The recent remarks of American singer-songwriter Kid Rock, born Robert James Ritchie, concerning the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County have ignited a storm of reactions on social media platforms.
The fires, which have been exacerbated by dry conditions and powerful winds, have wreaked havoc across Southern California, causing an estimated $150 billion in damages.
According to Newsweek, the fires, which began on January 7, have claimed the lives of 24 individuals, with 16 more reported missing. Approximately 150,000 people have been forced to evacuate their homes, and over 12,300 structures have been destroyed, as reported by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Kid Rock, known for his outspoken nature, took to social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, to share a post from country music artist Miranda Lambert. Lambert's post, which featured images of animals injured in the fires, was a plea for donations to aid in their medical care. Kid Rock echoed her sentiments, urging his followers to contribute if possible. "Miranda asked me to re post this, and I do what that cowgirl tells me! Please help out if you can. God Bless everyone affected by these horrible fires," he wrote.
In the same post, the "Bawitdaba" singer expressed his dissatisfaction with California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, both of whom have faced public scrutiny amidst the ongoing crisis. "PS - F the Mayor and The Governor!" Kid Rock penned. "Hollywood liberals need to wake up and stop being so WOKE!" His post has since attracted over 200,000 views.
Kid Rock, a known supporter of President-elect Donald Trump, echoed Trump's sentiments, who previously blamed Governor Newsom for the fires. Trump, on his Truth Social platform, wrote, "One of the best and most beautiful parts of the United States of America is burning down to the ground. It's ashes, and Gavin Newscum should resign. This is all his fault!!!"
Trump further accused Newsom, a Democrat, of refusing to sign a water restoration declaration that would have allowed for the distribution of excess water to the burning areas. Izzy Gardon, Newsom's director of communications, refuted this claim, stating, "There is no such document as the water restoration declaration, that is pure fiction. The governor is focused on protecting people, not playing politics, and making sure firefighters have all the resources they need."
Mayor Bass has also been under fire, with reports suggesting she dismissed Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley. However, Bass' office has denied these allegations, stating, "The Mayor and Chief met. The priority remains fighting these fires and protecting Angelenos."
The situation remains critical, with officials warning that the worst may still be on the horizon due to the ongoing extreme winds. The evacuation process has led to heavy traffic, with some residents seeking refuge on the beach, while others, including elderly residents at a Pasadena care home, were evacuated just in time. As the fires continue to rage, the focus remains on protecting lives and property, and providing aid to those affected.
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