LA Mayor Vacations in Africa During Major Wildfire


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Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass was criticized for her absence from the city during a critical wildfire emergency as she attended a presidential inauguration in Ghana. The Democratic mayor joined a taxpayer-funded delegation to witness John Dramani Mahama’s swearing-in ceremony in Accra while her constituents faced evacuation orders due to rapidly spreading fires.

The delegation, led by U.S. Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda D. Young, included U.S. Ambassador to Ghana Virginia E. Palmer and National Security Council Senior Director Frances Z. Brown alongside Bass.

Meanwhile, back in Los Angeles, a devastating wildfire erupted in the Pacific Palisades area, forcing evacuations of local schools and threatening residential areas. The emergency response involved more than 1,400 firefighting personnel deployed across the region to battle the intensifying blazes.

The situation proved particularly severe, with approximately 30,000 residents forced to evacuate and over 13,000 structures at risk. The timing of Bass’s overseas trip, who took office in 2022, drew sharp criticism from residents on social media, who expressed outrage at her absence during the crisis.

The emergency situation was expected to deteriorate further, with Santa Ana winds already reaching speeds of 60 mph in certain areas. Weather forecasts predicted even more dangerous conditions overnight, with potential wind gusts exceeding 100 mph in mountain and foothill regions that had experienced minimal rainfall for months.

Fire officials remained particularly concerned about these areas, which faced an increased threat due to the combination of high winds and prolonged dry conditions.

 

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