Los Angeles City Council Rejects Kristin Crowley's Appeal for Reinstatement as Fire Chief

The council upheld Mayor Karen Bass' decision to dismiss Crowley over alleged leadership failures during January's devastating wildfires.

The Los Angeles City Council voted 13-2 against reinstating former Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, who was dismissed by Mayor Karen Bass in February.
Crowley argued that her firing was retaliation for publicly highlighting resource shortages in the fire department, while Bass cited leadership failures during the deadly January wildfires.
Supporters of Crowley, including the firefighters' union, accused the mayor of scapegoating her, while Bass' allies defended the decision as necessary for public safety and accountability.
The January wildfires, including the Palisades Fire, resulted in 12 deaths and widespread destruction, with criticism surfacing over the city's preparedness and response.
Crowley, the first woman to lead the LAFD, has been reassigned to a lower rank within the department, while interim Fire Chief Ronnie Villanueva has been appointed to lead recovery efforts.