itstargetnews
Los Angeles’ budget priorities are under scrutiny over cuts to the city’s fire department ahead of the devastating fires, and several people sounded the alarm early. (FOX)
Los Angeles’ budget priorities continue to face scrutiny over cuts to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), after several people warned officials before the ongoing wildfires in Southern California that cuts to the department could have devastating consequences.
Mayor Karen Bass cut the fire department’s budget for more than $17 million last year, a move that has drawn intense criticism after several fires broke out in the area earlier this month, causing untold property losses and the deaths of more than two dozen of people
Mayor Karen Bass cut the LAFD’s budget by $17 million last year. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images/Getty Images)
In May of last year, LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley warned, “We’re at this breaking point where firefighters can no longer do more with less.”
CALIFORNIA FIRE: ESSENTIAL PHONE NUMBERS FOR LOS ANGELES AREA RESIDENTS AND HOW YOU CAN HELP THEM
Crowley went on record asking for funding to hire more firefighters. The data shows that the LAFD is woefully understaffed compared to other major cities, with fewer than one firefighter per 1,000 residents. The recommended level is 2.5 firefighters per 1,000 inhabitants.
Plumes of smoke are seen as a brush fire burns in Pacific Palisades, California on January 7, 2025. (David Swanson/AFP via Getty Images/Getty Images)
The chief also asked to hire mechanics in the department as many pieces of equipment were lying idle. Last month, LA City Council member Traci Park noted, “We have million dollar rigs sitting in the yard with no mechanics to fix them.”
CALIFORNIA FAMILY LOSES BUSINESS IN FIRE: A PLACE THAT ‘BROUGHT PEOPLE TOGETHER’
As FOX News reported, while next year’s budget calls for more mechanics and replacement vehicles, LAFD also wants an additional $5 million for electric vehicle charging stations and nearly $2 million for a “Diversity and inclusion plan.”
Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., weighs in as Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Gov. Gavin Newsom come under fire for their wildfire response and gives his take on the SALT cap debate .
GET THE FOX BUSINESS ANYWHERE CLICK HERE
Perhaps the starkest warning came last month from Freddy Escobar, president of the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City union, who told the council weeks before the fires: “If we cut a position, if we close a station, if we close a resource , the residents of los angeles they will pay the ultimate sacrifice and someone will die.”
