Weather & Science

Los Angeles Gains Ground on Fires as Finger-Pointing Begins

  • Fire chief blames budget cuts; Newsom seeks probe of hydrants
  • Winds expected to fade this weekend, return next week
The Kenneth fire, front, approaches homes while the back side of the Palisade fire continues to burn Los Angeles county, California, on Jan. 9.Photographer: Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images
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Even as firefighters finally gained ground Friday on the blazes paralyzing Los Angeles, officials traded accusations that the city’s own actions had made the catastrophe worse.

Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley pointed the finger at city leaders for cutting her department’s budget, saying it hindered the firefight.