Critics question priorities as the city faces devastating blazes while the mayor attends an event in Africa.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is facing mounting criticism after her administration slashed $17.6 million from the city’s fire department budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year. This decision, the second-largest budget cut under her leadership, comes as LA grapples with a wildfire crisis that has left parts of the city in chaos.
Firefighters are battling relentless blazes that have destroyed homes, forced evacuations, and clogged major roadways. In an unprecedented move, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) has called for off-duty firefighters to assist, as resources are stretched dangerously thin. Reports indicate that some crews are running out of water while combating the infernos, leaving residents questioning the city’s preparedness.
Bass’s controversial budget included a $126 million increase for the police department, but her initial proposal aimed to cut $23 million from the fire department—a figure that was only slightly reduced after negotiations. Critics say these budget decisions have left the city ill-equipped to handle natural disasters.
Adding to the outrage, Bass was in Ghana for the inauguration of the country’s president when the wildfires began spiraling out of control. Despite her absence, she took to social media to commend emergency crews for their tireless efforts, writing, “Angelenos should be advised that the windstorm is expected to worsen through the morning and to heed local warnings, stay vigilant and stay safe.”
Criticism on social media was swift and scathing. One user pointed out, “Karen Bass cut the Fire Department budget by $17 million. Now she’s asking for volunteers to fight a fire. All while she’s on vacation in Ghana.” Another added, “This out-of-touch career politician is completely unfit to serve. It’s time for a recall.”
Observers also highlighted that Bass’s budget proposal aimed to eliminate positions in the city’s Emergency Management Department—further fueling claims of poor decision-making during a time when disaster response is critical.
Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that more than 1,400 state firefighters had been deployed to assist LA. “Emergency officials, firefighters, and first responders are all hands on deck through the night to do everything possible to protect lives,” he said.
The city’s leadership now faces serious questions about its priorities and preparedness as residents contend with a crisis that many believe could have been mitigated with better planning and resource allocation.
