LA Council Rejects Appeal by Fire Chief Crowley

The Los Angeles City Council denied former Fire Chief Kristin Crowley's appeal for reinstatement after being fired by Mayor Karen Bass over her handling of the Palisades Fire. The council voted 13-2 against Crowley, who refuted allegations that she failed to activate enough firefighters and refused to conduct an after-action report. Crowley cited budget cuts and a lack of resources as affecting her department’s response and recommended collaborating with an external agency for the report. Supporters, including some council members and the firefighters' union, argued she was scapegoated. Bass criticized Crowley for her response to the fire, which resulted in significant destruction and loss of life. Crowley emphasized her commitment to the safety of firefighters and the community in her defense.