LOS ANGELES (AP) — In a significant move, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has removed Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, following the most destructive wildfire in the city's history. The decision comes after a public disagreement over the city's preparedness for potential wildfires and responsibility for the devastation.
Bass, who is serving her first term as a Democrat, announced the removal at City Hall, emphasizing a need for change. “Los Angeles needs to move forward. This is a new day,” she told reporters.
Initially, Bass praised Crowley's firefighting efforts. However, she later discovered that an additional 1,000 firefighters could have been deployed on the day the blaze began. Furthermore, Crowley reportedly declined to prepare a crucial report on the fires, essential for understanding the causes and impacts.
“One thousand firefighters who could have been on the job fighting the fires were sent home” under Crowley’s leadership, Bass stated.
The Palisades Fire, which commenced on January 7 amid strong winds, led to the destruction or damage of nearly 8,000 homes and structures, claiming at least 12 lives. Another fire in Altadena resulted in 17 fatalities and affected over 10,000 structures.
Bass faced criticism for being in Africa as part of a presidential delegation during the fire's onset, despite prior weather warnings. She stated that Crowley failed to notify her of the impending threat, breaching standard practice since her assumption of office in December 2022.
“She has my cellphone. She knows she can call me 24/7,” Bass said. “That did not happen this time.”
The United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, Local 112, criticized Bass’ decision, supporting Crowley's concerns regarding staffing and funding. They claimed that the fire department has been understaffed and under-resourced for years, including during Bass' tenure.
“Crowley is being made a scapegoat ... without the benefit of a full investigation into what actually happened,” the union stated.
Crowley, appointed in 2022 during a turbulent period for the LAFD, was the department's first female chief. Her tenure was marked by allegations of harassment and discrimination within the department. She publicly criticized budget cuts that she claimed hindered firefighting efforts.
Billionaire developer Rick Caruso, Bass’ former electoral opponent, labeled Crowley’s dismissal as “very disappointing,” arguing that honesty in city officials should not be penalized.
Since her return from Africa, Bass has faced questions about her decision to leave during a critical time. Acknowledging her mistake in recent interviews, she blamed Crowley for not alerting her about the dangerous fire conditions.
Bass’ leadership in handling the Palisades fire and the subsequent rebuilding efforts will likely define her tenure. She plans to seek reelection in 2026, and her coalition-building style is being tested amidst the recovery process involving federal, state, and local entities.
Democratic consultant Bill Carrick noted, “This is her first major challenge and she is going to be judged on it, and that could be good or bad.”
Bass asserted that the fire department and city operations would continue as the search for a new fire chief proceeds.
