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.
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 repeatedly dodged questions about her leadership and alleged lack of initial presence during the ongoing wildfires affecting the area.