President Joe Biden said Wednesday that his son Hunter’s home was in the path of the devastating wildfires ripping through Los Angeles County this week.
It’s not clear if the home is still standing or has been destroyed. Newsweek reached out to the White House via email for comment.
Why It Matters
Tens of thousands of California residents have been forced to flee their homes as wildfires burns through Los Angeles and its surrounding areas. At least two people have died as a result of the Eaton fire, which engulfs 10,600 acres, while the Palisades fire covers nearly 16,000 acres.
The Hurst fire in Los Angeles County covers 505 acres and a fourth fire, the Woodley fire, was initially estimated to be about 75 acres but was later revised down to 30. While it hasn’t been contained yet, fire officials said Wednesday that it has been controlled.
What To Know
Biden met with California officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom, at a fire station Wednesday in Santa Monica, where he reviewed the damage from the fires, which have been exacerbated by the Santa Ana winds.
“It’s astounding what’s happening,” Biden said after being briefed. “My son lives out here and his wife. They got a notification yesterday their home was probably burned to the ground. Today, it appears that maybe [it’s] still standing, but I’m not sure.”
Hunter Biden spent much of his father’s presidency staying at a luxury mansion in Malibu, California, but it’s not clear if the elder Biden was referring to that home during Wednesday’s briefing.
Evacuation orders were in place between Malibu and Santa Monica as of 4:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
A number of celebrities and other prominent figures were also forced to evacuate, including actors James Woods, Steven Guttenberg and Eugene Levy. Reality television stars Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt also said that the home they lived in with their children had burned down in the Palisades fire.
What People Are Saying
President-elect Donald Trump blamed Newsom for the wildfires, writing on Truth Social: “Governor Gavin Newscum refused to sign the water restoration declaration put before him that would have allowed millions of gallons of water, from excess rain and snow melt from the North, to flow daily into many parts of California, including the areas that are currently burning in a virtually apocalyptic way.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom, to President Joe Biden during Wednesday’s briefing: “Thank you for being here and not just being here today. Thank you for being here since the minute of this incident. When there was a 10-acre fire less than 24 or so hours ago. Deep gratitude.”
What Happens Next
The Palisades fire has continued to balloon in size since it was first reported on Tuesday morning. Officials expect that the heavy winds that fanned the flames will ease up on Wednesday evening, but dry conditions in Southern California mean even winds at lower speeds pose a considerable threat.
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