Former Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Chief Kristin Crowley has formally appealed her removal by Mayor Karen Bass, requesting that the Los Angeles City Council overturn the decision. The council is set to review her appeal on March 4, where she would need a two-thirds vote from present members to regain her position.
The dismissal follows heavy criticism of Crowley’s handling of the Palisades Fire, which became California’s third-most destructive wildfire, causing billions in damages. However, her supporters argue she is being used as a scapegoat for deeper issues, including budget cuts and operational challenges.
Why Was Chief Crowley Removed?
Key Reasons for Firing:
- Palisades Fire Mismanagement – 1,000 firefighters were sent home before the fire broke out.
- Failure to Conduct After-Action Report – Mayor Bass claimed Crowley refused to conduct a post-incident review.
- Disputes Over Budget Cuts – Crowley previously warned about the LAFD’s funding struggles.
Mayor Karen Bass announced Crowley’s dismissal on February 21, stating:
“Acting in the best interests of Los Angeles’ public safety, I have removed Kristin Crowley as Fire Chief.”
Bass specifically cited concerns over firefighter deployment, saying:
“We know that 1,000 firefighters that could have been on duty on the morning the fires broke out were instead sent home on Chief Crowley’s watch.”
The Palisades Fire, combined with the Eaton Fire, resulted in $164 billion in property and capital losses, according to a UCLA study.
However, Chief Anthony Marone of the LA County Fire Department challenged the claim that 1,000 firefighters would have made a difference, stating in a 60 Minutes interview:
“Not even 26,000 fire engines could have stopped the flames from spreading.”
Crowley also argued that budget cuts significantly impacted LAFD operations, making it difficult to maintain staffing levels and fire response effectiveness.
Crowley’s Appeal: Can She Get Her Job Back?
- Key Date: March 4, 2025
- The Los Angeles City Council will review her appeal.
- She needs a two-thirds vote (10 out of 15 council members) to overturn the dismissal.
“I look forward to hearing from you about next steps, if any,” Crowley wrote in her appeal letter.
Mayor Bass’ office responded:
“Former Chief Crowley has the right to appeal her dismissal.”
If Crowley fails to win the vote, her termination will remain final, and the LAFD will continue under new leadership.
Firefighters Union: “Crowley Is a Scapegoat”
Firefighter Union President Freddy Escobar strongly opposed the firing, stating:
“We are outraged at the termination of Fire Chief Crowley, period. Chief Crowley is being made a scapegoat, and she is being terminated for telling the truth.”
Crowley herself defended her leadership, saying:
“As the Fire Chief, I based my actions and decisions on taking care of our firefighters so that they could take care of our communities.”
She emphasized her 25-year service and the values of integrity, courage, and compassion that guided her decisions.
New Leadership: Who Is Replacing Crowley?
Following Crowley’s removal, Mayor Bass appointed Ronnie Villanueva as interim fire chief.
Who is Ronnie Villanueva?
- Served in LAFD for 41 years
- Retired in September 2024
- Now stepping in as temporary chief
Villanueva will oversee fire department operations while the search for a permanent fire chief continues.
