West LA Times

Political commentator and Fox News contributor Steve Hilton said that Governor Gavin Newsom's environmental regulations were the reason behind the California wildfire disaster. He said Newsom should be asking for former President Donald Trump's help. Hilton made his comments during a Fox News interview on January 22.

“Instead of focusing on attacking President Trump, he (Gavin Newsom) should be asking for his help,” Hilton said. “What's holding up the rebuild of California? Insane environmental regulations. Get rid of regulations. It was the environmental regulations that stopped the clearing of the brush that made the wildfires into a total disaster inferno.”

According to Reason.com, environmental regulations in California implemented by Governor Gavin Newsom were largely responsible for the severity of the wildfire disaster. These regulations resulted in poorly managed forests and lacked critical funding for water and fire management prevention. The report suggests that had these regulations not been enacted, the wildfires in California might not have been as disastrous.

The Hill reports that instead of focusing on imminent natural disasters in Los Angeles, despite warnings from wildfire professionals, California government officials concentrated on "Trump-proofing" the state. They allegedly ignored warning signs of impending natural disasters and failed to fireproof the state, diverting funds into various other programs unrelated to disaster relief.

According to Cal Fire, as of January 27, the Palisades and Eaton Fires, which began on January 7, are 95% and 99% contained respectively. The Palisades Fire has burned 23,448 acres, destroyed 6,837 structures, damaged 1,017 others, and caused 12 fatalities and three injuries. The Eaton Fire has burned 14,021 acres, destroyed 9,418 structures, damaged 1,073 structures, and caused 17 fatalities. Santa Ana winds and drought conditions combined with heavy brush resulting from two previous years of heavy rains exacerbated the fires. The causes of the fires are currently under investigation.

Hilton is a British-American political commentator, author, and television host according to his official website. He hosts the political talk show "The Next Revolution" on Fox News. Hilton previously served as a senior advisor to UK Prime Minister David Cameron and worked on the Conservative Party's election campaign in 2010.