LA Fire Chief Admits Staffing Shortages Hindered Wildfire Response

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley acknowledged that staffing shortages and budget cuts significantly hampered the department’s ability to respond to the recent Southern California wildfires, which displaced over 100,000 residents. In an interview with Fox News‘ affiliate KTTV, Crowley admitted that the city failed its residents during the crisis, citing a $17.5 million budget cut as a key factor.

“Any budget cut is going to impact our ability to provide service,” Crowley said. “We are still understaffed, under-resourced, and underfunded.” The budget reduction, which slashed the fire department’s funding from $837 million to $819 million, eliminated 61 civilian positions, including mechanics critical for maintaining firefighting equipment. Crowley emphasized that the department has been sounding the alarm about these issues for years, sending detailed memos to city officials outlining the need for more resources.

The wildfires, which have burned nearly 25,000 acres in the Los Angeles region, have placed Mayor Karen Bass under intense scrutiny. Critics have questioned her decision to travel to Ghana for a diplomatic trip as fire conditions worsened. Bass defended her actions, stating that her focus remains on saving lives and homes. “Rest assured, when we are safe, we will evaluate what worked and what didn’t,” she said during a news conference.

Crowley revealed that the fire department’s call volume has doubled since 2010, with a 55% increase in emergencies and 68 fewer personnel. “This is no longer sustainable,” she said. “We need 62 new fire stations and to double the size of our firefighting force to meet the demands of a city that has doubled in size since 1960.”

City Councilmember Traci Park criticized the underfunding of critical infrastructure, calling the situation “unforeseeable but inevitable.” Meanwhile, defenders of Mayor Bass pointed to ongoing negotiations with the fire department over budget allocations. City Administrator Matt Szabo assured that critical firefighting operations remain fully funded and pledged to recommend salary increases for firefighters in the coming weeks.

As the fires continue to rage, Crowley emphasized the need for immediate action. “We are screaming to be properly funded so our firefighters can do their jobs and serve the community,” she said. “This is about saving lives and protecting property.”