I don't think you should uncritically believe this story as is. Any actual analysis that's worthwhile and more than "LOL, LMAO!" here is probably going to need a comparatively deep understanding of accounting rules surrounding the LAFD and such and political dealings. Usual thing for this type of stuff is you donate old equipment and buy new shit, somebody might've just thrown a wrench in that last part or whatever.

[–] Barabas@hexbear.net 20 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (1 children)

While neither the LACFD or the LAFD have mentioned equipment shortages hampering their efforts fighting the January 2025 wildfire outbreak, the LACFD did say that the combined fire departments across the Los Angeles area lacked the personnel necessary to quickly suppress this week’s major wildfires.

“There are not enough firefighters in L.A. County to address four separate fires of this magnitude,” Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said during a Jan. 8 press conference. “The L.A. County Fire Department was prepared for one or two major brush fires, but not four, especially given these sustained winds and low humidities.”

There is currently a fundraising campaign to help the LAFD acquire equipment, but that equipment is not the same type of equipment as what the LACFD said it donated to Ukraine. The campaign seeks to raise money for emergency personal fire shelters, hydration backpacks and wildland brush tools.

Excerpt from the article linked. This seems like a non-story pushed by reactionaries. Not sure that extra hoses and nozzles would have done a lot without extra fire engines to go with them.

[–] MeowZedong@lemmygrad.ml 2 points 2 days ago

They should invoice the oil and gas industry for everything as a "cost of doing business." It would be a much better fundraising campaign and better publicity. Shine the light on some of the true culprits.