Karen Bass criticized for attending Mahama inauguration amid L.A. wildfires

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass came under fire for being in Ghana during the inauguration of President John Dramani Mahama, when devastating wildfires swept through her city.

The fires destroyed over 1,000 homes and forced 100,000 residents to evacuate.

Mayor Bass, part of a U.S. delegation sent by President Biden, returned to Los Angeles on Wednesday, after significant damage had already occurred.

Critics have questioned her decision to remain overseas despite dire fire warnings issued days earlier by weather forecasters.

In Pacific Palisades, firefighters battled a shortage of water as hydrants ran dry during the emergency.

Former mayoral candidate Rick Caruso labeled the situation a "massive failure" and criticized Bass for her absence during the crisis.

Bass defended her actions, citing efforts to return promptly and the unprecedented nature of the windstorm fueling the fires.