LA wildfires live updates: Mayor Karen Bass, California Governor under fire as lives, homes lost

California’s Governor Gavin Newsom is facing criticism over how authorities have responded to the wildfires, with fears the death toll will climb.

California’s Governor Gavin Newsom is facing criticism over how authorities have responded to the wildfires devastating Los Angeles.

He was confronted by a distraught mother, demanding answers as he claimed he was calling US President Joe Biden for federal support. She sais she didn’t believe him.

“Why was there no water in the hydrants, governor? Is it going to be different next time?” she asked.

“It has to be, it has to be, of course,” he replied.

“What are you going to do?”

“I’m doing everything I can,” the governor said. “I will do whatever I can.”

“But you’re not!” she said.

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It comes as the Los Angeles Mayor is copping heat over the deadly wildfires that tore through the city and killed at least ten people, with fears that number may climb.

Mayor Karen Bass dodged questions about her absence as fires took hold across Los Angeles by saying her main priority was keeping residents alive as her city continues to be ravaged.

When asked about complaints regarding her being away from the city during the devastation, she answered: “These fires are burning now. Our job is to make sure that people stay alive, that we save lives, that we save homes, that we save property.”

Mayor Bass has faced criticism over hydrants running out of water and a previous budget cut that included the city Fire Department.

It comes as several major wildfires are still burning, mostly uncontained.

As the Santa Ana winds weakened on Thursday (Friday AEDT), firefighters were able to make more progress — but gusts have been increasing throughout the day.

Tens of thousands, including Hollywood stars and Australians who call LA home, have been impacted by evacuation orders this week, and residents are battling with poor air quality and other hazardous conditions.

Earlier, drone footage and aerial images revealed apocalyptic scenes across the city.

Experts said Los Angeles is not out of danger yet and is under a “red flag warning” with the fires having the potential to be the costliest wildfire disaster in American history.

Australian firies are on standby, ready to head to America to help in the horrifying LA fires but the US has not yet made any formal requests for assistance.

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