At the time that key resources should have been mobilized (including the U.S. Navy/Coast Guard whoever had fire-fighting capability) the Mayor was in Ghana and the Fire Chief lacked the knowledge, skills and ability to get done what needed to get done.
Meanwhile Newscum refused to step up and take responsibility and pitch in to deal with the problem. He was focused on dodging responsibility and initiating a public relations/propaganda offensive to try to salvage his future Presidential plans.
It was a stunning lack of leadership.
They were probably watered down and demoralized by DEI practices in the state, county and city.
That is called “quiet quitting” where people take the paycheck but refuse to do anything not specifically required on paper.
In fairness it may just be they were totally unqualified for their positions and way over their heads in a true crisis.
I have a tendency to think the last part of your statement is most accurate. These officials seem unqualified for most tasks and were hired/promoted way beyond thru capabilities. There is jot one single thing I have seen or heard that to my mind, justifies their positions or salaries.