LOS ANGELES — Following the city’s most destructive wildfire six weeks prior, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass removed Fire Chief Kristin Crowley on Friday. This decision comes amid public disagreement regarding fire preparedness and accusations exchanged between the chief and City Hall regarding responsibility for the widespread damage.
Bass stated that Chief Kristin Crowley’s removal is effective immediately.
“Our city needs new leadership in the Fire Department,” Bass said.
Bass revealed, “1,000 firefighters who could have been working when the fires began were instead off duty under Chief Crowley’s direction.” She also mentioned the chief’s denial of a request for an “after-action report” on the fires, which Bass considers essential for the investigation.
The fires began with strong winds on January 7, impacting approximately 8,000 properties in the LA neighborhood and resulting in at least 12 fatalities. Simultaneously, another wind-driven fire struck , an eastern suburb, causing at least 17 deaths and damaging over 10,000 properties.
Bass has faced scrutiny for her trip to Africa with a presidential delegation when the fires ignited, despite prior warnings of dangerous fire conditions.
In recent interviews, Bass admitted her error in leaving the city. However, she implied she was unaware of the imminent danger when she traveled to Ghana for President John Dramani Mahama’s inauguration. She criticized Crowley for not informing her about the potential fire risks.
Crowley has blamed the city for budget cuts, arguing that they hindered the fire department’s capabilities.
Crowley was appointed fire chief in 2022 by Bass’ predecessor during a period of departmental instability due to harassment, hazing, and discrimination allegations. She dedicated over 25 years to the city fire department, holding positions such as fire marshal, engineer, and battalion chief.
Billionaire developer Rick Caruso, who lost to Bass in the 2022 election and has criticized her handling of the wildfires, described Crowley’s dismissal as “very disappointing.”
Caruso stated in an X post that the chief “spoke honestly about the severe and profoundly ill-conceived budget cuts the Bass administration made to the LAFD,” adding that “honesty in a high city official should not be a firing offense.”
