75 Fire Trucks in Los Angeles Sit Idle as Wildfires Rage Nearby

Los Angeles: It’s pretty alarming to hear that 75 fire trucks are just sitting around in a repair shop while wildfires are tearing through the area. These trucks are stuck in a maintenance lot, and the wildfires are hitting places like Altadena, Pacific Palisades, and Malibu hard.

The Los Angeles Fire Department has been struggling with budget cuts, which have left them with fewer resources to fix their essential firefighting vehicles. Fire Chief Kristin Crowley even admitted that they have over 100 fire trucks out of service. That’s a big deal when wildfires are forcing thousands of people to evacuate.

It’s frustrating to see these trucks just waiting for repairs while the fires rage on. The LAFD’s budget was slashed by $17 million, and that’s made it tough for them to keep their equipment in working order. Captain Freddy Escobar, who leads the firefighters’ union, has been vocal about how underfunded the department is.

With hurricane-speed winds fueling the flames, the situation is dire. Escobar pointed out that they don’t have enough firefighters or equipment to handle the emergency calls they get every year. It’s a tough spot, especially when half of the fires they respond to are linked to the homeless population.

City officials are aware of the problem, but it seems like they’re not doing enough. Just last month, Escobar warned that the fire department was stretched thin, and someone could get hurt if things don’t change. It’s a scary thought, especially with the wildfires causing so much destruction.

As of now, over 7,500 firefighters from across California and beyond are working to combat the flames. Sadly, at least 25 people have lost their lives in these fires, and that number could rise. The Palisades Fire alone has burned over 23,000 acres, and the Eaton Fire has taken out more than 14,000 acres. It’s a tough time for Los Angeles, and the community is hoping for better support for their firefighters.