Wildfire response may be affected by budget cuts, according to a memo from the LA fire department.

The LAFD chief warned a month ago that a $18 million budget cut had put the department into "unprecedented operational challenges," which would hinder its ability to respond to large-scale emergencies like wildfires.

In a memo viewed by Planet Chronicle Digital on Dec. 4, LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley warned of the "cascading impacts" that budget cuts would have on the department.

The LAFD has faced criticism after the city cut $17.6 million from its budget, while the county continues to suffer from devastating wildfires that have claimed at least 10 lives.

The budget measures signed off by LA Mayor Karen Bass, who has faced criticism for her leadership, deny that the cuts will hinder the city's response. The cuts will take effect on July 1, 2024.

The LAFD's overtime budget, known as "v-hours," was reduced by $7 million, resulting in the elimination of critical civilian positions, as Crowley stated.

Crowley wrote that the budgetary reductions have negatively impacted the department's capacity to sustain essential operations, including technology and communication systems, payroll processing, training, fire prevention, and community education.

The decrease in v-hours has significantly restricted the department's ability to prepare for, train for, and respond to large-scale emergencies, including wildfires, earthquakes, hazardous materials incidents, and large public events, as stated in Crowley's memo.

"Reduced effectiveness" now poses a risk to various units and teams that use v-hours.

The Los Angeles Fire Department's operations were impacted by budget cuts, as detailed in a 21-page memo titled "Los Angeles Fire Department Service Impacts on Operations." This document was presented to the Board of Fire Commissioners, a panel of mayoral appointees responsible for managing the department, according to a report from NBC Los Angeles.

Crowley's memo, presented to the Board of Fire Commissioners, stated that the overtime hours were utilized to cover the costs of FAA-mandated pilot training and helicopter coordination staffing for wildfire suppression.

"The memo states that the lack of funding poses a threat to pilot compliance and readiness, as well as diminishes aerial firefighting capabilities. Additionally, any changes to the Air Operations Section may affect the department's ability to fulfill current automatic and mutual aid agreements, provide air ambulance service, and respond quickly to woodland fires with water-dropping helicopters."

Crowley called for the funding to be restored.

The report presents a comprehensive examination of these cascading effects, emphasizing the urgent necessity of resource restoration to maintain operational readiness, safeguard firefighters, and provide exceptional public service.

At a press conference on Thursday, Bass denied that the budget cuts diminished the city's response when asked about them.

Bass stated that no reductions were made that would have affected the situation we faced over the past few days.

"Despite the confusion caused by the allocation of money for distribution later, it is crucial to recognize that we were facing tough budgetary times. Everyone was aware of the situation, but the impact of our budget did not significantly affect our current challenges."

In addition to budget cuts, Bass has been criticized for attending a presidential inauguration in Ghana while a fire broke out in her city on Tuesday. Trump has blamed California Gov. Newsom for the disaster, accusing him of refusing to sign a water restoration declaration and criticizing him for low fire containment.

The Palisades Fire, which is still 0% contained, is considered one of the most devastating natural disasters in the history of Los Angeles, according to Crowley.

The mayor's office did not respond to Planet Chronicle Digital's request for comment.

READ THE MEMO BELOW. APP USERS: CLICK HERE

Planet Chronicle’ Emmett Jones contributed to this report.