LA Mayor Dismisses Fire Chief Following Wildfire Crisis

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has dismissed Fire Chief Kristin Crowley following public dissatisfaction with her management during the recent deadly wildfires, which resulted in over two dozen fatalities and significant property damage. Bass criticized Crowley's decision to send home 1,000 firefighters on the day the fires began and her refusal to conduct a thorough post-fire analysis. The mayor stated that a change in leadership was necessary for the Los Angeles Fire Department's future effectiveness and public safety. The decision comes amid criticism of Bass for her own absence during the wildfires and the controversial appointment of Crowley, which some have linked to the city's diversity initiatives. Former Chief Deputy Ronnie Villanueva will serve as the interim chief following Crowley's ousting. The situation highlights a broader struggle over fire department management and accountability in the face of natural disasters.