L.A. Mayor Karen Bass Addresses Fire Department Budget Cuts Amid Wildfire Crisis
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass refuted claims of discord with Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Chief Kristin Crowley on Saturday, following criticism over budget cuts to the department. Crowley had previously warned that reductions in funding could hamper the city’s wildfire response efforts.
Key Facts
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Unified Response: During a press conference, Bass emphasized that she and Crowley are focused on containing the six active wildfires in Los Angeles County. "Any differences that we might have will be worked out in private," Bass stated.
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Crowley’s Concerns: On Friday, Crowley told Fox 11 that the LAFD is not “properly funded,” pointing to nearly $18 million in budget cuts for the 2025 fiscal year as a factor likely impacting the department’s ability to provide emergency services.
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Budget Details: In June 2024, Bass approved a $13 billion city budget that reduced the LAFD’s funding by $17.6 million (a 2.7% decrease in its $820 million budget), though this was less than the $23 million in cuts initially proposed.
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Offsetting Investments: Despite these reductions, the city allocated an additional $53 million for firefighter pay raises and $58 million for new equipment in November, increasing the LAFD’s overall budget by more than 7% compared to the previous fiscal year.
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Warnings Ignored?: In December, Crowley cautioned city officials that a $7 million cut to the department’s overtime budget had “severely limited” its capacity to train and respond to large-scale emergencies like wildfires.
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Post-Crisis Review: Once the wildfires are contained, Bass promised a thorough evaluation of the county’s emergency response to identify successes and shortcomings.
Crucial Quote
“I think if you go back and look at the reductions that have been made, there were no reductions that would have impacted the situation we were dealing with over the last couple of days,” Bass said Thursday.
Did Bass Fire LAFD Chief Crowley?
The LAFD confirmed that Crowley remains in “full command” of the department, despite speculation from some outlets. The Daily Mail had reported, citing unnamed sources, that Crowley was dismissed during a meeting with Bass on Friday—a claim the department has since denied.
Key Background
Wildfires have ravaged Los Angeles County, with the Palisades and Eaton fires scorching more than 36,000 acres as of Saturday. County officials report at least 11 deaths and 13 missing persons, warning that the toll could rise.
Bass has faced mounting criticism over the emergency response, including accusations from former mayoral candidate Rick Caruso, who blamed insufficient fire prevention measures and low water pressure from hydrants. Tesla CEO Elon Musk also criticized Bass, calling her "utterly incompetent."
Big Number
65,196: The number of signatures a Change.org petition calling for Bass to resign had garnered as of Saturday afternoon. The petition accuses Bass of “gross mismanagement and failure to effectively respond” to the wildfires.