On Saturday, the president of the California Professional Firefighter has criticized Trump because he threatened to stop federal payments to the state. He also claimed that Trump’s forest management is too poor. The firefighter’s president delivered his words as the state is fighting against various deadly wildfires.
The CPF President, Brian Rice issued a statement that the message of the U.S president was attacking and threatening California to stop aid for the victims of the cataclysmic fires. He declared it ill-timed and demeaning to them who are suffering.
Trump said earlier Saturday, “There is no reason for these massive, deadly and costly fires in California. He added that billions of dollars are given each year, with so many lives lost, all because of gross mismanagement of the forests. Remedy now, or no more Fed payments”!
Firefighters are currently fighting against 3 major fires, including one that leveled the entire town of Paradise. Rice said that the blame of president is dangerously wrong. He added, “Wildfires are sparked and spread not only in forested areas but in populated areas and open fields fueled by parched vegetation, high winds, low humidity, and geography”.
More than 4,000 are fighting the Camp and Woolsey Fires in California that have burned over 170,000 acres. Our hearts are with those fighting the fires, the 52,000 who have evacuated, and the families of the 11 who have died. The destruction is catastrophic. God Bless them all.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 10, 2018
Rice said, “Moreover, nearly 60% of California forests are under federal management, and another two-thirds under private control. It is the federal government that has chosen to divert resources away from forest management, not California”. Previous claims of Trump that California’s water policy is shortchanging firefighters of water to battle wildfires have been disapproved by wildfire and water experts.
Trump also showed a more sympathetic tone on Saturday regarding the severe crisis in California. He also admired the firefighter and offered condolences to the victims.