Did Los Angeles Really Cut $17.6M from the Fire Department Budget

Los Angeles: The city has indeed cut nearly $17.6 million from the Los Angeles Fire Department’s budget this fiscal year. That’s about a 2% drop from last year.

With wildfires causing chaos in the area, this budget cut has raised eyebrows. Just recently, massive fires swept through neighborhoods, tragically taking lives and threatening landmarks.

Social media has been buzzing, claiming that Mayor Karen Bass made this cut before the fires started. But the records confirm the cut was real.

In June 2024, Mayor Bass signed off on a budget of over $819 million for the LAFD, which included salaries and expenses. She mentioned that this budget aims to prioritize hiring for essential roles while trimming down on vacant positions.

Last year, the LAFD’s budget was about $837 million, so this year’s cut is significant. Interestingly, some posts suggest that the fire department’s funding might have been shifted to the LAPD, which saw a hefty budget increase.

In November 2024, the city council approved a contract to boost wages and benefits for LAFD personnel, which adds another layer to the budget conversation.

As of January 2025, city officials indicated that funds would be moved into the fire department’s budget to cover staffing costs. They expect to finalize these transfers soon.

The mayor’s office hasn’t commented yet, but the VERIFY team is on it, working to clarify the facts for everyone. Stay tuned for updates!