LOS ANGELES — In a significant move following one of the most devastating wildfires ever to hit the city, Mayor Karen Bass announced the immediate removal of fire chief Kristin Crowley on Friday. This decision comes six weeks after the catastrophic blaze that raised questions about preparedness and responsibility among city officials.
Bass, a Democrat in her first term, emphasized the need for the city to make progress, stating at a press conference, “Los Angeles needs to move forward. This is a new day.” Although Bass initially supported Crowley in the early stages of battling the fire, she later discovered that an additional 1,000 firefighters could have been activated when the fire first broke out. Moreover, Bass expressed frustration over Crowley’s refusal to compile a critical report for ongoing investigations of the incident. “One thousand firefighters who could have been on the job fighting the fires were sent home on Crowley’s watch,” she highlighted.
The Palisades Fire ignited on January 7 amid fierce winds, leading to the destruction or damage of nearly 8,000 residential and commercial properties and claiming at least 12 lives in the wealthy Los Angeles area. On the same day, another fire in Altadena resulted in at least 17 fatalities and over 10,000 structures being affected.
Adding to the controversy, Bass faced scrutiny for being abroad in Africa as part of a presidential delegation during the fire’s onset, even as warnings about precarious wind and wildfire conditions were issued days earlier. At the press conference, Bass claimed Crowley had not alerted her regarding the imminent danger prior to her departure, despite it being customary practice for her to receive such notifications since she took office in December 2022.
The Los Angeles Fire Department refrained from commenting on Crowley’s dismissal, and the former chief could not be contacted for a response. According to the mayor’s office, Crowley opted to maintain her position within the department, although at a lower rank yet to be decided.
The local firefighters union criticized Bass’s decision, characterizing Crowley as a “scapegoat” without a thorough investigation. The United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, Local 112, released a statement pointing to systemic underfunding and staffing shortages in the fire department, including claims that Bass’s administration had contributed to these ongoing issues. The union highlighted operational budget cuts in the current fiscal year, which affected overtime, brush clearance, and civilian positions, noting the adverse impact on emergency services due to staffing shortfalls.
Crowley, who had served in various roles for over 25 years within the Los Angeles Fire Department and made history as the first female chief, was appointed in 2022 during a turbulent period marked by allegations of harassment and discrimination in the department. Her criticism of city budget cuts became increasingly apparent, particularly during the height of the Palisades fire when she noted the department faced significant resource challenges.
In response to Crowley’s ousting, billionaire developer Rick Caruso, who had previously competed against Bass in the 2022 election, expressed disappointment over her dismissal. He asserted that Crowley had been forthright regarding the serious budget cuts imposed by the Bass administration that hindered the fire department’s capabilities. “Honesty in a high city official should not be a firing offense,” he stated.
Since returning from Africa, Mayor Bass has faced persistent inquiries about her decision to leave during the wildfire crisis. Although she acknowledged making a mistake by not remaining in the city, she shifted some accountability onto Crowley for failing to warn her about the dangerous fire conditions. As Bass’s administration begins to tackle the aftermath of the wildfire and the extensive rebuilding necessary, her leadership will be scrutinized as critical for the city’s future.
With plans to run for reelection in 2026, Bass’s management of the incident and subsequent recovery efforts will be a defining moment in her tenure. Known for her collaborative approach, she now faces the complex task of coordinating with various government levels and organizations involved in the recovery, including involvement from the state and federal levels. As disparities have already started to arise, it remains to be seen how effectively the city can unite for the extensive rebuilding effort ahead.
Longtime Democratic consultant Bill Carrick remarked that Bass’s first major challenge will shape public perception of her leadership, adding, “This is her first major challenge and she is going to be judged on it, and that could be good or bad.” Despite growing concerns and issues facing her administration, Bass asserted that the work of the fire department and city governance would persist as they seek a permanent replacement for the chief.
