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LAFD Chief slams budget cuts, says department was let down
As California's wildfires continue to spread, Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley criticized the city's decision to cut mor than $17 million in funding for the department, and says that the city let her and her firefighters down.
LOS ANGELES - A Change.org petition demanding the resignation of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has surpassed 45,000 signatures as wildfires continue to devastate Southern California.
Started by a user identified as "Frustrated Californian," the petition accuses Bass of "gross mismanagement" and a lack of leadership during the crisis.
The petition points to Bass' diplomatic trip to Ghana, which left her out of the country when the fires erupted. It also criticizes the city’s preparation and resource allocation, including water shortages and underfunding of emergency services.
"Families have been displaced, homes destroyed, and livelihoods shattered—yet Mayor Bass has been absent from the front lines," the petition reads.
LAFD budget cuts at the center of controversy
Calls for Mayor Bass’ resignation intensify as Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley says budget cuts hindered the department’s wildfire response.
"My message is the fire department needs to be properly funded," Crowley told FOX LA. "It's not."
READ MORE: LAFD chief says budget cuts hindered response to California fires
In the 2025 fiscal year, the Los Angeles Fire Department saw a $17.6 million budget reduction. Crowley noted that call volumes have doubled since 2010, while the city has fewer fire stations and firefighters.
Bass defended the budget cuts during a Thursday press conference, saying they did not affect the city’s response. Crowley disagreed: "Yes, it was cut, and it did impact our ability to provide service."
What is the scope of the devastation of the wildfires?
The Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, and Lidia fires have burned over 30,000 acres, killed at least 11 people, and destroyed more than 10,000 homes. Hurricane-strength winds and dry conditions exacerbated the disaster, forcing over 180,000 residents to evacuate.
Water shortages across the city have hindered firefighting efforts, leading Governor Gavin Newsom to launch an investigation into the Department of Water and Power.
RELATED: Fed up resident confronts California Gov. Newsome over wildfire response
Mayor Bass defends leadership amid calls to resign
Bass returned to Los Angeles on Wednesday after her trip to Ghana and defended her leadership during the crisis. "Although I wasn’t physically here, I was in touch with many of the individuals standing here throughout the entire time," Bass said.
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Karen Bass criticized for fire budget cuts in LA
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass got criticized for cutting city Fire Department's budget by $17.6 million before the area got torched by several massive wildfires.
She emphasized her commitment to saving lives and homes, promising a comprehensive review of the city’s response once the fires are contained.
"LA has to be strong, united," Bass said Thursday. "We will reject those who seek to divide us and seek to misinform."
RELATED: Karen Bass criticized for cutting LAFD budget by $17.6M amid 3 LA County fires
Backlash from public figures
The petition has garnered support from both frustrated residents and high-profile figures. Actress Sara Foster and Elon Musk publicly called for Bass to resign, with Musk labeling her "utterly incompetent" on X.
Actor James Woods criticized Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom, blaming poor fire management rather than climate change for the crisis.
Actress Sarah Michelle Gellar voiced frustration on Instagram over evacuation gridlock and a lack of preparedness, highlighting growing public backlash.
What’s next for Los Angeles?
The wildfires have become a defining crisis for Mayor Bass’ tenure. With mounting pressure from critics and ongoing calls for her resignation, Bass faces an uphill battle to restore trust and lead the city’s recovery.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley has stressed the need for increased funding and resources to ensure the city is better prepared for future disasters.
Bass has pledged a "deep dive" into the city’s response once the fires are contained, but for many Angelenos, the damage is already done.
The Source
This article incorporates reporting from Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley’s interview with FOX LA, statements from Mayor Karen Bass during press conferences, information from Change.org, and data from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Additional commentary and context are drawn from social media reactions, statements by public figures, Associated Press reporting, and previous FOX LA reporting.