L.A. Mayor Karen Bass Terminates Fire Dept. Chief Kristin Crowley After Public Dispute About Responsibility For Wild Fires

Mayor Karen Bass (D) dismissed the city’s fire chief, bringing an escalating blame game to a head following last month’s devastating wildfires.

“Let me be clear, our firefighters acted heroically during the Palisades fire, and they act heroically every single day. That is without question,” Bass said at a press conference. “Bringing new leadership to the fire department is what they and the people of Los Angeles deserve.”

Bass cited two major reasons for Kristin Crowley’s removal: the alleged dismissal of 1,000 firefighters who could have been on duty when the fires ignited and the chief’s refusal to conduct an after-action report at the request of the city’s fire commission. “These actions required her removal,” Bass stated.

Crowley publicly said that Bass had failed the city with her response to the fire. Bass was in Ghana when the wildfires broke out despite warnings that there was a fire danger.

Crowley’s termination marks a new chapter in an ongoing conflict that has seen the mayor and fire chief publicly at odds. Crowley had previously criticized the city’s fire department budget cuts, arguing that they hampered response efforts.

Bass, in turn, faulted Crowley for not adequately briefing her on the severity of the fires before she left for a diplomatic trip to Ghana.

Firefighter union officials pushed back on Bass’ explanation for the firing. Freddy Escobar, president of United Firefighters of Los Angeles City Local 112, called the move scapegoating. “Chief Crowley is being made a scapegoat, and she’s being terminated for telling the truth,” Escobar said, adding that the department has been underfunded for decades, including under Bass’ administration.

City Council member Monica Rodriguez expressed outrage, urging Crowley to appeal her termination. While the City Council has the power to override Bass’ decision with a two-thirds vote, support for Crowley’s reinstatement remains uncertain.

Bass appointed Ronnie Villanueva, a veteran of the fire department who retired seven months ago, as interim chief. She announced plans to launch a nationwide search for Crowley’s permanent replacement.