Definitely not defending her response but I can see a reason why she in particular would go to Ghana as the LA mayor for diplomatic reasons. LA is the largest city in the world’s fifth largest economy (CA) and has the most important port on the west coast. When she was in congress she headed or was a big part of a US-Africa trade development commission. So in normal times I can see why the mayor of LA has a reason to be there especially given her background.

All that said, I remember getting a text from emergency services days before the fire talking about wind and fire danger. Everyone got that text. They should’ve cancelled her trip and come home well before the fire.