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

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.

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

Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles is facing public criticism for being in Ghana during the raging wildfires in Southern California.

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

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

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

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.

A central part of the city was under threat as a new fire broke out in the Hollywood Hills. Firefighters were already struggling to fight the worst blaze in Los Angeles history, and more than 100,000 people were under mandatory evacuation orders.

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.

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.

Fires across the Los Angeles area have killed at least 25 people. The Palisades and Eaton fires continue to burn in Southern California.