In a significant development, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has announced the removal of Fire Chief Kristin Crowley due to her handling of the devastating January wildfires. These fires resulted in the tragic loss of more than two dozen lives and caused extensive damage, affecting over 16,000 structures and charring an area larger than Paris.
Mayor Bass cited critical actions by Crowley, including sending home 1,000 firefighters on the day the wildfires erupted, as well as her refusal to complete a required after-action report on the blaze. In a prepared statement, Bass emphasized the need for new leadership in the Los Angeles Fire Department, praising the heroism of the firefighters during the Palisades fire and their daily efforts.
The removal of Fire Chief Crowley follows a series of public disputes between her and Mayor Bass. Crowley had criticized the mayor for alleged budget cuts that she claimed hindered the department's ability to provide adequate service. However, Mayor Bass, who faced her own criticisms for traveling during the onset of the fires, clarified in a press conference that she did not cut the fire department's budget.
In the wake of Crowley's removal, Mayor Bass has appointed Ronnie Villanueva as the interim fire chief. Villanueva, who recently retired after 41 years of service, most recently served as the chief deputy of emergency operations. The city is now initiating a search for a permanent leader for the fire department.
As part of the investigation into the wildfires, the president of the city's fire commission had instructed Crowley to complete an after-action report, a requirement stipulated by the city. Despite being asked to submit the report this week, Crowley refused, leading to her removal by Mayor Bass during a brief meeting. The mayor expressed uncertainty regarding Crowley's reasons for not completing the report or sending home a large number of firefighters on the first day of the blaze.
With Los Angeles no longer in a state of emergency, efforts are underway to recover from the fires that devastated homes and businesses. Workers are actively involved in removing toxic debris as part of the cleanup process, which Mayor Bass noted is progressing ahead of schedule. She reassured the public that the city is not in upheaval despite the challenges faced.
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Reporting by Brendan O'Brien in Chicago; Editing by Doina Chiacu and Bill Berkrot.
