Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is facing backlash as wildfires continue to burn across Southern California. But why is she facing political heat?

Why was LA Mayor Karen Bass in Ghana as devastating wildfires broke out? - Los Angeles mayor set off for African nation on Saturday despite reports of possible fire weather the day prior

At this point, it remains to be seen just how vulnerable Bass is due to her perceived failure to prepare and then respond to the fires.

Some residents said Mayor Karen Bass should have canceled her trip to Ghana when weather warnings in Los Angeles grew increasingly dire.

Southern California wildfire maps ... some hope in Altadena Bass departed for Accra, Ghana on Saturday, Jan. 4. USA TODAY adds that Bass was out of the country as the Palisades caught fire.

Southern California wildfire maps ... some hope in Altadena Bass was in West Africa to attend the inauguration of Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama on Saturday. Jan 4. Bass departed for ...

ACCRA, Ghana (AP) — Soldiers killed at least seven people at a gold mine in southern Ghana, the West African country's military said.

Less than two weeks after the start of what has become one of the state’s most destructive natural disasters, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass continues to face backlash for her response to the Southern California wildfires, with critics demanding her resignation and some even floating a recall effort.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is facing withering criticism for her response to the firestorm ravaging her city

Staggered after one of the most destructive natural disasters in Southern California history ... after new details emerged about her trip to Ghana and the exact timing of her travel back to ...

Dangerous Santa Ana winds are expected to return to the Los Angeles area this week, potentially fueling the growth of new and existing wildfires, according to FOX Weather.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley said residents eager to return to evacuated areas must remain patient.