Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is facing criticism for being out of the country when the devastating wildfires began to ravage the city.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declined to respond to criticism on Wednesday of the city's handling of a series of wildfires that have left at least five people dead and thousands of structures burned.

Los Angeles’ mayor remained speechless as she was confronted by a reporter after flying back home to find swathes of her city burnt to the ground.