LA City Council Upholds Fire Chief’s Firing After Devastating Wildfires

Kristin Crowley’s appeal fails as council supports Mayor Bass’ decision citing mismanagement and communication failures during January’s historic fires.

The Los Angeles City Council voted 13-2 to uphold the dismissal of former Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, rejecting her appeal to regain her position.
Mayor Karen Bass fired Crowley, citing alleged mismanagement during January’s catastrophic fires, including the failure to deploy 1,000 firefighters and refusal to conduct an after-action report, claims Crowley denies.
Crowley argued that resource shortages, including over 100 broken fire engines and insufficient apparatus, prevented additional firefighter deployment and rejected accusations of non-cooperation with investigations.
Unionized firefighters and some council members supported Crowley, accusing City Hall of scapegoating her after she criticized budget cuts to the fire department.
Mayor Bass faced criticism for being out of the country during the fires, though she claimed Crowley failed to notify her of the severe weather warnings prior to her departure.