Northeast
LA Mayor Karen Bass rejects assistance from FDNY; Newsom accepts help from Mexico crews
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass was accused in a report of rejecting an offer from the New York Fire Department to help battle deadly wildfires scorching the Golden State, but her office said it welcomed any aid.
As of Friday morning, the California fires have burned more than 10,000 homes and buildings in the Los Angeles area. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently agreed to pay for more firefighters after the state reported it was beyond capacity.
New York City Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker extended the offer in “recent days,” according to the New York Post. JetBlue agreed to pay for the firefighters’ fares to the city.
FDNY officials offered to send help to California amidst an outburst of deadly wildfires, according to the New York Post. (Luiz C. Ribeiro for NY Daily News via Getty Images)
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Although the Post reported that the offer had been spurned, Los Angeles Deputy Mayor of Communications Zach Seidl said the report was not true.
“This is false, we have never rejected resources – LA welcomes any and all help to fight fires,” Seidl said.
Mexico is sending crews to help contain the Eaton Fire, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Friday via X.
“California is deeply grateful for President @ClaudiaShein’s support as we work to suppress the Los Angeles wildfires,” Newsom wrote. “Our partnership and shared commitment to helping communities in need is greatly valued.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, right, surveys damage from the Palisades Fire on Wednesday. (Jeff Gritchen/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images)
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On a call with Fox News Digital on Friday afternoon, FDNY officials said they would prepare a statement.
New reports claim Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass rejected an offer of assistance from the New York Fire Department. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)
However, minutes later, they responded with an email saying, “We are currently unable to confirm or comment on this.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated with comment from an LA official denying the city had rejected help from the New York Fire Department.
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