Los Angeles Mayor Fires Fire Chief Amid Wildfire Crisis Fallout

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — In a startling move, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass dismissed Fire Chief Kristin Crowley on Friday, February 22, 2025, following criticism of her handling of the recent devastating Palisades fire.

The decision came hours after Bass returned from a trip to Ghana, where she faced questions about her absence during the ongoing wildfire crisis that has left thousands of residents in distress. Crowley’s dismissal has sparked controversy, with both leaders exchanging blame regarding the fire’s management.

“We know that 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 stated, addressing the circumstances that led to her decision. The mayor accused Crowley of failing to communicate effectively before and during the crisis, particularly regarding deployment decisions.

The Palisades fire, which erupted on January 7, destroyed nearly 7,000 homes and claimed at least 12 lives. A Times investigation revealed that the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) had dispatched only five of the more than 40 engines available to respond to the fire as it ignited.

Crowley has defenders among her ranks, including Freddy Escobar, president of United Firefighters of Los Angeles City Local 112. “Crowley is being made a scapegoat, and she’s being terminated for telling the truth,” Escobar said, emphasizing the focus on the LAFD’s need for additional resources. He added that the department had been stretched thin and was ill-equipped for the demands posed by the Palisades fire.

The conflict between Bass and Crowley escalated significantly when, during a televised interview, Crowley remarked that the city had “failed her department.” She highlighted concerns over understaffing and budget cuts affecting the LAFD’s operational capacity to respond effectively to emergencies.

In her resignation, Crowley indicated she would remain within the Fire Department, but the specifics of her future role were unclear. Bas’s office did not release further comments about Crowley’s future after the termination.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles City Council is expected to encounter pressure from Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, who intends to push back against Bass’s decision and may seek to overturn Crowley’s dismissal. “I plan to use my authority to set the record straight,” Rodriguez stated, hinting at potential council discussions moving forward.

The situation continues to evolve, with Ronnie Villanueva named as the interim chief following Crowley’s exit. As the city grapples with the aftermath of the fire and evaluation of its emergency response protocols, questions remain about the overall effectiveness of the LAFD and the city’s preparedness for future disasters.

For ongoing coverage of developments related to the Palisades fire and the LAFD, visit the Los Angeles Times.