Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is under intense scrutiny after it was revealed that the city’s fire department budget was slashed by $17.6 million for the 2024-25 fiscal year, just as the city grapples with catastrophic wildfires. The budget reduction, which represents a significant cut to the fire department, is the second-largest reduction in Bass’ recently passed budget, according to city records.
The news comes as wildfires, exacerbated by fierce winds, continue to ravage parts of Los Angeles, with multiple blazes turning entire neighborhoods into disaster zones. With firefighters stretched thin, Bass’ budget cuts have come under sharp criticism for leaving the department underfunded during an emergency.
In addition to the fire department cuts, Bass had initially proposed an even steeper reduction of $23 million before settling on the $17.6 million figure. Meanwhile, the police department’s budget was increased by $126 million in the same fiscal year, according to a graphic shared by LA City Controller Kenneth Mejia.
Bass Faces Backlash Amid Wildfires and Her Absence
The controversy surrounding the budget cuts intensified after it was revealed that Bass was out of the country attending the inauguration of Ghana’s president while the fires ravaged her city. As wind-whipped wildfires turned parts of Los Angeles into an apocalyptic hellscape, Bass remained in Africa. Her absence sparked outrage, particularly as the city’s fire department struggled to contain the rapidly spreading blazes.
As the City of LA goes broke, one of the many questions we get is:
“WHERE ARE OUR TAX DOLLARS GOING?” 🤔
The City just started a new fiscal year & if you want to know how the Mayor & a majority of City Council increased or decreased departments’ operational budget, see below: pic.twitter.com/2hNIAwBkuy
— LA City Controller Kenneth Mejia (@lacontroller) October 22, 2024
Despite being thousands of miles away, Bass took to social media to praise firefighters and other emergency personnel for their work. “I want to thank our firefighters, who have been working overnight to protect Angelenos affected by fires,” she wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter). She also urged residents to remain vigilant, saying, “Angelenos should be advised that the windstorm is expected to worsen through the morning and to heed local warnings, stay vigilant, and stay safe.”
Out-of-Control Fires and Strained Resources
As of early Wednesday, wildfires were still burning uncontrollably, destroying homes and forcing tens of thousands of residents to flee. The fires, fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds, have left roadways clogged, with many evacuees abandoning their vehicles in panic.
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Amid the crisis, the Los Angeles Fire Department issued a rare plea for off-duty firefighters to assist in combating the multiple blazes that were tearing through the city. Reports also emerged of firefighters running low on water as they battled the growing wildfires, exacerbating the already dire situation.
The Pacific Palisades fire, one of the most destructive, forced the closure of roads and even led to the diversion of flights. As the fire moved quickly, leaving destruction in its wake, residents and celebrities alike scrambled to evacuate. Ben Affleck, for example, was among those who fled, evacuating his $20.5 million mansion and seeking refuge at his ex-wife Jennifer Garner’s home.
The lack of resources became a focal point of the growing backlash against Bass’ budget decisions. Critics quickly pointed out the connection between the mayor’s budget cuts and the strain on the city’s firefighting resources. “Karen Bass cut the Fire Department budget by $418 million. Now she’s asking for volunteers to fight a fire. All the while, she’s on vacation in Ghana. Lmao,” one person wrote on X.
Another critic remarked, “Oh look, Karen Bass’ budget called for the elimination of LA’s Emergency Management Department’s positions — the department that’s running the show. This is after she cut the Fire Department by nearly $17 million.”
Criticism and Calls for Accountability
The criticism of Bass’ handling of the crisis continued to mount throughout the day, with many residents and online commentators expressing frustration over her absence and the budget cuts. “This out-of-touch career politician is completely unfit to serve. It’s time for a recall,” one user wrote, calling for the mayor’s removal from office.
As the situation in Los Angeles worsened, California Governor Gavin Newsom spoke out, announcing that over 1,400 additional firefighters had been deployed to assist with the ongoing wildfires. In a statement shared on social media, Newsom reassured the public that “Emergency officials, firefighters, and first responders are all hands on deck through the night to do everything possible to protect lives.”
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Newsom also acknowledged the challenges faced by Los Angeles’ emergency services, noting that California was doing everything in its power to help mitigate the destruction caused by the wildfires. However, with strained resources and the fire department still dealing with funding cuts, it remains unclear whether the city has enough support to fully manage the crisis.
Public Reactions and Political Consequences
The wildfires and the public reaction to Bass’ budget cuts are likely to have lasting political consequences for the mayor. While Bass has faced challenges in managing the city’s finances, her handling of the fire department’s budget is now under intense scrutiny, with many questioning her priorities as the city confronts one of its worst wildfire seasons in years.
As the fires continue to burn, the full extent of the damage to Los Angeles and its residents remains unclear. In the meantime, residents are urged to follow evacuation orders and stay updated on emergency instructions. Despite the ongoing crisis, Bass has yet to return to the city to oversee the response firsthand, and many are left wondering whether the mayor will take more responsibility for the impact of her budget decisions.
For now, Los Angeles firefighters and emergency responders remain on the front lines, facing one of the most challenging wildfire seasons in recent memory.
