Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass faces intense criticism as devastating wildfires ravage California, causing billions in damages and forcing thousands to evacuate.
At a Glance
- California wildfires have caused an estimated $52 to $57 billion in economic damages
- Over 1,500 properties destroyed and more than 100,000 residents evacuated
- Mayor Karen Bass criticized for $17 million budget cut to LA Fire Department
- Bass faced backlash for being out of the country when fires began
- Former mayoral candidate Rick Caruso blamed city mismanagement for the situation
Devastating Wildfires Engulf Los Angeles
California is grappling with one of the most catastrophic wildfire seasons in its history, with the Los Angeles region bearing the brunt of the destruction. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency as thousands were forced to evacuate their homes. The fires have wreaked havoc on local communities, destroying over 1,500 properties and displacing more than 100,000 residents.
The economic impact of these wildfires is staggering, with damages estimated between $52 and $57 billion. As firefighters battle to contain the blaze, reports of stretched resources and dry fire hydrants in affected areas have intensified public concern and criticism of local leadership.
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
Mayor Bass Under Fire
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has come under intense scrutiny for her handling of the crisis. The mayor faced backlash for being out of the country on a diplomatic mission to Ghana when the fires began. Critics argue that Bass should have returned earlier, given that the National Weather Service had issued a fire weather watch.
“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?” a Sky News reporter asked Bass upon her return.
Bass defended her actions, stating, “I took the fastest route back, which included being on a military plane, which facilitated our communications.” However, her response has done little to quell the growing criticism.
Controversial Budget Cuts
Adding fuel to the fire is Bass’s decision to cut $17 million from the Los Angeles Fire Department’s budget, leaving it with $819.6 million for the fiscal year 2023–2024. This decision has also come under intense scrutiny as firefighters struggle to contain the blaze with limited resources.
“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,” Dr. Pat Soon-Shiong, owner of the Los Angeles Times, said.
The budget allocation has raised eyebrows, especially when compared to the $1.3 billion allocated to address homelessness, with $837 million going to support the homeless population. Critics argue that this demonstrates misplaced priorities in the face of recurring natural disasters.
Calls for Accountability
Former mayoral candidate Rick Caruso has been vocal in his criticism of Bass’s leadership. “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.
