L.A. Mayor Karen Bass Criticized For Being In Ghana During Wildfires As 30,000 Are Forced To Evacuate Homes

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is facing criticism after it was revealed that she was in Ghana attending a presidential inauguration when wildfires broke out in the northern and western suburbs of the city. The wildfires, fueled by high winds, have devastated over 4,000 acres, prompting mandatory evacuations. Bass, who was part of a U.S. delegation at the inauguration of Ghana’s new president, John Dramani Mahama, is expected to return to Los Angeles soon.

Eyewitnesses report a “crazy scene” of burning cars abandoned in the streets fleeing the fire.

The wildfires, including the Palisades fire, the largest blaze, and others like the Eaton and Hurst fires, have caused significant damage to local communities. Across the city, over 30,000 have been forced to evacuate their homes. California Gov. Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency, and President Joe Biden announced financial aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Critics, including mayoral rival Rick Caruso, who was defeated by Bass in the 2022 mayoral election, criticized her for not returning to the U.S. earlier, arguing that authorities should have anticipated the risk posed by the winds, blaming city authorities for their failure to reduce the fire risk by removing brush in the hills surrounding LA. Additionally, he claimed that the delay in refilling a reservoir hindered firefighting efforts.

Bass has since posted updates on social media, assuring Angelenos that local fire and police teams are working tirelessly to manage the crisis. She urged residents to stay vigilant as conditions are expected to worsen.

Bass’s absence has not only sparked criticism over her immediate response to the wildfires but also raised concerns about her political future, with some questioning her leadership amidst an ongoing crisis. Her actions in the wake of this emergency may influence her chances in the 2026 reelection campaign, as public confidence in her ability to handle such crises continues to be scrutinized.

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