Mayor Bass Fires LAFD Chief Crowley, Appoints Interim Leader

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced the immediate removal of Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, citing failures in leadership during the January wildfires that devastated Pacific Palisades. Bass criticized Crowley for not alerting her to dangerous wind conditions and for refusing to conduct an after-action report following the fires, which contributed to the city's decision to dismiss her. The mayor emphasized the need for new leadership to ensure public safety and effective operations within the Los Angeles Fire Department. Former Chief Deputy Ronnie Villanueva, a 41-year veteran of the department, has been appointed as interim chief while a national search for a permanent replacement is conducted. This decision follows escalating tensions between Bass and Crowley, particularly over the handling of the recent fire emergencies. The January Palisades Fire was noted as one of the deadliest and most destructive in California's history, raising further scrutiny on the fire department's leadership.