Fact-checking criticism of California officials over fires

President-elect Donald Trump criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass for mismanaging the city’s preparation for wildfires, blaming Newsom for a non-existent water restoration declaration and accusing him of prioritizing fish species over firefighting efforts. Newsom confirmed reports of water shortages in fire hydrants during the wildfires and called for an investigation, while Mayor Bass faced backlash for cutting the LA Fire Department budget by $17.6m, limiting the department’s ability to respond to emergencies. Despite the budget cuts, the LAFD, along with other agencies, continues to battle the wildfires in LA.

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