West LA Times

Megyn Kelly has attributed the recent California wildfires to preventable causes, suggesting that state politicians prioritized diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives over wildfire prevention plans. Kelly made these remarks on her podcast, The Megyn Kelly Show, on January 8.

“In recent years, LA’s fire chief has made not filling the fire hydrants top priority, but diversity,” Kelly said. “This was foreseeable and what we are seeing: largely preventable. All over the world right now, we are seeing people push back on these leftist politicians and the messes that they’ve created. Is this going to happen even in California after something as disastrous as this?”

According to The Hill, instead of addressing the imminent threat of natural disasters in Los Angeles despite warnings from wildfire professionals, California government officials focused on "Trump-proofing" the state. They allegedly ignored warning signs and failed to implement fireproofing measures, redirecting funds to unrelated programs.

A recall effort against Governor Gavin Newsom is underway. As of January 27, more than 165,000 signatures have been collected in a petition demanding the resignation of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. Criticism over the Democratic leaders' preparedness intensified when fire hydrants ran dry during the peak of the firestorm in Pacific Palisades. The Eaton Fire in Alta Dena raised questions about forest management policies. Additionally, Bass faced backlash for being in Ghana when the fires erupted, despite previously stating she would not travel internationally as mayor.

According to Cal Fire, as of January 27, the Palisades and Eaton Fires are 95% and 99% contained respectively. The Palisades Fire has burned 23,448 acres, destroyed 6,837 structures, damaged 1,017 others, and resulted in 12 fatalities and three injuries. The Eaton Fire has burned 14,021 acres, destroyed 9,418 structures, damaged 1,073 others and caused 17 fatalities. Santa Ana winds and drought conditions combined with heavy brush from two years of heavy rains exacerbated the fires. Investigations into their causes are ongoing.

Kelly is known as the host of The Megyn Kelly Show podcast and founder of Devil May Care Media. Her official website states she was a journalist for Fox News for 13 years and authored a New York Times Best-Selling memoir. She has moderated five presidential debates and interviewed numerous politicians and world leaders throughout her journalism career.