LA Mayor Bass Under Fire for Ghana Trip During Deadly Blaze

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Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is facing intense criticism for traveling to Ghana during the 2025 Palisades Fire, which killed 12 people and destroyed over 6,800 structures in Malibu and Los Angeles. Despite warnings from the National Weather Service and concerns from her own staff, Bass left the city during the leadership vacuum that ensued, leading to accusations of incompetence and a coverup of her actions.

Why it matters

As the mayor of Los Angeles, Bass has a responsibility to lead and protect the city, especially during times of crisis. Her absence during the deadly Palisades Fire has raised questions about her priorities and commitment to the well-being of her constituents.

The details

Despite the most direct warning from the National Weather Service and Governor Newsom predeploying dozens of fire engines to LA, Bass left the city to attend a party at an embassy in Ghana. Over 100,000 people were evacuated during the fires, and more than 6,800 structures were destroyed, including homes, businesses, and architectural gems. Twelve people died in the blaze. When Bass returned, she claimed to have been in contact with her staff 'almost every hour of the flight' and subsequently demoted her fire chief, but she has been accused of orchestrating a coverup by softening after-report language, deleting texts and emails, and failing to take responsibility for the tragedy.

• The Palisades Fire broke out in 2025.
• Mayor Bass traveled to Ghana during the fire.
• Over 100,000 people were evacuated and more than 6,800 structures were destroyed during the fire.
• Twelve people died in the Palisades Fire.
• A year later, the coverup orchestrated by Mayor Bass is being exposed.

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.