President Trump surveys Camp Fire damages in Paradise with local representatives

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President Trump lands at Beale Air Force Base in Marysville, California Saturday morning before he takes a helicopter to the Chico Airport. Photo credit: Christian Solis

President Trump landed at Beale Air Force Base on his way to Butte County to survey damages from the Camp Fire.

The Campfire has become the deadliest wildfire in California history with 71 fatalities confirmed so far and burning over 148,000 acres according to Cal Fire. The fire is now 55% contained.

Trump arrived on Air Force One at 9:45 a.m. before hopping on Marine Force One, a marine helicopter, to head closer to Butte County and the devastating Camp Fire.

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Military and air force personnel gather near the helicopter President Trump, Governor Jerry Brown, Governor-elect Gavin Newsom and Congressman Doug LaMalfa took to the Chico Airport. Photo credit: Christian Solis

He landed at the Chico Municipal Airport and went by motorcade up the foothills where he toured the evacuated remnants of the city of Paradise briefly before returning back to Chico.

Upon his return he held a brief press conference at the Silver Dollar Fair Ground that was closed to most press before taking his motorcade back to the airport and heading off.

Local leaders remained awhile after the meeting and spoke with The Orion.

4th District Senator Jim Nielson thought Trump’s visit to Paradise and Chico was good for the community. 3rd Assemblyman James Gallagher also thought Trump’s visit was helpful. Gallagher said that while Governor Jerry Brown and Governor-elect Gavin Newsom have different political views than himself, Trump and Congressman Doug LaMalfa, the meeting between the five political figures was cooperative and positive.

Gallagher also brought up an upcoming Congressional Farm Bill that would hopefully help prevent future wildlife fires.

Josh Cozine, Alex Grant, Christian Solis and Ricardo Tovar can be reached at [email protected] or @theorion_news on Twitter.