Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass faced criticism for being abroad during the January 2025 wildfires, which devastated Pacific Palisades and other areas, prompting a timeline of her actions and responses.
One Year Since Los Angeles Wildfires
LOS ANGELES – It has been a year since the wildfires began on January 7, 2025, in Los Angeles County.
As survivors of the Eaton and Palisades fires continue to rebuild, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass faces criticism from many constituents.
When the flames spread across the Pacific Palisades and Altadena, Bass was out of the country. She was in Ghana for the inauguration of President John Dramani Mahama as part of a U.S. delegation.
Upon learning of the devastation, she returned to Los Angeles as quickly as possible. However, her absence during the initial response left a negative impression on many Angelenos.
It is also important to note that the Eaton Fire occurred in LA County, which is outside her jurisdiction.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 7, 2025 | Bass declared a state of emergency after the Palisades Fire forced evacuations. |
| January 8, 2025 | Bass returned to Los Angeles and spoke with President Donald J. Trump about recovery efforts. |
| January 9, 2025 | Firefighters battled four fires, and Bass addressed funding cuts to the fire department. |
| January 14, 2025 | Bass issued an executive order to expedite rebuilding efforts. |
| January 17, 2025 | Bass appointed Steve Soboroff to lead rebuilding efforts. |
| January 24, 2025 | Bass and Trump clashed over rebuilding timelines during his visit to LA. |
| February 16, 2025 | Bass admitted her trip to Ghana was a mistake during a press conference. |
| February 21, 2025 | Bass fired Fire Chief Kristin Crowley for not completing an after-action report. |
| February 26, 2025 | Bass announced Phase 1 of debris removal was ahead of schedule. |
| March 6, 2025 | PETA criticized city officials for failing to save animals after the fires. |
| April 17, 2025 | Bass held a press conference marking 100 days since the wildfires. |
| October 24, 2025 | Bass named Jaime Moore as the new chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department. |
| January 6, 2026 | Bass issued a statement honoring first responders and remembering lives lost. |
Mayor Bass Reflects on the Wildfires
On January 6, 2026, Bass issued a statement honoring first responders and those displaced by the fires. She reflected on the tragedy, stating, “Twelve lives were tragically lost, thousands of homes were destroyed, and too many families remain displaced.”
Bass emphasized the resilience of the Palisades community and the need for long-term recovery efforts. She expressed her commitment to using her mayoral power to restore the community and support families.
What’s Next for Mayor Bass
Bass announced plans to run for re-election this year.
The Source: This story was written with information from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ official social media accounts, official statements, and previous FOX 11 reports.
