Los Angeles Fire Chief Says Budget Cuts Weakened Wildfire Response

Los Angeles City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley has warned that recent budget cuts significantly hindered the fire department’s ability to manage the devastating wildfires currently ravaging the region. Crowley pointed to financial decisions by city officials as a key factor in the department’s inability to contain the destruction.

Speaking on CNN, Crowley highlighted how a $17 million budget reduction has severely impacted the fire department’s operations. “Any budget cut would negatively impact our ability to carry out our mission,” Crowley stated. She explained that these financial cuts directly affected the department’s resources and staffing levels, putting public safety at risk.

Crowley stressed that the elimination of civilian positions, including critical maintenance staff, worsened the situation. Due to staff shortages, more than 100 fire engines are currently out of service. “Having these apparatus and the proper amount of mechanics would have helped,” Crowley explained, emphasizing that fully operational equipment is essential for emergency responses.

The fire chief also warned that the department is being stretched too thin. Since 2010, the number of emergency calls has increased by 55%, but staffing has not grown to meet the rising demand. Crowley revealed that she was asked to prepare for a potential $48.8 million budget cut, which could force the closure of 15 fire stations and cut over 300 firefighter positions.

Crowley described the Palisades fire as one of the worst disasters in Los Angeles history. She admitted that even with more fire engines, the department could not have fully contained the massive blaze. “Even with an extra hundred engines, we were not going to catch that fire,” she said.

As wildfires continue to destroy homes and force mass evacuations, families like Castey Fortich’s were left scrambling to escape. Many residents evacuated in the middle of the night, taking only essential items with them.

Crowley’s warnings highlight how budget cuts have directly impacted the city’s ability to protect its residents. Without proper funding, Los Angeles remains dangerously vulnerable to future disasters.

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