On January 7, 2025, while attending a reception at the U.S. Embassy in Ghana, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass received alarming news from her team back home. Just before 11 a.m. PST, her deputy chief of staff, Celine Cordero, alerted her about two significant fires raging in Los Angeles, including one in Pacific Palisades. This fire, fueled by strong winds, would later devastate the area, leading to the loss of 12 lives and thousands of homes.
Bass was in Ghana as part of a Biden administration delegation for the inauguration of the country’s new president. At the time, she was over 7,500 miles away from the unfolding disaster. Cordero’s messages warned of potential evacuations and escalating fire conditions, with winds reaching up to 40 mph and the fire rapidly spreading across 100 acres.
Despite the dire situation, Bass continued to engage with dignitaries at the embassy event. However, she spent considerable time making calls and coordinating with her staff. As the evening progressed, the situation worsened, with the fire growing to 200 acres and evacuation orders being issued.
Back in Los Angeles, the winds intensified, and the fire department shifted to life-saving operations, prioritizing evacuations over property protection. Bass remained in contact with her team, emphasizing her ability to make calls from the military jet that was set to take her back to the U.S.
After a series of urgent texts, Bass boarded a military flight to return home. During her journey, she communicated with various officials, including U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla, who offered support and resources for the crisis. Conditions in Los Angeles deteriorated further, with reports of multiple injuries and grounded aircraft due to visibility issues.
Bass finally landed at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland before catching a commercial flight back to Los Angeles. Throughout her travel, she maintained communication with her staff, discussing the need for coordinated responses to the disaster, including the cancellation of large public events.
As she arrived at Los Angeles International Airport around 11:24 a.m. PST on January 8, Bass faced mounting pressure regarding her absence during the crisis. A Sky News reporter questioned her about her trip to Ghana amid the fires, but she did not respond.
The Palisades fire and its aftermath have raised critical questions about Bass’s leadership and decision-making during a pivotal moment for the city. The events of those days will likely influence her political future and legacy as mayor.