On Friday, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced the termination of Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, citing her response to last month’s devastating Palisades wildfire. The wildfire, one of the most destructive in California's history, prompted this decisive action. According to Bass, the decision was made in the “best interests of Los Angeles’ public safety and for the operations of the Los Angeles Fire Department.”
Despite her removal as chief, Crowley will remain employed by the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) in a lower rank, as per civil service rules. Her duties will be managed by the interim fire chief. The Palisades fire, which began on January 7, ravaged Los Angeles’ Pacific Palisades neighborhood, parts of Los Angeles County, and Malibu, resulting in 12 fatalities and the destruction of nearly 24,000 acres. Thousands were displaced, and over 7,800 buildings were damaged or destroyed, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Chief Crowley faced criticism for the delayed response to the Palisades fire and the timing of evacuation orders. Additionally, concerns were raised over a proposed $17.4 million budget cut, affecting overtime staffing, which Crowley argued would hinder the department's mission. Bass highlighted two specific reasons for Crowley’s removal: off-duty firefighters during the fires and her lack of cooperation with the investigation. Bass emphasized that 1,000 firefighters were off-duty when the fires erupted, under Crowley’s management.
Former Chief Deputy Ronnie Villanueva, a 41-year department veteran, has been appointed as the interim fire chief. Villanueva pledged to ensure the LAFD's preparedness and public safety. Crowley’s removal sparked disapproval, with figures like Rick Caruso and Freddy Escobar criticizing the decision as scapegoating. Escobar, president of United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, defended Crowley's integrity and leadership.
Despite the controversy, Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson and other officials supported Bass’s decision. Maryam Zar of the Pacific Palisades Community Council emphasized the importance of accountability in restoring public trust. Investigations into the wildfire response will continue, and the fire department's budget is likely to be increased. Bass plans to conduct a national search for a new permanent fire chief.
The lead-up to Crowley's dismissal involved tensions over the handling of the Palisades fire and Bass’s absence abroad during the crisis. The National Weather Service had issued warnings about dangerous weather conditions prior to the fire, yet communication and response were criticized. Bass returned promptly from Ghana, acknowledging her trip as a mistake and criticized Crowley for not informing her about the impending crisis.
As Los Angeles firefighters battled additional blazes, Crowley criticized the budget cuts for affecting the department’s ability to respond effectively. Despite these challenges, Bass defended the city's leadership and insisted on continued accountability and improvements. With ongoing investigations and plans to bolster the department, the city aims to strengthen its fire response capabilities.
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