Los Angeles Fire Chief Removed Amid Controversy Over Wildfire Response

LOS ANGELES (CNS) — Kirstin Crowley made her first public statement Saturday after being removed from her position as Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Chief by Mayor Karen Bass, following criticism over the city’s response to the January windstorm and related wildfires.

In a statement, Crowley expressed pride in her team, emphasizing, “As the Fire Chief, I based my actions and decisions on taking care of our firefighters so that they could take care of our communities.” She did not address her dismissal or mention the mayor.

Mayor Bass announced Crowley’s removal on Friday, stating it resulted from leadership failures tied to the Palisades and Eaton fires. “Acting in the best interests of Los Angeles’ public safety, I have removed Kristin Crowley as Fire Chief,” Bass said during a news conference. “1,000 firefighters that could have been on duty on the morning the fires broke out were instead sent home on Chief Crowley’s watch.” Bass also pointed to Crowley’s refusal to conduct an after-action report as a factor contributing to the dismissal.

The mayor responded to critics during her public appearance on Saturday in Bell, where she assisted families displaced by the fires. “She was absolutely not scapegoated,” Bass asserted. “But it is important for us to understand what happened.”

Public backlash against Bass’s decision grew, with Councilmember Monica Rodriguez stating, “I am outraged by the scapegoating revealed by the Mayor’s actions,” and pledging to help Crowley appeal the termination. The city must thoroughly assess any leadership failures that occurred, according to Rodriguez.

Crowley has chosen to stay within the fire department at a lower rank, with her duties now directed by Interim Fire Chief Ronnie Villanueva, a veteran with over 40 years of service in the LAFD.

The conflict between Crowley and Bass became public during the recent windstorm that preceded the deadly Palisades Fire on January 7. Bass was out of town on a diplomatic trip to Ghana during the critical time, leading to accusations of neglecting her responsibilities while warnings of high winds and fire danger had been broadly communicated.

In a statement, the LAFD defended their procedures leading up to the fire, contrasting Bass’s claims that Crowley failed to inform her about the potential severity of the situation. “Prior to the Palisades Fire, the LAFD emailed advisories and conducted media interviews about the predicted extreme fire weather,” the department said.

Villanueva, who was appointed as interim chief, reassured the public, stating, “I pledge to the people that the Los Angeles Fire Department will be prepared. The Los Angeles Fire Department will keep you safe.” He takes over amidst a national search for Crowley’s permanent successor.

The Palisades Fire ultimately devastated large sections of the area, burning over 23,000 acres, damaging or destroying nearly 8,000 structures, and leading to at least 12 fatalities.

Crowley, the first woman to lead the LAFD, took the chief position in 2022 after a turbulent period marked by various allegations of misconduct in the department. She had hoped her leadership would lead to reforms and a more equitable working environment for the firefighters.

Moving forward, Mayor Bass plans to initiate a comprehensive investigation into all factors leading up to the Palisades Fire, which may include assessing personnel management, resource allocation, and departmental communication systems.