As the most destructive fire in Los Angeles area history rages, Mayor Karen Bass faces criticism over the timing of an overseas trip and budget cuts made months ago that affected the city’s fire department.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declined to respond to criticism on Wednesday of the city's handling of a series of wildfires that have left at least five people dead and thousands of structures burned.

Since Mayor Bass returned to LA, she has thanked the LAFD for their service and announced that the fires have been "fully contained."