West LA Times

Podcaster and comedian Adam Carolla said the fires in Los Angeles are the result of decades of policies that left forests dangerously dense and overgrown, with limited use of controlled burns to reduce fuel loads. Carolla made the statement on the Fox News show Hannity on January 8.

"The state is run by a handful of environmental lunatics," said Carolla. "That's how it's always been, a handful of lunatic nutjobs running everyone else into the ground. I've seen a lot of footage of houses that were around my house burnt to the ground. There's still some hope that my house is still intact, but if it is, it'll be a miracle."

According to Carolla, state leaders are rejecting practical measures due to their opposition to President-elect Donald Trump’s policies. "Whatever Trump says, we do the opposite," he said, referencing Trump's past recommendations for Governor Gavin Newsom to mitigate fire risks in California's forests and brush-filled areas. Carolla further criticized unelected bodies in the state, such as the Coastal Commission, describing them as "lunatic nutjobs running everyone else into the ground."

A recall effort for Newsom is currently underway, with over 100,000 signatures gathered in a petition calling for the resignation of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, according to Newsweek. Criticism over Democratic leaders' preparedness intensified when fire hydrants ran dry during a firestorm in Pacific Palisades. The Eaton Fire in Altadena has raised questions about the state's forest management policies. Additionally, Bass faced backlash for being in Ghana when the fires broke out despite previously stating she would not travel internationally as Mayor of L.A., according to Newsweek.

Carolla commented on Fox that "The city officials are… very left-leaning and very deep-blue," adding that they become angry when asked substantive questions. He noted that Democrats might lose their districts in areas like Malibu and Santa Monica if they "don't get it together."

According to Cal Fire, approximately 40,644 acres have been burned by the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires. These fires have destroyed or damaged over 12,300 structures across Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and surrounding neighborhoods. As of January 14, there are 23 confirmed fatalities with more than 180,000 residents evacuated from the region. Cal Fire reported that severe Santa Ana winds, drought conditions, and heavy brush from last year's rains have exacerbated these fires. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is leading an investigation into their cause.

Adam Carolla is a comedian, actor, and best-selling author who has hosted The Adam Carolla Show podcast from his home in Los Angeles since 2009.