Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass made a significant announcement on Friday, revealing that she had fired Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley. The decision was largely attributed to Crowley’s handling of the devastating Palisades wildfire, which ranks among the most destructive in California’s history. Bass stated that the removal was “in the best interests of Los Angeles’ public safety, and for the operations of the Los Angeles Fire Department.” While Crowley will no longer serve as chief, she will remain employed by the fire department at a lower rank, with her new duties to be assigned by the interim fire chief, according to a statement from the mayor’s office.
Crowley, a 25-year veteran of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to lead the department. In a statement released on Saturday, she said, “As the Fire Chief, I based my actions and decisions on taking care of our firefighters so that they could take care of our communities.” Her removal comes in the aftermath of the catastrophic Palisades fire, which began on January 7 and burned nearly 24,000 acres, killing 12 people and damaging or destroying over 7,800 buildings. The fire displaced thousands, leaving many with nothing but ruins and cherished memories of their homes. Crowley had faced criticism for the department’s response, with allegations that firefighters arrived too late and evacuation orders could have been issued sooner.
Mayor Bass also faced scrutiny for her absence during the crisis, as she was in Ghana attending the inauguration of President John Dramani Mahama as part of a U.S. presidential delegation. Bass defended her decision, stating she had been in “constant contact” with local, federal, and county officials and took the fastest route back to California. However, she criticized Crowley for not notifying her in advance about the high winds fueling the fire, despite the department’s claims that they had followed appropriate preparation protocols. Bass cited two specific reasons for Crowley’s removal: 1,000 firefighters were off-duty the morning of the fire, and Crowley refused to cooperate with part of the investigation into the wildfire response.
The decision to remove Crowley has sparked mixed reactions. While some, like Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, support Bass’s decision, others, including real estate developer and former mayoral candidate Rick Caruso, have expressed disapproval. Caruso criticized Bass for shifting blame rather than taking responsibility, praising Crowley for her honesty about the department’s budget cuts. United Firefighters of Los Angeles City president Freddy Escobar also slammed the termination, calling Crowley a scapegoat and emphasizing that the fire department has been underfunded and under-resourced for years. Crowley had publicly criticized a $17.4 million cut to the department’s 2025 budget, warning that it would negatively impact their ability to respond to emergencies.
Despite the backlash, Bass has moved forward with appointing interim fire chief Ronnie Villanueva, a 41-year department veteran. Villanueva pledged to ensure the department is prepared and ready to protect the city. Bass also acknowledged the need for accountability and improvement, stating that the investigations into the wildfire response will continue and the fire department budget is likely to be increased. She emphasized her commitment to transparency and rebuilding trust with the public.
The Palisades fire has left a lasting impact on the city, with thousands of lives upended and a long recovery ahead. While Crowley’s removal has been a contentious issue, Bass and her supporters argue that it is a necessary step toward improving the fire department’s operations and ensuring public safety. The situation highlights the challenges of leadership during crises and the delicate balance between accountability and support for first responders. As Los Angeles moves forward, the focus will be on rebuilding, restoring trust, and preparing for future emergencies.
