LA Mayor Karen Bass praises first responders as fires rage out of control, offers 'thoughts and prayers' to victims

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass released a video offering her condolences and support for victims of the devastating wildfires in the region, which have claimed at least 16 lives and destroyed over 12,300 homes. In her message, Bass praised first responders for their tireless efforts and emphasized the resilience of Los Angeles residents.

“I’ve seen the devastation. It is unbelievable the amount of loss that people have experienced,” Bass said in the video. She noted her visit to the Sylmar Command Post, where she observed firefighters successfully containing fires in some areas. 

“We got to stick together, we got to stand strong, and then we have to rebuild our city,” she added. “We will rebuild an amazing city.”

“My thoughts and prayers are out to all of you that are going through unbelievable loss and pain today. We will get through this,” she concluded.

The video comes as Bass faces mounting criticism over her actions leading up to the wildfires. It was revealed that Bass was on a trip to Africa when the fires first erupted, sparking outrage from residents who expected her to be present during the crisis.

Additionally, Bass’s decision to cut the Los Angeles Fire Department’s budget by more than $17 million in the latest city budget has fueled calls for her resignation. A petition demanding Bass step down has garnered tens of thousands of signatures, and criticism has come from both residents and public figures.

Filmmaker Justine Bateman reacted to Bass’s video on social media, calling her “insane.”

“You are talking like an abusive boyfriend trying to convince his girlfriend that the smacks to her face and body did not emanate from him,” Bateman wrote. “You have yet to step up in any way to confess your incredible irresponsibility to the city of Los Angeles. You appear to have assumed the Mayor job was ceremonial, like the Grand Marshall of a parade.”

The fires have destroyed at least 12,300 homes and remain relatively uncontained after 5 days. According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the Palisades fire is only 11 percent contained, the Hurst fire is 76 percent contained, and the Eaton fire is only 15 percent contained. Damage done by the wildfires has been estimated at over $50 billion.