Major Shake-Up: Mayor Karen Bass Dismisses Fire Chief Kristin Crowley in Los Angeles

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass recently fired Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, mainly due to her response to the Palisades wildfire, one of California’s most destructive fires.

Mayor Bass stated that Crowley’s removal was necessary for the safety of Los Angeles and the effective operation of the Fire Department.

Despite being fired, Crowley, a 25-year veteran of the LAFD, will stay employed with the department at a lower rank. An interim fire chief will now handle her duties.

The Palisades fire, which began on January 7, devastated the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, and parts of Malibu. The fire claimed the lives of 12 people and burned nearly 24,000 acres. Thousands of residents were forced to evacuate, many losing their homes and cherished possessions as more than 7,800 buildings were either damaged or destroyed.

Criticism of Crowley arose after many claimed that firefighters responded too late and that evacuation orders were delayed. Crowley also had concerns about a $17.4 million budget cut to the Fire Department for 2025, arguing it would hurt their ability to fight fires effectively. She warned city leaders that the department was already understaffed and lacked resources.

In her announcement, Mayor Bass provided specific reasons for Crowley’s dismissal. She pointed out that 1,000 firefighters who could have responded were sent home prior to the outbreak of the fire and highlighted Crowley’s lack of cooperation with an investigation regarding the department’s response.

Bass emphasized that Crowley did not adequately inform her about dangerous weather conditions prior to the fire. Instead, after the fire started, Crowley only reached out to the mayor.

The mayor justified her delayed decision to fire Crowley by saying she wouldn’t act during a state of emergency. Bass appointed Ronnie Villanueva, a seasoned department veteran, as the interim fire chief. Villanueva vowed that the Fire Department would be prepared and capable of responding effectively.

Reactions to Crowley’s firing have been mixed. Some, including Rick Caruso, a former mayoral candidate, expressed disappointment in Bass’s decision, suggesting accountability should lie with city officials rather than with Crowley alone. Others, including the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, felt that Crowley was unfairly blamed for the shortcomings of the department.

In the lead-up to the fire, there were multiple warnings from the National Weather Service regarding harmful conditions. The fire erupted during a windstorm, further complicating the situation for firefighters trying to control it. Crowley criticized the city for budget cuts, stating that these reductions severely impacted their firefighting abilities.

Mayor Bass defended her leadership throughout the crisis while asserting that investigations into the wildfire response would continue. She noted plans to increase the fire department’s budget and begin a search for a new permanent chief.

“We are moving forward with the rebuilding and clearing of the debris,” Bass assured. The city, while facing challenges, is committed to recovery and improvement.

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