As wildfires ravage Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass faces mounting criticism for her absence and budget cuts to the fire department.
At a Glance
- California wildfires have caused an estimated $52 to $57 billion in economic damages
- Over 1,500 properties were destroyed, and more than 100,000 residents evacuated
- Mayor Karen Bass cut $17 million from the Los Angeles Fire Department’s budget
- Bass faced criticism for being out of the country in Africa when the fires began
- Critics argue Bass’s decisions exacerbated the crisis and strained resources
Devastating Wildfires and Economic Impact
California is grappling with one of the most destructive wildfire seasons in its history, with economic damages estimated between $52 and $57 billion. The Los Angeles region has been particularly hard hit, with communities battling immense devastation to property and the environment. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency, leading to thousands of evacuations as the fires remain uncontained.
The scale of the disaster is staggering, with over 1,500 properties destroyed and more than 100,000 residents forced to evacuate. As the city works towards recovery, the long-term impacts on local ecosystems and economies are becoming increasingly apparent.
Leadership Under Fire
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has come under intense scrutiny for her handling of the crisis. Dr. Pat Soon-Shiong, Owner of the Los Angeles Times, criticized Bass’s leadership, emphasizing the importance of competence in such dire circumstances.
“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…” Soon-Shiong said.
Bass’s decision to reduce the fire department’s budget by approximately $17 million has come under particular scrutiny. The Los Angeles Fire Department now operates on a budget of $819.6 million for the fiscal year 2023–2024, a reduction that many argue has exacerbated the current crisis.
Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles is facing public criticism for being in Ghana during the raging wildfires in Southern California.
STORY: https://t.co/sbeglDFKqz pic.twitter.com/zVsSUVO8AL
— FOX 11 Los Angeles (@FOXLA) January 8, 2025
Absence Amid Crisis
Former mayoral candidate Rick Caruso didn’t mince words in his assessment. “There’s no water in the Palisades. There’s no water coming out of the fire hydrants. This is an absolute mismanagement by the city. Not the firefighters’ fault, but the city’s,” Caruso stated.
Additionally, Bass was in Ghana when the fires broke out, prompting more criticism. Upon her return, she faced tough questions from reporters about her absence and the budget cuts. When asked by a Sky News reporter, “Do you owe citizens an apology for being absent while their homes were burning? And do you regret cutting the Fire Department budget by millions of dollars, Madame Mayor?” Bass largely ignored the questions.
Defense and Recovery Efforts
In her defense, Mayor Bass claimed she took the fastest route back to Los Angeles, utilizing a military plane that facilitated communications during her return flight.
Back in the Golden State, she joined U.S. Senator Padilla and Governor Gavin Newsom to assess the damage and coordinate recovery efforts. The mayor has pledged to rebuild, but faces an uphill battle in regaining public trust and addressing the immediate needs of those affected by the wildfires.
