Actor Denis Leary, appearing on "The View," highlighted the long-standing issue of understaffing and budget cuts within the Los Angeles Fire Department. He connected these challenges to the difficulties faced combating recent wildfires in the region.

Leary, whose Leary Firefighters Foundation has supported fire departments nationwide since 2000, emphasized that the LAFD's situation isn't unique. He pointed out that his foundation receives countless funding requests annually from fire departments across the country, both large and small, a number that continues to grow.

The foundation provides essential equipment and training, filling gaps created by shrinking budgets. Leary argued that fire departments are often the first target for budget cuts, exacerbated by the fact that firefighters, unlike other public service sectors, don't resort to strikes. He stated that the LAFD has been understaffed for over a decade, even having to lay off mechanics responsible for maintaining fire trucks.

This aligns with recent statements from LA Fire Chief Kristen Crowley, who warned of "unprecedented operational challenges" due to a $17.6 million budget cut. Crowley publicly stated that the city has failed its residents, leaving the fire department understaffed and underfunded for years. She stressed the need for proper funding to allow firefighters to effectively protect the community.

Leary also addressed concerns about fire hydrants running dry during the recent wildfires, an issue currently under investigation by Governor Gavin Newsom. While acknowledging the hydrant issue, Leary emphasized the sheer intensity of the fires, driven by 100-mile-per-hour winds, suggesting that even fully functioning hydrants might have struggled against such extreme conditions. He recommended waiting for a comprehensive post-incident analysis from the fire department to understand the full scope of the challenges faced.