LA Fires: Mayor Bass responds to backlash over Ghana trip

LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is facing criticism for traveling outside the country as fast-moving and devastating wildfires continue to rip through parts of Southern California.

During a press conference Thursday morning, Bass addressed the backlash over the timing of her trip to Ghana, reassuring the public that the city's top priority is protecting lives.

"We have to save lives and we have to save homes. Rest assured that when that is done, when we are safe, when lives have been saved and homes have been saved, we will absolutely do an evaluation to look at what worked, what didn't work, and to correct or to hold accountable anybody, department, individual, etc.. But my focus right now is on the lives and on the homes," Bass said in response to a reporter questioning the city's lack of preparation for the deadly wildfires.

"I just said what I believe is the most important thing for us to do right now, and that is going to continue to be my focus. Thank you," Mayor Bass added when asked if she thought her leadership was effective while responding to the wildfires.

Bass did not discuss anything about her trip further. Instead, she directed the public to be ready and keep up to date with emergency information online.

"Food, water, medicine, a bag packed and ready again, this is an active situation, and conserve water to the extent that you can. We want to make sure that we are ready if we need more water," she said.

"This firestorm is the big one," she later added.

On Wednesday afternoon, Bass returned to Los Angeles following a trip to Ghana as part of a U.S. delegation to Accra for the inauguration of President John Dramani Mahama, who was elected last year.

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At the airport, she was confronted by media with a barrage of questions.

"Do you owe citizens an apology for being absent while their homes were burning? And do you regret cutting the fire department budget by millions of dollars, madam mayor?"

Bass remained silent and looked to the floor as she was peppered with more questions. 

"Have you absolutely nothing to say to the citizens today?"

"No apology for them [Los Angeles residents]? Do you think you should have been visiting Ghana while this was unfolding back home?"

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Bass did not comment. 

In an interview Wednesday, Councilmember Traci Park called out the city's lack of investment in critical infrastructure and underfunding to fire departments.

"Los Angeles is not yet ready," she said.

At least 180,000 residents are under evacuation orders for all fires burning in Los Angeles County, officials said. Five fatalities have been reported.