Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has removed Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, attributing the decision to mismanagement during last month’s wildfires. The mayor cited failures in emergency preparedness and resource allocation, including sending home firefighters who could have been on duty as the fires spread.

The wildfires resulted in 26 deaths, destroyed thousands of homes, and displaced over 150,000 residents. Following Crowley’s dismissal, LAFD veteran Ronnie Villanueva has been appointed as interim fire chief.

Under city regulations, the mayor can dismiss department heads without city council approval. However, Crowley has 10 days to appeal, which would require a two-thirds council vote to overturn the decision. While reversing the mayor’s action is unlikely, an appeal could escalate political tensions.

Political Ramifications

Bass has faced criticism for her own handling of the crisis, particularly for being out of the country when the fires broke out. Her travel plans coincided with weather service warnings about heightened wildfire risks due to strong winds, raising concerns about leadership during emergencies.

Tensions between the mayor and Crowley had been mounting, with disagreements over the department’s preparedness and funding. Crowley pointed to financial constraints as a challenge in managing the fires, while official records indicated the department’s budget had increased. The mayor had reportedly decided to replace Crowley weeks earlier but waited until the emergency response had stabilized.

Controversy Surrounding Crowley’s Tenure

Crowley, appointed in 2022 as the city’s first female fire chief, focused on firefighter recruitment, diversity initiatives, and policy modernization. Her leadership came under scrutiny during the wildfire crisis, with some current and former LAFD officials criticizing evacuation strategies and resource management.

Her emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives also sparked internal debate. Some within the department questioned whether these priorities diverted attention from operational effectiveness, particularly in crisis situations.

Both the mayor and Governor Gavin Newsom have called for investigations into the wildfire response. Meanwhile, the LAFD has declined to provide further comments. With Crowley’s potential appeal and ongoing political scrutiny, the situation remains a key issue for city leadership.