A crisis has struck the United States, and it is riling up even the motorsports community. The Californian wildfires began on Tuesday when a “life-threatening and destructive” windstorm landed in Southern California. Brush fires engulfed Pacific Palisades, Topanga, and Malibu first, and soon reached Los Angeles. Disaster relief agencies are struggling – raising questions about the administration.

Danica Patrick, former NASCAR and IndyCar racer, joined this pressing conversation. As a vocal political advocate since last year, the female motor sports icon pointed fingers at the lackluster efforts of the current government in L.A. – which exacerbated the fires.

Danica Patrick voices her opinion

When the windstorm was still yet to strike, forecasters made ominous warnings. They said South California could see the worst winds since 2011 when a colossal storm destroyed parts of Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley. Despite these initial warnings, the disaster could not be stopped. Over 80,000 people have been evacuated from their homes. The fire engulfed and destroyed over 2000 homes. The damage has been estimated at over $1 Billion. Amidst this crumbling scenario, people are angry and demand answers. Even Danica Patrick does, as she trumpeted her views on social media.

The Indy Japan 300 winner shared the link to an article on her Instagram story. The article headline read: “Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass cut fire budget by nearly $20 Million.” In her immediate next story, Danica Patrick shared a graphic video showing homes drowning in vast swathes of fire.

She wrote, “So sad. Shouldn’t California be more ready for this situation? Wtf.” Currently, red flag warnings remain in place for L.A. County and much of Ventura Country through Thursday. What is even more concerning, the wildfire has claimed 5 lives already.

Danica Patrick is not the only one to call out the L.A. Mayor’s administrative shortcomings. Los Angeles Times owner Dr. Pat Soon-Shiong pointed out Mayor Karen Bass’ mistakes. “Our hearts go out to those who have lost their homes and are seeking shelter. Fires in LA are sadly no surprise, yet the Mayor cut LA Fire Department’s budget by $23M. And reports of empty fire hydrants raise serious questions. Competence matters.” When the wildfire started, she was reportedly away in Ghana. On her return, reporters questioned her at the airport: “Do you owe citizens and apology for being absent while their homes were burning, and do you regret cutting the Fire Department budget by millions of dollars madame mayor?”

Danica Patrick has encountered a wildfire before – on her own land.

When her property was under threat

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Back in 2020, another massive wildfire had affected California. It burned over 3.8 million acres and damaged thousands of homes and properties in the region. A part of the area under impact also included Danica Patrick’s land. In 2009, the NASCAR racer purchased a vineyard on Howell Mountain in Napa Valley. Her objective was to kick off her wine company, Somnium. However, the 2020 fires impacted parts of her property and threw her business in danger. She was afraid that all of her work and dedication over the past decade was about to go down the drain.

However, Patrick’s property was mostly spared, and she took to social media to express her relief. Danica Patrick even rallied other people who fell prey to the wildfire to support each other. She wrote, “I finally cried this morning at the idea that something I have spent so much time, money, effort, passion, patience, and did I mention money, on….. could just be gone. The dirt is still there but it’s almost impossible to get insurance because of how many fires have come through… I stopped and thought, tonight I am going to bring a (expletive) ton of Somnium over to my friend’s house and honor what the project ACTUALLY stands for in my heart….. and that’s to connect. To sit at the table with loved ones and share life with each other.” 

Danica Patrick has faced such a horrific situation before. That is why her emotions are strong about the current rampage. We send out prayers and wishes for the people of California.