The LA fire chief wrote that the cost-saving measures were limiting the department’s response
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The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Chief, Kristin Crowley, issued a stark warning last month regarding significant budget cuts that have created “unprecedented operational challenges” for the department, particularly in responding to large-scale emergencies such as wildfires.
In a memo dated December 4, Crowley detailed the anticipated “cascading impacts” of the nearly $18 million reduction in funding, which has drawn considerable criticism amid ongoing wildfires that have already claimed at least ten lives in the region.The budget cuts, amounting to $17.6 million, were approved by LA Mayor Karen Bass and are set to take effect on July 1, 2024.
Crowley highlighted that these cuts have led to the elimination of critical civilian positions and a reduction of approximately $7 million from the department’s overtime budget, referred to as “v-hours.” This reduction has severely constrained the LAFD’s ability to maintain essential operations including technology infrastructure, training, and fire prevention efforts.In her memo, Crowley emphasized that the decrease in v-hours has critically limited the department’s readiness for emergencies such as wildfires and earthquakes.
She noted that various teams reliant on v-hours now face diminished effectiveness. The memo elaborated on how these overtime hours were vital for FAA-mandated pilot training and staffing necessary for wildfire suppression efforts. Without adequate funding, compliance and readiness for aerial firefighting are jeopardized.Crowley urged for restoration of funding, stating that the report underscores the urgent need for resources to ensure operational readiness and firefighter safety.
Meanwhile, Mayor Bass has publicly denied that the budget cuts have impaired the city’s emergency response capabilities, asserting that no reductions affected recent firefighting efforts. Despite this, she has faced scrutiny for being abroad during critical moments of the wildfire crisis. As wildfires continue to devastate parts of Los Angeles County, Crowley described the ongoing Palisades Fire as one of the most destructive natural disasters in the city’s history. The situation remains dire as firefighters work tirelessly to combat these blazes while grappling with the implications of reduced resources.
