LOS ANGELES — Mayor Karen Bass has made the decisive move to fire Fire Chief Kristin Crowley following the devastating Palisades Fire, marking the end of Crowley’s tenure amid intense scrutiny over the Los Angeles Fire Department’s (LAFD) response to unprecedented wildfire conditions.
The Palisades Fire, igniting on January 7, 2024, has been labeled one of the most destructive wildfires not only within the city but also across California’s history. The blaze scorched approximately 23,707 acres, leading to the destruction or significant damage to nearly 8,000 structures and contributing to the death of at least 29 individuals.
During a press conference on February 16, Mayor Bass explained her rationale for Crowley’s dismissal, stating, “Los Angeles needs to move forward. This is a new day.” She pointed out two main factors: the reporting of 1,000 firefighters sent home when they could have been deployed and Crowley’s refusal to conduct an after-action report following the fire. Bass emphasized, “1,000 firefighters who could have been on the job fighting the fires were sent home on Crowley’s watch.”
Crowley, who became the first female fire chief of LAFD, had been appointed during a tumultuous time for the department and had since faced significant challenges, including severe budget cuts. Bass had previously stated during her administration, budget increases would be anticipated, contradicting Crowley’s public concerns over funding and staffing levels at LAFD.
The fire, which presented dire challenges due to strong winds and dry conditions, led to widespread evacuations. Reports indicated these warnings had been communicated widely days prior to the fire’s emergence. Yet, Bass criticized Crowley for not adequately briefing her before her departure for Ghana, where she was attending the inauguration of President John Dramani Mahama. “She has my cellphone. She knows she can call me 24/7. That did not happen this time,” Bass said.
The city is now recovering from the significant losses caused by the Palisades Fire. “These require her removal. The heroism of our firefighters – during the Palisades fire and every single day – is without question,” Bass noted, reinforcing her commitment to ensuring the department has the leadership necessary to address the public safety crisis effectively.
Following Bass's decision, immediate controversy erupted from various sectors. Rick Caruso, billionaire developer and previous political rival to Bass, criticized the decision as “very disappointing” and stated, “Honesty in a high city official should not be a firing offense.” Caruso voiced support for Crowley, alleging her integrity was evident as she spoke out against budget cuts affecting the department's operations.
Freddy Escobar, president of the firefighters union, echoed similar sentiments, asserting Crowley was being used as a scapegoat for larger systemic issues including funding inadequacies within LAFD. “The truth is our fire department has been underfunded and under-resourced for years — including during Mayor Bass’ time in office,” Escobar added.
The abrupt dismissal of Crowley raises pressing questions about LAFD’s leadership and its future direction under interim chief Ronnie Villanueva, who has pledged to improve the operational readiness of the department. Villanueva, who has over 40 years of experience with LAFD, stated, “The Los Angeles City Fire Department will be prepared.”
While the city grapples with the ramifications of this decision, the long-term recovery from the Palisades Fire continues. The community is faced with rebuilding from the ashes as the mayor's administration also seeks answers to systemic issues within the city's handling of emergency response and resource allocation.
Critics continue to question whether Bass’s leadership during the crisis was adequate, as her trip abroad during such perilous circumstances has prompted debates over accountability and responsibility at City Hall. Her actions and their fallout will likely shape the narrative of her administration as she pushes toward reelection amid this tumultuous backdrop.
With a focused inquiry now on the LAFD’s structure and the nature of its funding, there are growing calls from community leaders for comprehensive changes within the department to prevent the devastation witnessed during the Palisades Fire from reoccurring. The course forward is undoubtedly steep, yet necessary as Los Angeles emerges from one of its darkest moments.