Governor Gavin Newsom Cuts Budgets to FIRE DEPARTMENT After LA Fires

Governor Gavin Newsom’s budget cuts have ignited a firestorm of criticism as Los Angeles battles devastating wildfires.

At a Glance

  • Los Angeles wildfires have become the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history
  • Budget cuts to LA Fire Department and disbandment of Team Blaze hamper response efforts
  • Outdated equipment and water system deficiencies exacerbate the crisis
  • Newsom faces backlash for reallocating emergency services budgets
  • National Guard forced to train soldiers from scratch, delaying effective response

Newsom’s Budget Cuts Spark Controversy

California Governor Gavin Newsom is facing intense scrutiny for his handling of the Los Angeles wildfire crisis, which has escalated to become the most financially destructive natural disaster in American history. The Governor’s decision to implement budget cuts to the Los Angeles Fire Department and disband a crucial volunteer firefighting unit has left the state ill-equipped to manage the ongoing wildfire challenges.

The budget cuts have had a severe impact on the fire department’s ability to respond effectively to the crisis. Outdated equipment and significant deficiencies in the water systems, some of which have been noted since 2013, have further hampered firefighting efforts. The Santa Ynez Reservoir’s lack of water has become a glaring example of the state’s unpreparedness for such a catastrophic event.

One of the most controversial decisions made by Newsom’s administration was the disbandment of Team Blaze, a certified volunteer firefighting force, in early 2024. This move has significantly affected the California National Guard’s ability to respond effectively to the wildfires. Team Blaze, launched in 2020, was on track to expand to 1,000 members by 2023 and played a crucial role in supporting frontline firefighting efforts.

“Gov. Gavin Newsom is likely watching his Presidential ambitions burn to ash before his eyes,” Matt Vespa said.

The dissolution of Team Blaze left the National Guard without Type II handcrews, which are essential for supporting the frontline Type I handcrews. This gap in resources became glaringly apparent when Task Force Rattlesnake, composed of Type I handcrews, was deployed to Los Angeles but lacked crucial Type II support for 10 days.

National Guard Scrambles to Fill the Gap

The absence of Team Blaze forced the National Guard to train soldiers from scratch to perform Type II duties, significantly delaying an effective response to the wildfires. This improvised solution highlighted the severe consequences of Newsom’s budget cuts and organizational changes.

Critics argue that Newsom’s decision to reallocate emergency services budgets to other projects has directly impacted the state’s wildfire preparedness. The Governor now faces mounting political challenges as the consequences of these financial re-prioritizations become increasingly evident in the face of this unprecedented crisis.

What is wrong with Gavin Newsom?