Overview

• 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.