Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has removed LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley, citing failures in wildfire preparedness following the January windstorm and Palisades Fire. Bass accused Crowley of sending 1,000 firefighters home on the morning of the fires and refusing to conduct an after-action report, calling her removal necessary for public safety.
Crowley, the first woman to lead the LAFD, will remain with the department at a lower rank under her Civil Service rights. Interim Chief Ronnie Villanueva, a 41-year veteran, has been appointed in her place.
The decision has sparked backlash, with Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez calling it “scapegoating” and encouraging Crowley to appeal. The LAFD defended its actions, stating it issued multiple fire warnings and briefings before the wind event.
As the Palisades Fire becomes one of California’s deadliest, officials are reviewing whether more could have been done to prevent its spread. Crowley’s removal is likely to fuel further debate over leadership and wildfire preparedness in Los Angeles.
