LA fire chief warned Mayor Karen Bass against massive budget cuts that 'severely limited' wildfire response

Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley warned Democratic Mayor Karen Bass last month that the $17 million she cut from the department's budget "severely limited the department's capacity to prepare for, train for, and respond to large-scale emergencies, including wildfires."

In a memo obtained by the Daily Wire’s Ryan Saavedra, Crowley wrote to the Board of Fire Commissioners that the department was “facing unprecedented operational challenges due to the elimination of critical civilian positions and a $7,000,000 reduction in overtime variable staffing hours (V-hours). These budgetary reductions have adversely affected the department's ability to maintain core operations such as technology and communication infrastructure, payroll processing, training, fire prevention, and community education.”

"In addition to these impacts, the reduction in v-hours has severely limited the department's capacity to prepare for, train for, and respond to large-scale emergencies including wildfires earthquakes hazardous material incidents and large public events.”

According to Fox News, Bass slashed over $17 million from the fire department's budget last year to prioritize spending on the city's homeless population. The department’s budget of $837 million is approximately 65 percent of the $1.3 billion homeless budget. Bass had originally proposed a larger $23 million budget cut to the fire department.

Over 30,000 people have been evacuated as the Golden State faces an insurance crisis after multiple insurers left the state, mostly due to the costs associated with wildfire losses.

On Wednesday, Bass refused to answer questions from reporters who found her at the airport after returning from a trip to Ghana. Bass went on the trip despite warnings about the coming windstorm.

Sky News reporter David Blevins asked Bass, "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?" Have you absolutely nothing to say to the citizens today?"

Bass, stone-faced and silent, stared straight ahead, refusing to acknowledge the reporter. Blevins continued by inquiring, "No apology to them? Do you think you should have been visiting Ghana while this was unfolding back home? Madam Mayor, let me ask you just again, have you anything to say to the citizens today as you return?" as Bass looked at the ground and walked away from him.

Los Angeles Times owner Dr. Pat Soon-Shiong slammed Bass in a post on X Wednesday, writing, "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."