As apocalyptic fires raged across Los Angeles for more than 24 hours, Mayor Karen Bass returned from a trip to Ghana to face a viral confrontation that may define her time in office, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Upon disembarking from her flight, an Irish reporter pressed Bass with a series of tough questions about her absence during the crisis.

“Do you owe citizens an apology for being absent while their homes were burning?” the reporter asked. Bass did not respond. When asked about budget cuts to the fire department, she remained silent.

Related Story: Illegal Fireworks Suspected in Deadly Pacific Palisades Blaze

Bass Leaves LA for Ghana

Bass, 71, had left Los Angeles on Jan. 4 for the inauguration of Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, as the National Weather Service issued warnings about an incoming windstorm. During her absence, the Palisades fire ignited, spreading rapidly along with other fires in the city. She returned Wednesday to public outrage over her whereabouts and concerns about inadequate resources for the Fire Department.

The crisis escalated with Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley publicly criticizing the mayor, alleging the department was understaffed and underfunded. Rumors circulated that Bass had fired Crowley, further stoking tensions.

In the days following, political fallout mounted. Critics from all sides, including 2022 challenger Rick Caruso and City Controller Kenneth Mejia, lambasted Bass for her handling of the disaster. A Change.org petition demanding her resignation has gained over 120,000 signatures.

Bass, who was elected in November 2022, now faces a political crucible. Her leadership and response to the fires will shape her future, with many questioning whether she can rebuild the city amid both environmental and political challenges.

Read more at the Los Angeles Times.