Additional Coverage:
LA Fire Department Faces Cuts Amidst Wildfire Crisis
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) has recently faced budget cuts despite battling multiple wildfires. In May 2024, the city’s budget allocated $17.6 million less to the fire department than the previous year.
However, in November 2024, the city approved a union contract that increased salaries and benefits for firefighters, costing $76 million in the current fiscal year.
Despite the budget cuts, the department’s budget increased by $58.4 million to $895.6 million due to the union contract.
Fire Chief Kristin Crowley expressed concerns about the department’s ability to respond to emergencies due to the cuts and a $7 million reduction in overtime hours.
Crowley stated that she believes the city has failed her department, while emphasizing her commitment to providing firefighters with the resources they need.
Meanwhile, devastating wildfires have struck Southern California, claiming at least 11 lives and destroying thousands of structures. The largest fires, the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire, remain partially contained, prompting evacuation orders for over 150,000 people.