Freddy Escobar expressed concerns about staffing levels, warning that lives were at risk due to shortfalls in the fire department
Escobar, who has been with the LAFD for 35 years, broke down while discussing how his warnings were ignored. He told city officials that the staffing situation was “dire” and that “someone will die” if things didn’t change.
He stood in front of the charred remains of a neighborhood, visibly shaken. Escobar emphasized that the department is severely understaffed, comparing it to the 1960s instead of reflecting modern needs.
This isn’t a new problem; he’s been raising concerns for years. Last year, Fire Chief Kristin Crowley also pointed out that the department was operating at half the recommended staffing levels.
Budget cuts have made things worse. Mayor Karen Bass reduced the fire department’s budget by $17.6 million for the upcoming fiscal year. As a result, valuable rescue equipment is sitting unused because they can’t afford to hire mechanics.
Currently, around 88,000 residents are under evacuation orders, with more potentially facing the same fate soon. The Santa Ana winds are expected to worsen the situation, spreading flames further. Tragically, 25 lives have already been lost due to the ongoing fires in LA County.
