Mayor Karen Bass Fires LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley Over Wildfire Response

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has fired Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, citing her inadequate response to January's devastating wildfires and her refusal to conduct an after-action report as key reasons for the dismissal. The mayor criticized Crowley for allowing 1,000 firefighters to be sent home on the morning the fires erupted, which contributed to the rapid spread of the flames. Bass described the decision as being in the best interests of public safety and stated the need for new leadership in the Los Angeles Fire Department. Following Crowley's removal, former Chief Deputy Ronnie Villanueva has stepped in as interim chief while a national search for a permanent replacement is conducted. The firing has sparked debate, with critics accusing Bass of scapegoating Crowley to deflect blame from her administration. The tensions between Bass and Crowley have been evident, especially following the catastrophic outcomes of the Palisades Fire that devastated numerous homes.