Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is under increasing pressure to resign as public outrage over her handling of the city’s devastating wildfires continues to grow. A petition demanding her immediate recall has surged past 86,000 signatures, reflecting widespread frustration with her absence and budget decisions during the crisis.

Bass was vacationing in Ghana when the first major wildfire erupted in the Pacific Palisades, leaving communities vulnerable and unprotected. By the time she returned, more than 54 square miles had burned, over 4,000 homes were destroyed and at least 11 people had lost their lives. Evacuation orders have displaced more than 130,000 residents as fires continue to rage across the city.

Karen Bass needs to resign for seriously cutting the fire department budget and going to Ghana instead of being in LA doing her job.
If she doesn’t resign, LA needs to do a recall vote! pic.twitter.com/OImXKVedZH

— hpowders (@hpowders24805) January 11, 2025

The petition criticizes Bass for abandoning Los Angeles during a critical time, accusing her of failing to prioritize emergency preparedness and disaster response. “Mayor Bass has been absent from the frontlines while her constituents suffer,” the petition states, calling for her immediate resignation and a thorough investigation into the city’s handling of the crisis.

I’m hesitant to feel optimistic about left-wing Californians calling for resignations from the LA Mayor and Governor Newsom.

In NY, they got rid of Andrew Cuomo and ended up with Kathy Hochul.

In Chicago, they recalled Lori Lightfoot and elected Brandon Johnson.

If it’s up to…

— Jessica 🇺🇸 (@RealJessica05) January 12, 2025

Outrage intensified after reports surfaced that Bass had slashed $17.6 million from the Los Angeles Fire Department’s budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year. A leaked memo also revealed plans for an additional $49 million in cuts that could have led to the closure of 16 fire stations. Critics argue these budget decisions left the city dangerously underprepared for the wildfire emergency.

Oakland recalled our failed progressive puppet mayor and you can too LA!!!! https://t.co/R91pqu17iI

— Seneca Scott (@SenecaSpeaks21) January 11, 2025

Former Los Angeles Department of Water and Power General Manager Martin Adams admitted that the city’s infrastructure is incapable of supporting the demands of fighting large-scale wildfires. Several neighborhoods reported empty fire hydrants, severely hindering firefighting efforts.

In response to mounting criticism, Governor Gavin Newsom has launched an investigation into the city’s disaster preparedness and resource management. However, many residents believe this investigation comes too late and insist that Mayor Bass must be held accountable for the administration’s failures.

Angelenos are demanding not only Bass’s resignation but also a full accounting of how taxpayer dollars meant for emergency preparedness were allocated. They want leadership that prioritizes public safety and ensures Los Angeles is better equipped for future crises.

As the wildfires continue to wreak havoc, the public’s frustration with Mayor Bass shows no sign of easing, and the call for new leadership grows louder by the day.