A month before fires, L.A. fire chief warned about impact of budget cuts
The Los Angeles Fire Department's budget was cut by $17.6 million, about 2%, this fiscal year. The fire chief warned last month it would make it harder to respond to emergencies.
Los Angeles cut $17.5M from fire department budget months before deadly fires
Seven months before the uncontrolled Palisades Fire in Los Angeles, the city's fire department budget for this fiscal year was cut by more than $17.5 million, records show.
Yes, Los Angeles cut $17.6 million from the fire department’s budget
The Los Angeles Fire Department’s budget was cut by nearly $17.6 million this fiscal year. That’s a roughly 2% decrease from the previous year.
California fires put Los Angeles and outlying areas on high alert: What to know
Los Angeles is reeling from the most destructive wildfires in its history, and firefighters are struggling to contain the devastating blaze.
Los Angeles fires: What’s hampering firefighting efforts?
Whipping dry winds, moving at 100mph, are helping the fires spread at a meteoric pace. They are also preventing helicopters and scooper planes from dropping water and fire retardants onto the flames. While the winds eased to a certain extent on Wednesday night, they are expected to again pick up pace on Friday and the weekend.
Victims of the Fires in the Los Angeles Area
At least five people have been killed and thousands of structures have burned in wildfires raging in the Los Angeles area
Firefighters battle devastating Los Angeles wildfires as winds calm somewhat
Ferocious winds that drove the flames and led to chaotic evacuations have calmed somewhat and were not expected to be as powerful during the day. That could provide an opportunity for firefighters to make progress reining in blazes that have hopscotched across the sprawling region,
Budget Cuts to Fire Department Are a Point of Contention, but the Full Picture Is Complicated
But as with much of the news swirling around the fires, the real picture is complicated. Facing lower tax revenues and higher ...
Los Angeles mayor slashed fire budget last year, prioritized homeless population
Los Angeles slashed its fire department's budget last year while prioritizing spending for its homeless population, a move that has fallen under scrutiny as wildfires rage.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass pushes back against criticism over management of wildfires
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass repeatedly dodged questions about her leadership and alleged lack of initial presence during the ongoing wildfires affecting the area.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass Confronted Over Wildfire Response on Live TV
Bass stayed mum while a reporter grilled her, asking, "Do you owe citizens an apology for being absent while their homes were ...
Cause of raging Los Angeles wildfires still undetermined as Mayor Karen Bass defends her leadership
Los Angeles officials delivered an update on the efforts to combat wildfires across the city on Thursday, saying more ...
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Los Angeles Firefighters Struggle To Contain Deadly Wildfires Even as Santa Ana Winds Subside
Critics slam Karen Bass for fire department budget reduction and overseas trip during crisis, while Governor Newsom faces ...
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NFL moves Vikings-Rams playoff game to Arizona after days of devastating wildfire in Los Angeles
The NFL has moved the Rams’ wild-card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings to Arizona after days of devastating ...
FACTCHECK: Was the LAFD budget cut? No, it actually increased. Here’s how.
Critics on social media have alleged that Mayor Karen Bass cut the city fire department’s budget by $23 million this year.