Fired LA Fire Chief from Historic Wildfire Aims for Reinstatement

In Los Angeles, tension surrounds the recent dismissal of the former fire chief, Kristen Crowley, following the city’s most catastrophic wildfire. On Tuesday, Crowley initiated a bid to regain her position, supported by unionized firefighters who believe her termination lacked proper justification. They argue she was removed after openly criticizing City Hall for insufficient department funding.

As the City Council prepared to deliberate on Crowley’s appeal, the political landscape was rife with division. Dismissed by Mayor Karen Bass last month, Crowley finds herself amidst a tussle of accountability and resource allocation for the fire department. Any chance to overturn her dismissal required the majority backing of ten out of the fifteen council members—a vote seen as improbable.

During a City Hall session, opinions swung widely. Contributors included residents, activists, city employees, and others, showcasing a spectrum of perspectives. While some backed Mayor Bass’s decision, others called for Crowley’s reinstatement, particularly the city’s unionized firefighters. They claimed Crowley was scapegoated unjustly for her transparency about the dire need for increased staffing and finances.

Mayor Bass had initially commended Crowley’s efforts, but tensions arose when it was revealed an additional 1,000 firefighters could have been on duty the day the fire erupted. Further criticism emerged as Crowley allegedly neglected to produce a critical report necessary for the investigation into the destructive events.

Bass pointed out last month, “On the day the fires broke, a potential thousand firefighters were not deployed.” The fire in question, the Palisades Fire, ignited on January 7 amid strong winds. It resulted in significant destruction, claiming nearly 8,000 homes and at least 12 lives in Pacific Palisades, an upscale Los Angeles community. Additionally, another fire erupted in Altadena, east of LA, leading to 17 fatalities and over 10,000 structures affected.

Criticism fell on Mayor Bass, who was in Africa with a presidential delegation when the fires started, despite previous forecasts indicating dangerous weather conditions. Bass countered these claims by stating that Crowley failed to provide the necessary warnings prior to her departure, contravening the standard procedure she had established since taking office in December 2022.