L.A. Fire Chief Kristin Crowley Says Mayor Karen Bass ‘Failed’ City As Wildfires Rage

Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley has publicly criticized Mayor Karen Bass and City Hall, citing budget cuts and resource issues as significant obstacles in fighting the L.A. wildfires, which have destroyed over 10,000 structures.

“It’s my job as the fire chief… to make sure our firefighters have exactly what they need to do their jobs,” Crowley told CNN, pointing to dry hydrants that hampered firefighting efforts.

When asked if Bass had “failed the city” by local station KTTV, Crowley said simply: “Yes.”

The tension has fueled speculation about Crowley’s job security, prompting the firefighter union to issue a statement affirming she had not been fired. Bass attempted to quell concerns, stating, “The fire chief and I are focused on fighting these fires and saving lives… any differences that we might have will be worked out in private.”

Crowley’s tenure has also faced scrutiny over her emphasis on diversifying the male-dominated department, a priority since her appointment in 2022.

Conservative commentators have criticized her focus, but there is no evidence linking her diversity efforts to the fire department’s challenges. Water supply issues, attributed to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, remain a central focus of criticism.

Highlighting the department’s budget cuts, Crowley warned about reduced overtime pay, fewer civilian positions and delays in repairing firefighting vehicles. She noted these constraints limit the department’s ability to prepare for large-scale emergencies like wildfires and earthquakes. Other city officials countered that the budget was later increased, but specifics on resource allocation remain unclear.

Crowley’s background as a paramedic and firefighter spans 25 years, during which she held roles, including engineer, battalion chief and fire marshal. Appointed by former Mayor Eric Garcetti, she was hailed as a trailblazer and the most qualified person for the role. “The protection of our city has to go to the human being who is best prepared to lead. That is Kristin Crowley,” Garcetti said at the time.

As investigations into the hydrant failures begin under Gov. Gavin Newsom’s orders, Crowley continues to lead efforts to contain the wildfire. “When a firefighter comes up to a hydrant, we expect there’s going to be water,” she emphasized in a local news interview.

Bass has been strongly criticized for being in Ghana when the fires broke out.

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