In a significant decision on Tuesday, the Los Angeles City Council upheld Mayor Karen Bass’ controversial removal of former Fire Chief Kristin Crowley following a string of devastating wildfires across the city. The majority of the council, in a 13-2 vote, sided with Bass, rejecting Crowley’s appeal to return to her post.
Crowley’s dismissal came amid tense exchanges between her and City Hall regarding the handling and aftermath of the wildfires. Her appeal was based on claims that her removal was rooted in misleading allegations concerning her actions during the crisis.
These votes underscored the council’s support for Mayor Bass, a Democrat who has come under fire for not being present in Los Angeles—attending as part of a presidential delegation in Africa—when the fires initiated. Critics have highlighted this absence, arguing that weather alerts ahead of her trip should have prompted her to remain in the city.
The bittersweet political climate posed challenges for Bass as she seeks to demonstrate cohesion within city leadership amid efforts to recuperate the wildfire-ravaged regions. She firmly dismissed Crowley just over a month after the fires broke out. Initially, Bass had commended Crowley’s efforts; however, she later cited revelations that an additional 1,000 firefighters had been available but were not utilized effectively during the fires’ onset. Additionally, Bass criticized Crowley for not completing a key report vital for understanding the disaster’s progression.
Bass expressed her concerns by stating, “One thousand firefighters who could have been on the job fighting the fires were sent home” under Crowley’s supervision.
Addressing the council for the first time since her dismissal, Crowley refuted the allegations, labeling them as baseless. She insisted that the unavailability of equipment, due to funding cuts, prevented the deployment of more firefighters during the critical moments. She underscored the importance of transparency, declaring a fire chief should not be reprimanded for “speaking openly and honestly.”
The debate over Crowley’s dismissal incited a wave of mixed reactions from a diverse group of stakeholders, including residents, activists, and city staff. While many backed the mayor’s decision, several voices, notably from the city’s unionized firefighters, advocated for Crowley’s reinstatement, arguing she had been wrongfully ousted for her assertions regarding necessary manpower and budgetary support.
Chuong Ho from the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, Local 112, passionately defended Crowley, suggesting her termination came as a result of “telling the truth.”
Moreover, certain factions have criticized the discussions against Mayor Bass as discriminatory in nature, pointing out her historic election as the first Black woman to hold such a position.
The Palisades Fire began on January 7, fueled by strong winds. The inferno wrought havoc, destroying or damaging almost 8,000 homes, businesses, and other structures while claiming at least 12 lives in the wealthy Pacific Palisades area. Simultaneously, another fire in Altadena took even more lives, with over 10,000 buildings affected.
Bass contends that Crowley failed in her duty to warn her of the potential fire hazards prior to her departure, opposing the standard protocol maintained since her mayoral inauguration in late 2022.
