President Biden to Address Wildfire Crisis as Los Angeles Battles Unprecedented Blazes

*In the wake of the destructive wildfires raging across Los Angeles, President Joe Biden is set to address the nation Thursday, providing updates on the federal response and offering words of support to those affected.

In a post on X, Biden confirmed he was briefed on the situation and mentioned that, following the service for former President Jimmy Carter, he would convene his team for another update before delivering remarks to the public. However, the specific timing for the address has yet to be determined.

Biden’s engagement with the wildfire crisis comes as he was in Los Angeles for a previously scheduled visit on Wednesday, during which he met with California Governor Gavin Newsom and fire officials. The discussions focused on ensuring that California would receive the necessary federal funding and support to combat the ongoing wildfires.

“We’re prepared to do anything and everything for as long as it takes to contain these fires,” Biden stated at a Santa Monica fire station, highlighting the administration’s commitment to addressing this pressing emergency.

On a personal note, Biden revealed Wednesday that his son, Hunter Biden, had received a notification that his Malibu home was likely destroyed in the fires. Reports from the Daily Mail confirmed that the residence was among the many lost during this disaster.

In addition to the heart-wrenching news about his family’s home, Biden shared a moment of joy at the briefing, announcing that he recently became a great-grandfather with the birth of his great-grandson, born to his eldest granddaughter, Naomi Biden, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Following his visit to California, President Biden returned to Washington to attend Carter’s funeral. He also canceled an upcoming trip to the Vatican to meet with Pope Francis, showing his commitment to domestic issues during this crisis.

The wildfire situation has sparked intense political discourse, particularly as former President Donald Trump, who also attended Carter’s funeral, took to his Truth Social account to continue his public rivalry with Governor Newsom. Trump criticized California’s handling of the fires, stating, “Fire is spreading rapidly for 3 days — ZERO CONTAINMENT. Nobody has ever seen such failed numbers before! Gross incompetence by Gavin Newscum and [Los Angeles Mayor] Karen Bass….And Biden’s FEMA has no money — all wasted on the Green New Scam! L.A. is a total wipeout!!!”

As President Biden prepares to speak to the nation, all eyes will be on him for not only updates on federal resources for California but also for his response to the political tensions that have surfaced during this disaster. The urgent situation unfolding in Los Angeles underscores the critical need for governmental support and coordinated efforts to combat the wildfires and assist affected communities.

What caused the fires? 

The exact cause of each fire is still under investigation, but officials have largely blamed the extreme drought conditions, combined with the supersized Santa Ana winds whipping flames and embers at 100 mph – much faster than usual. 

Add on weather whiplash that grew tons of plants in downpours, then record high temperatures that dried them out to make easy-to-burn fuel. Then there’s a plunging and unusual jet stream, and lots of power lines flapping in those powerful gusts.

Flames from the Palisades Fire burn a building on Sunset Boulevard amid a powerful windstorm on January 8, 2025 in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Apu Gomes/Getty Images)

Experts say that’s what is turning wildfires into a deadly urban conflagration.

The winds dropped Thursday, but the National Weather Service warned that even the reduced gusts could still spread fire rapidly and the wind is expected to strengthen again Thursday evening. Another round of strong winds may form Tuesday.

Santa Ana winds

The Santa Ana winds are dry, powerful winds that blow down the mountains toward the Southern California coast.

The region sees about 10 Santa Ana wind events a year on average, typically occurring from fall into January. When conditions are dry, as they are right now, these winds can become a severe fire hazard.

Mayor Bass addresses LAFD budget cuts

While multiple agencies are working together to put out the flames, these fires come just six months after LA Mayor Karen Bass and the LA City Council enacted a new budget which slashed the Los Angeles Fire Department's funding.

The Santa Ana winds occur when there is high pressure to the east, in the Great Basin, and a low-pressure system off the coast. Air masses move from high pressure to low pressure, and the more extreme the difference in the pressure, the faster the winds blow.

As the winds rush downslope from the top of the San Gabriel Mountains, they become drier and hotter. That’s a function of the physics of air masses. By the time the winds get to the point where the Eaton Fire broke out in Altadena on Jan. 7, it’s not uncommon for them to have less than 5% relative humidity, meaning essentially no moisture at all.

Winter fires vs. summer fires 

Fires don’t usually blaze at this time of year, but specific ingredients have come together to defy the calendar in a fast and deadly manner.

Summer fires are bigger usually, but they don’t burn nearly as fast. Winter fires "are much more destructive because they happen much more quickly" said U.S. Geological Survey fire scientist Jon Keeley.