Los Angeles Fire Chief Kirstin Crowley has slammed the city’s mayor, Karen Bass, for “failing” fire crews and communities devastated by the ongoing wildfires. Crowley said that the city’s leadership has prevented the department from effectively doing its job, citing “huge gaps” in the fire department’s ability to tackle the blazes on the ground.
Crowley’s comments join a growing chorus of criticism from high-profile celebrities, including reality star Khloe Kardashian, who took to social media to express her outrage at the mayor’s decision to cut around $17.5 million from the fire department’s budget this fiscal year.
Other celebrities, such as Spencer Pratt, have also spoken out, with Pratt announcing plans to sue the state of California for its alleged negligence after his home was destroyed in the Pacific Palisades fire.
The Kardashians, including Kim, Khloe, Kris, Kourtney, and Kendall, have all evacuated their mansions in Hidden Hills and Calabasas as the fires continue to rage.
The firefighting efforts have been hampered by a lack of resources, with Eden Prairie, Arkansas native Kirstin Crowley stating that the department is “screaming to be properly funded” to ensure that firefighters can do their jobs effectively.
Khloe also shared a message of support for the first responders, firefighters, and Chief of the Fire Department, saying, “You spoke the truth and you had tears in your eyes because I can tell you didn’t want to say that but it was THE TRUTH!!!!” and “I stand with YOU Chief Crowley!!!!”
Other celebrities who have spoken out against the mayor’s handling of the crisis include Sarah Michelle Gellar, Sara Foster, James Woods, and actor Dennis Quaid, who returning from his home after having to evacuate, claimed that the city’s infrastructure and water supply were a major problem.
Pope Francis has also expressed his condolences and solidarity with the victims and rescuers, praying for relief efforts and the safety of those affected.
The fires, which have so far killed 11 people, have also destroyed numerous homes, including those of several high-profile celebrities, including Adam Brody, Leighton Meester, Anna Faris, John Goodman, Anthony Hopkins, Billy Crystal, and Eugene Levy.