This archive report was first published on 4 November 2019.
California is battling its worst wildfires in history, with nearly 100,000 acres scorched in the past two weeks.
US President Donald Trump has taken aim at Governor Gavin Newsom, blaming him for the state's devastating wildfires and threatening to withhold federal aid.
Trump's comments came after Newsom criticized the president's environmental policies, pointing to his skepticism about climate change and his roll-back of environmental protections.
"Every year, as the fires rage and California burns, it is the same thing-and then he comes to the Federal Government for $$$ help. No more. Get your act together Governor," Trump said on Twitter.
Newsom fired back, saying Trump is conducting a 'full-on assault against the antidote' to the state's wildfires.
The president has repeatedly questioned the scientific consensus on climate change, and his administration has revoked California's authority to set its own standards for automobile pollution.
Despite the political struggles, firefighters are making progress in battling the Maria Fire and the Kincade Fire, with the latter now 74 percent contained.
