The Los Angeles Fire Department faced a significant budget cut of $17.6 million this fiscal year, even as crews continue battling the out-of-control wildfires wreaking havoc across the city, according to official records.
This reduction marks the second-largest cut in Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’s 2024-25 budget, city data reveals. Meanwhile, funding for the police department increased by $126 million, as highlighted in a graphic shared by LA City Controller Kenneth Mejia.
Mayor Bass had initially proposed an even deeper cut to the fire department—a staggering $23 million.
The budget cuts resurfaced amid widespread criticism of Bass on Wednesday after it was revealed she was attending the inauguration of Ghana’s president in Africa, even as powerful wildfires left parts of Los Angeles in ruins.
While abroad, Bass commended firefighters and emergency crews for their efforts, stating they had worked "overnight to protect Angelenos affected by fires." She urged residents to remain vigilant, noting that the windstorm fueling the blazes was expected to worsen.
As of early Wednesday, the fires remained uncontained, destroying homes, clogging roadways with fleeing residents, and stretching emergency resources to their limits. The fire department issued an unusual call for off-duty firefighters to assist with the escalating crisis, and reports emerged of crews running out of water while combating the infernos.
Criticism erupted on social media, with many blaming Bass for the city’s strained resources.
“Karen Bass cut the Fire Department budget by $17 million. Now she’s asking for volunteers to fight fires. Meanwhile, she’s in Ghana. Lmao,” one person posted on X.
Another user highlighted further budget concerns: “Karen Bass’s budget also eliminated positions in LA’s Emergency Management Department (the team coordinating the response). This comes after cutting the Fire Department by nearly $17M.”
