Mayor, fire chief in dispute

Setting up a rare public conflict with his own fire chief, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa on Thursday ordered 51 Los Angeles Fire Department assistants to the front lines during this wildfire season to temporarily end reduced staffing at stations. Daily News,

The move would nearly return the Fire Department to full strength, after budget cuts had taken 15 firetrucks and nine ambulances out of commission last year to save $39 million. The firetrucks will be restored, but not the ambulances.