
Governor Gavin Newsom’s decision to disband Team Blaze, a volunteer firefighting unit, has sparked controversy as Los Angeles battles intense wildfires.
WHAT IS HE THINKING?
At a Glance
- Governor Newsom disbanded Team Blaze, a volunteer firefighting force, last year
- The disbandment delayed the California National Guard’s response to Los Angeles fires by 10 days
- Homes were destroyed due to the delayed response
- Newsom’s team labeled reports on the disbandment as misinformation
- The administration’s statements about Team Blaze’s capabilities have been inconsistent
Controversial Decision Amidst Fire Season
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration has come under fire for its decision to disband Team Blaze, a volunteer firefighting unit, just as Los Angeles faces severe wildfires. The move, which occurred last year, has led to significant delays in the California National Guard’s ability to respond effectively to the ongoing crisis.
The disbandment of Team Blaze, previously praised for its contributions to firefighting efforts, has resulted in logistical hurdles for the California National Guard. It took an additional 10 crucial days to assemble a full firefighting team, during which time the wildfires escalated, leading to the destruction of homes and property.
Imagine shutting down a volunteer wildfire response force – in a state that has dealt with rampant wildfires every year. https://t.co/QjCB9caywC
— Supercilious Sam (@SuperciliousSam) January 24, 2025
The Newsom administration’s justification for disbanding Team Blaze has raised eyebrows due to apparent contradictions. While the administration now claims the unit was “inadequately trained,” previous statements paint a different picture. Team Blaze was once described as a “strike team” and a “creative way to increase firefighting capacity” by former Newsom Spokesman Brian Ferguson.
Adding to the controversy, the administration’s response to reports about the disbandment has been to label them as misinformation and attack the credibility of the journalists involved. This approach has further fueled the debate surrounding the Governor’s management of firefighting resources and the state’s preparedness for natural disasters.
The controversy comes at a time when Governor Newsom’s approval rating was already at a low 44%. Many Californians believe the state is on the wrong track, and the mishandling of firefighting resources during a critical fire season is likely to exacerbate these concerns.
He really thought he could be president some day, too. Not anymore.