News Summary
Kamala Harris visited Pacific Palisades to witness the devastation from last month’s wildfires, which destroyed over 23,000 acres and more than 6,000 structures. During her visit, she met with local residents and highlighted the urgent need for improved wildfire responses and federal recovery support. Discussions about potential political aspirations arose, particularly in light of California’s upcoming gubernatorial race. Harris expressed gratitude towards first responders and emphasized the significance of community spirit and resilience in facing such disasters.
Kamala Harris Visits Wildfire-Damaged Pacific Palisades
Former Vice President Kamala Harris made her way to Pacific Palisades on Thursday, marking her first tour of the area since devastating wildfires swept through last month. The fires burned over 23,000 acres and caused enormous destruction, taking with them more than 6,000 structures, including countless homes and businesses. This visit was also one of Harris’s few public outings since stepping down from her role in public office.
Witnessing the Devastation Firsthand
As she strolled down El Medio Avenue, Harris encountered firsthand the heartbreaking aftermath of the wildfires where entire homes had been reduced to nothing but rubble. Her visit included a stop at Asilomar View Park, where she looked out over the remnants of a mobile home park that had succumbed to the flames. The air still carried a lingering smell of smoke, stirring a keen awareness of the toxic environment that now loomed over the area.
Local Efforts and Community Spirit
Throughout her visit, Harris took a moment to appreciate the tireless efforts of local residents as they strive to ensure safety for any future rebuilding projects. She also paid a visit to the Westwood Recreation Center, which has been functioning as an emergency shelter and relief center for those impacted by the fire. It’s a testament to how communities come together in times of dire need.
Future Political Aspirations?
While touring, the topic of future political ambitions came up when someone in the crowd inquired if she was considering a run for governor of California. Although she didn’t provide a direct answer, she didn’t dismiss the idea either. It seems that the conversation around potential candidates for the upcoming 2026 California gubernatorial race is heating up, especially considering that current Governor Gavin Newsom cannot run for a third term. Harris recently noted she had been home for two weeks and three days, focusing primarily on supporting her community.
Growing Concerns About Wildfires
Harris used this moment to bring attention to the urgent need for leaders to improve responses to California’s increasingly long wildfire seasons. The extreme weather events are happening more frequently, highlighting the critical importance of investing in both adaptation and resilience. The fires in question, known as the Palisades and Eaton fires, ignited on January 7, and the latter was previously visited by Harris shortly after her departure from office.
Federal Support for Recovery
On the government side, a major disaster declaration was approved by President Biden, enabling survivors to access FEMA assistance. The federal government will cover the full 100% of disaster response costs, and additional funding requests have been made to Congress. Harris stressed the urgent need for policymakers to rethink how they address the growing reality of year-round wildfires.
The Path to Recovery
According to experts, what once was a manageable four-month fire season has now expanded to six to eight months due to the effects of climate change. Firefighters battled the blazes for weeks, but recent updates confirm that the last fires have been fully contained. Joining Harris on her tour was LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, who acknowledged that Harris’s own home was under evacuation warning during the fires, making this visit even more personal for her.
Support from Emergency Services
During her tour, Harris expressed her gratitude to firefighters and first responders who worked tirelessly throughout the crisis. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently involved in a hazardous waste removal initiative in burned zones, aiming for completion within a 30-day timeframe. The exciting news is that the EPA’s Phase 2 clearance of debris is set to begin, allowing residents to start the rebuilding process once hazardous materials have been cleared away.
Residents on the Mend
As of now, about half of the affected residents have signed up for the Phase 2 debris clearance program offered by the Army Corps of Engineers. While residents are allowed to return to the area to assess the damage, a nightly curfew remains in effect for the burned zones. In light of the potential risk from upcoming storms, the Pacific Coast Highway was briefly closed due to concerns over possible debris and mud flows.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- The New York Times
- Wikipedia: Wildfires in California
- CBS News
- Google Search: Kamala Harris wildfires
- ABC7 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wildfire
- AP News
- Google News: California wildfires 2025
