Story perspectives

LA Fire Department Faces Backlash Over PR Spending

1/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation hired the Lede Company, a celebrity PR firm, to manage the image of Los Angeles Fire Department officials after the Palisades Fire, which killed 12 people.
The decision drew criticism because the department had publicly claimed it lacked funds for essential firefighting resources.
Rick Caruso, a businessman and major donor, plans to seek an audit to ensure his contributions supported firefighting, not public relations.

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Story summary

The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation hired the Lede Company, a celebrity PR firm, to manage the image of Los Angeles Fire Department officials after the Palisades Fire, which killed 12 people.
The decision drew criticism because the department had publicly claimed it lacked funds for essential firefighting resources.
Rick Caruso, a businessman and major donor, plans to seek an audit to ensure his contributions supported firefighting, not public relations.