Employee raises and other expenses are expanding the Los Angeles Fire Department's budget. At the same time, the agency has had to scale back operations in recent months.

During the closing monologue of HBO’s "Real Time," host Bill Maher trashed the government for how they’re handling the wildfires that are ravaging Los Angeles.

Since Mayor Bass returned to LA, she has thanked the LAFD for their service and announced that the fires have been "fully contained."

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ deputy mayor — whose purview included oversight of the city’s fire department — was placed on administrative leave last month after the FBI

The budget, approved last year by Bass, cut mainly administrative jobs but also axed about $7 million from its overtime budget.

The Los Angeles Fire Department refuted speculation that its chief, Kristin Crowley, had been dismissed as crews continue to battle the wildfires across the region.

Bass has faced widespread outrage over her whereabouts after returning to Los Angeles from Ghana on Wednesday, 24 hours after fires ignited.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass repeatedly dodged questions about her leadership and alleged lack of initial presence during the ongoing wildfires affecting the area.

Corruption is ingrained in Los Angeles,” said Jamie Court, president of Consumer Watchdog, a non-profit public interest group.

California voters have had the power to recall elected officials. It was meant for a time like this, when “indolent” and incompetent leaders are failing. The recall allowed citizens to quickly remove an officeholder and vote in a replacement at the same time.

Gavin Newsom, Karen Bass, and the 2028 Summer Olympics: All three, to different degrees, have been imperiled by the deadly wildfires still tearing through Los Angeles.