During the devastating Palisades and Eaton fires in California, a significant number of firefighters were unable to assist on the front lines due to an abundance of unserviced vehicles at the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), according to official sources. The maintenance issue was brought to light following a rare inside look into the LAFDs largest maintenance yard in Lincoln Heights, granted to KTLAs Annie Rose Ramos.
Freddie Escobar, LAFDunion President, stated that the unserviced emergency vehicles in the yard were the result of a lack of funding for mechanics and spare parts needed for engine repair of trucks and ambulances. This vehicle shortage ultimately resulted not only in a lack of equipment needed for the massive wildfires but also in firefighters being unable to travel to the front lines, despite reporting for duty at the scene of the fires.
A visit from L.A. City Councilmember Traci Park affirmed the frustrations surrounding the unserviced vehicles. Park noted the vast impact of having these emergency resources out of service, stating it affects large parts of Los Angeles, reducing the resources available to keep the city safe. LAFD Chief, Kristin Crowley, attributed some of these problems to budget cuts, suggesting that while these extra vehicles may not have stopped the fires, they could have potentially helped save homes.
Both Escobar and Park highlighted the need for action. Park stated her support for a recent bond measure that could provide some funding, but also emphasized the need for more innovative solutions. Escobar stressed that the neglect of the LAFD must be addressed by city officials and Mayor Karen Bass.
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