Los Angeles cut $17.5M from fire department budget months before deadly fires
Briefly

Seven months prior to the uncontrollable Palisades Fire, Los Angeles’ fire department faced a significant budget cut exceeding $17.5 million, raising concerns about firefighting resources in times of crisis.
Mayor Karen Bass emphasized the budget as a 'reset,' aimed at continuing recruitment for essential staff while making budgetary adjustments, which subsequently impacted fire safety during emergencies.
The Los Angeles Fire Department's budget for 2024-2025 stands at $819.64 million, down from $837.2 million the previous year, coinciding with increased challenges posed by wildfires.
In a stark contrast, while the fire department budget dwindled, the city's police department budget saw an increase of $126 million, triggering debates about resource allocation amid increasing fire risks.
Read at ABC7 San Francisco
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