Caitlyn Jenner has criticized California officials for poor land management practices, blaming them for the ongoing wildfire crisis that has devastated large parts of the state. Jenner highlighted what she considers a double standard in the state’s forestry policies, accusing officials of requiring homeowners to clear their properties of undergrowth while neglecting to manage public lands adequately.

In a statement shared on social media, Jenner pointed out that her Malibu property borders state land that is overgrown and unmanaged. She emphasized that the lack of proper forest management on public lands poses a significant wildfire risk.

“No underbrush or forest management by the state on their lands – providing a plethora of fuel for wildfires,” she said. Jenner credited the survival of her home during previous fires to the ground clearance measures she is mandated to undertake, contrasting this with what she called the state’s “hypocrisy.”

Jenner also criticized the financial burden placed on residents through high property taxes, which she argued should fund basic services like forest management. She stated, “We have extremely high property taxes and are held to high standards of ground clearance to prevent fires from spreading. CA = HYPOCRISY.”

The California State Parks Department responded by saying it could not confirm if the land in question was under its jurisdiction. Meanwhile, CALFire’s guidelines for homeowners mandate maintaining 100 feet of defensible space, including clearing dry vegetation and creating space between trees. In some counties, such as San Diego, these requirements are even stricter.

Jenner’s comments sparked a debate about the responsibility for fire prevention. While some agreed with her stance, others argued that homeowners who choose to live in fire-prone areas should bear the responsibility for safeguarding their properties. Critics suggested that taxpayers should not be burdened with subsidizing fire prevention measures for affluent residents living in high-risk zones.

The wildfire crisis in California has had devastating consequences. At least 25 people have died, and more than 12,000 structures have been destroyed, causing an estimated $40 billion in damage. Firefighters have faced extreme challenges, including dangerous weather conditions and the risk of fire tornadoes – a rare phenomenon where wildfires generate their own weather patterns.

As of Wednesday afternoon, more than 120,000 customers in the Los Angeles metropolitan area were without power, with nearly 100,000 of them served by Southern California Edison. The utility company completed damage assessments in non-fire areas and prioritized repairs, though restoration efforts are delayed in unsafe conditions.

The National Weather Service issued Red Flag Warnings for several areas, signaling continued fire risks due to dry conditions and strong winds. While winds began to subside on Wednesday evening, fire-prone regions remain under threat, and officials have urged caution as the state grapples with the ongoing crisis.

Jenner concluded her remarks by emphasizing the need for state leaders to prioritize forest management, arguing that it is a fundamental service already funded by taxpayers. Her Malibu home remains unaffected, but thousands of other Californians have not been as fortunate, with entire communities displaced and facing long-term recovery efforts.

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