encountered dry fire hydrants while battling the blazes, raising further concerns about infrastructure and emergency preparedness.
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