According to Daily Mail, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is facing criticism after a leaked letter revealed that she demanded an further$ 49 million in funds breaks from the Fire Department just before fire started to spread throughout the area.
The letter, dated January 6, was sent from LAFD command to department chiefs and captains, reminder of the significant impact it would have on the department’s ability to respond to emergencies.
The leaked report detailed a worst-case circumstance, with plans to possibly shut down 16 fireplace stations—one in each City Council district—leaving the ministry struggling to manage rising emergency call levels.
The letter stated:” The only way to provide a value saving would be to close as many as 16 fire channels… This is a worst-case incident that has not yet occurred. But, fire department sources told Daily Mail that the department’s budget cuts were already putting a strain on solutions.
Speaking secretly to Daily Mail, one fire said:” We’re presently quiet 200 doctors, and we’re on the verge of losing more because we didn’t keep this up. Fire engines break down, and we can’t even find pieces for them. If we shut down 16 facilities, that’s about 750 employees, and they expect us to get the same phone level”.
These resources reduces come on top of$ 17.6 million thrusts in the latest funds, which had already limited the agency’s ability to prepare for situations. Fire key Kristin Crowley had warned Bass next month that the$ 17.6 million decrease had” greatly restricted the department’s ability to plan for, train for and respond to large-scale crises, including fire”. The cuts have impacted core operations like training, fire prevention, and community education.
As the wildfires continue to scorch Los Angeles, the damage has been devastating. At least 4, 000 homes and buildings have been destroyed, ten lives have been lost, and the Palisades Fire alone has scorched more than 54 square miles. Firefighters are having trouble containing the flames as the winds get stronger and the drought gets worse. The Palisades Fire is currently just 8 percent contained, while others, like the Eaton Fire, are completely uncontained.
Bass’s recent visit to Ghana for a presidential inauguration has also drawn criticism. Many people have questioned her decision to leave the city in such a dire situation despite warnings being issued about” critical” weather conditions days prior. When asked about her leadership at a press conference on Thursday, Bass defended her actions, saying,” I just said what I believe is the most important thing for us to do right now. That’s going to continue to be my focus”.
