Friday, January 24, 2025 Southern California is in flames yet again, with five new wildfires wreaking havoc ahead of US President Donald Trump’s controversial visit to the state. The fires—named Border 2, Laguna, Sepulveda, Gibbel, and Gilman—are tearing through communities, upending lives, and threatening the travel industry and tourism in the region. While firefighters struggle to bring these blazes under control, questions about federal aid and California’s wildfire management are sparking a heated political firestorm.
The largest of the new blazes, Border 2, has scorched 800 acres in San Diego County. Mandatory evacuations are underway as firefighting crews race against time to stop its spread. Covering 94 acres, the Laguna Fire is 70% contained.
Firefighters are optimistic about controlling it soon, but the destruction has already disrupted local communities and tourism. Spanning 45 acres, the Sepulveda Fire is now 60% contained. The Los Angeles Fire Department has lifted evacuation orders, allowing displaced residents to return, but the area remains on high alert.
This smaller fire, covering 15 acres, has been successfully halted in its tracks by fire crews, but not before igniting fears among nearby residents. The smallest of the new blazes, the Gilman Fire, spans just two acres. Thanks to swift action, its progress has been stopped, sparing surrounding areas from further destruction.
These new blazes come on the heels of devastating fires such as the Hughes Fi.
