Kamala Harris accused of trespassing on fire-ravaged California property for photo-op by family

A California family whose home was burned to the ground in the state’s raging wildfires has slammed vice presidential hopeful Kamala Harris for allegedly trespassing on their property to stage a photo-op.

Senator Harris and California Governor Gavin Newsom posed for pictures as they inspected damage caused by the fires in the town of Auberry, near Fresno.

The politicians first inspected Pine Ridge Elementary school during the 15 September trip, before going across the street to the destroyed home of the Patten family.

While standing where the house once was, Joe Biden’s running mate described the neighbourhood’s remaining chimneys as “tombstones”.

But the photo-op has upset the homeowners, who say they are frustrated the politicians ventured onto their property without approval when they themselves have not been allowed back to survey the destruction.

Now the son of the homeowners, Trampas Patten, has hit out at Sen Harris.

“For the friends of mine that don’t recognise the fireplace in the background, that is what is left of my parents house!” Mr Patten wrote on Facebook.

“What has me really frustrated right now is the fact that these two politicians used my parents’ loss for a photo opportunity to push their political agenda!

“Political party wouldn’t have made a difference in this moment.

“Decent human beings that have character and class, wouldn’t air someone else’s misfortune on national television!

“Think about this when you go to the polls in a few weeks to vote.

“Look at this picture closely, imagine it is what is left of your hard work, hopes, dreams, place of sanctuary.