Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass fired Fire Chief Kristin Crowley effective immediately Friday amid growing controversy over wildfire preparedness and staffing decisions during January’s catastrophic Palisades fire that killed 12 people and destroyed nearly 8,000 structures.
The bombshell decision comes after revelations that 1,000 available firefighters were sent home instead of being deployed as extreme fire weather conditions developed on January 7 – the same day Mayor Bass attended a cocktail party in Ghana during her international trade mission.
The Breaking Point
Key factors leading to Crowley’s removal include:
- Staffing Shortfalls: LAFD maintained only 5 of 40 available wildfire engines in service despite National Weather Service warnings
- Refusal to Investigate: Crowley allegedly declined to produce an after-action report requested by fire commissioners
- Communication Failures: Bass claims she received no wildfire risk warnings before departing for Africa
“Bringing new leadership is what our city needs,” Bass stated at Friday’s press conference. “The heroism of our firefighters is without question.”
A Trailblazer’s Fall
Crowley made history in 2022 as LAFD’s first female and LGBTQ+ chief after 22 years with the department. Her termination follows budget cut warnings and criticism over $17.4 million reductions impacting overtime staffing.
In her first public statement since removal, Crowley said: “I based my actions on taking care of our firefighters so they could take care of our communities”. Supporters including developer Rick Caruso called her firing politically motivated.
What’s Next?
Retired Chief Deputy Ronnie Villanueva – a 41-year LAFD veteran – takes interim command while Bass launches a national search for permanent leadership. Villanueva pledged improved emergency readiness during Saturday’s transition announcement.
