Mayor cuts firefighters while LA burns in wildfires

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Los Angeles is facing a severe crisis as firefighters battle raging wildfires with significantly reduced resources following a $17.6 million budget cut to the fire department for the 2024-25 fiscal year.

The substantial reduction in fire department funding represents the second-largest cut in Mayor Karen Bass’ budget, according to official city documents. In contrast, the police department received a $126 million increase, as revealed in data shared by LA City Controller Kenneth Mejia. Initially, Bass had proposed an even more substantial reduction of $23 million for the fire department.

The timing of these budget revelations has proven particularly controversial, as they emerged while Bass was attending the Ghanaian president’s inauguration in Africa. Meanwhile, her city grappled with wind-driven fires creating apocalyptic scenes across Los Angeles.

Rick Caruso, billionaire real estate developer, called into LA local news:

“This is like a third world country… there is no water coming out of the fire hydrants. LA Mayor Karen Bass is on a foreign trip to Ghana.”pic.twitter.com/iOjXPkWcko

— Geiger Capital (@Geiger_Capital) January 8, 2025

Despite being overseas, Bass took to social media to commend emergency responders, stating: “Angelenos should be advised that the windstorm is expected to worsen through the morning and to heed local warnings, stay vigilant and stay safe.”

The ongoing fires have caused widespread destruction, forcing tens of thousands to evacuate and pushing emergency services to their limits. In an unprecedented move, the fire department issued an urgent call for off-duty firefighters to assist in combating multiple blazes. Reports indicate that fire crews are experiencing water shortages as they attempt to contain the spreading wildfires.

Social media erupted with criticism of Bass and her administration’s budget decisions. Critics directly linked the strained emergency response to the recent budget cuts. One social media user commented: “Karen Bass cut the Fire Department budget by $17 million. Now she’s asking for volunteers to fight a fire. All awhile, she’s on vacation in Ghana. Lmao.”

LA Mayor Karen Bass cut fire department funding by $17.6M — months before wildfires turned city into hellscape https://t.co/fzvuJSYxY4 pic.twitter.com/IWOF1VfbaB

— New York Post (@nypost) January 8, 2025

Another user highlighted additional concerns: “Oh look, Karen Bass’ budget called for the elimination of LA’s Emergency Management Department’s positions (the dept that’s running the show). This is after she cut the Fire Department by nearly $17M.”

“This out-of-touch career politician is completely unfit to serve. It’s time for a recall,” wrote another critic, emphasizing the significance of the fire department’s budget reduction.

As Los Angeles continues to battle these fires, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California has mobilized over 1,400 firefighters to support the effort. Newsom stated: “Emergency officials, firefighters, and first responders are all hands on deck through the night to do everything possible to protect lives.”