In a shocking turn of events, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has ousted the city’s fire chief, Kristin Crowley, just six weeks after the most destructive wildfire in city history. The decision came amid a public rift over preparations for a potential fire and finger-pointing between the chief and City Hall over responsibility for the devastation.
In a statement released on Friday, Mayor Bass stated that she is removing Chief Crowley immediately and bringing in new leadership to the Fire Department. “This is what our city needs,” she said. The mayor also revealed that 1,000 firefighters who could have been on duty on the morning the fires broke out were instead sent home on Chief Crowley’s watch. This revelation is deeply concerning and raises questions about the chief’s ability to handle such a crisis.
Moreover, Mayor Bass disclosed that the chief refused a request to prepare an “after-action report” on the fires, which she called a necessary step in the investigation. This refusal is not only irresponsible but also shows a lack of accountability on the part of Chief Crowley. The people of Los Angeles deserve answers and it is the duty of the fire department to provide them.
The Palisades Fire, which began during heavy winds on January 7th, destroyed or damaged nearly 8,000 homes, businesses, and other structures, and tragically claimed the lives of at least 12 people in the Los Angeles neighborhood. Another wind-whipped fire started the same day in suburban Altadena, killing at least 17 people and destroying or damaging more than 10,000 homes and other buildings. These devastating losses could have been prevented with proper preparations and swift action from the fire department.
Mayor Bass has also been facing criticism for being out of the country on the day the fires started. She was in Africa as part of a presidential delegation, even though weather reports had warned of dangerous fire conditions in the days before she left. In televised interviews this week, Mayor Bass acknowledged that she made a mistake by leaving the city. However, she also pointed out that she was not made aware of the looming danger by Chief Crowley, who failed to alert her to the potentially explosive fire conditions. This lack of communication and coordination between the fire department and the mayor’s office is unacceptable and has resulted in devastating consequences.
Chief Crowley has also publicly criticized the city for budget cuts that she claimed made it harder for firefighters to do their jobs. While budget cuts may have played a role, it is the responsibility of the fire department to find ways to work within their means and still provide the necessary services to the community. Blaming budget cuts for their failures is simply not acceptable.
It is worth noting that Chief Crowley was appointed as fire chief in 2022 by Mayor Bass’ predecessor during a time when the department was already facing turmoil over allegations of harassment, hazing, and discrimination. She had worked for the city fire department for more than 25 years and held nearly every role, including fire marshal, engineer, and battalion chief. However, her track record and recent actions have raised serious concerns about her leadership abilities and decision-making.
In conclusion, Mayor Bass’ decision to remove Chief Crowley from her position is a necessary step towards bringing accountability and new leadership to the Fire Department. The people of Los Angeles deserve a fire chief who is capable, responsible, and accountable. It is time for the department to learn from its mistakes and work towards preventing such devastating tragedies in the future. As a community, we must come together to support and rebuild those affected by the wildfires and ensure that our city is better prepared for any future disasters.
