The Los Angeles Fire Department chief warned weeks before the devastating Palisades fire that a decision to cut the department’s budget by nearly $18 million would reduce the department’s ability to prepare for and respond to large-scale emergencies. was.
The budget cuts approved by Mayor Karen Bass last year were mostly absorbed by leaving many administrative positions vacant, but they also cut about $7 million from the after-hours budget and reduced funding for training, fire protection, and other budget cuts. devoted to important functions.
“These cuts have significantly limited the department’s ability to prepare for, train for, and respond to large-scale emergencies such as wildfires,” Secretary Christine Crowley said in a Dec. 4, 2024, memo.
The memo said the variable overtime hours, known as “V-hours” within the LAFD, were used to pay for FAA-mandated pilot training and helicopter coordinators for wildfire suppression.
“Without this funding, pilot compliance and readiness are at risk and aerial firefighting capabilities are reduced,” the department said. “Changes to the aviation operations sector will impact the department’s ability to comply with current automatic and mutual aid agreements, provide air ambulance services, and quickly respond to bushfires with water cannon helicopters.”
The memo also identified other areas affected by the cuts, including the Disaster Response Section, which funds bulldozer teams that cut breaks and control lines around wildfires, and the Critical Incident Plan Training Section, which develops plans for major emergencies. He also highlights other programs he attends.
The Palisades Fire broke out on Tuesday, destroying hundreds of buildings and burning about 15,800 acres, fanned by strong winds. This is one of five wildfires burning in Southern California.
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