
Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley and Mayor Karen Bass face off over budget cuts amid deadly wildfires, sparking rumors of the chief’s dismissal.
At a Glance
- Fire Chief Crowley publicly criticized Mayor Bass for insufficient funding of the fire department
- Rumors of Crowley’s firing were denied by both the Mayor’s office and the LAFD
- Recent wildfires have resulted in at least 10 deaths and 10,000 structures destroyed
- Mayor Bass cut the fire department’s budget by $17.5 million, prioritizing homeless initiatives
- Governor Newsom ordered an investigation into water pressure issues during the fires
Tensions Flare Between Fire Chief and Mayor
Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley and Mayor Karen Bass are at loggerheads over the city’s emergency preparedness and funding allocations. The dispute has intensified in the wake of devastating wildfires that have ravaged the city, causing significant damage and loss of life. Crowley has publicly lambasted the Mayor’s office for what she perceives as inadequate support for the fire department, leading to a tense meeting between the two officials.
The confrontation between Crowley and Bass stems from the Mayor’s decision to cut the fire department’s budget by $17.5 million, the second-largest reduction in the city’s 2024-25 fiscal budget. This move prioritized funds for addressing the city’s homeless population, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from fire department leadership and concerned citizens alike.
LAFD Fire Chief Kristin Crowley doubles down on throwing Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass under the bus. https://t.co/HOOfS89NPk
— NYC EMS Watch (@NYCEMSwatch) January 11, 2025
Rumors of Dismissal and Departmental Strife
Speculation ran rampant when rumors circulated that Chief Crowley had been fired following her candid remarks about the department’s funding crisis. However, both the Mayor’s office and the LAFD swiftly denied these claims. A statement from the LAFD clarified the situation, stating, “On Friday, January 10th, Fire Chief Kristin Crowley of the Los Angeles City Fire Department met with Mayor Karen Bass. Their foremost priorities continue to be fighting the current wildfires and safeguarding Angelenos. It is important to note that the Fire Chief was not dismissed and is in full command of the LAFD.”
“My message is the fire department needs to be properly funded. It’s not,” Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said.
Despite the denial of her dismissal, the incident has highlighted the deep-seated issues within the department. Crowley has been vocal about the challenges faced by firefighters due to understaffing, outdated equipment, and insufficient resources. These concerns have been amplified by the recent wildfires that have tested the limits of the department’s capabilities.
Wildfires Expose City’s Vulnerabilities
The recent wildfires have laid bare the city’s vulnerabilities in emergency preparedness. With at least 10 deaths reported, 150,000 people under evacuation orders, and an estimated 10,000 structures destroyed, the scale of the disaster has put immense pressure on the already strained fire department. Crowley has not minced words in her assessment of the situation, stating emphatically, “We are screaming to be properly funded to make sure that our firefighters can do their jobs so that we can serve the community,” Kristin Crowley said.
Adding to the department’s woes, Crowley highlighted issues with the Department of Water and Power, including an empty reservoir and broken hydrants during the fires. These infrastructure failures have prompted Governor Gavin Newsom to order an investigation into the city’s water supply system, further complicating the already tense situation between city officials.
Political Fallout and Public Scrutiny
The ongoing dispute between Crowley and Bass has sparked intense political debate and public scrutiny. Critics have called for Mayor Bass’s resignation, pointing to her absence from the city during the initial stages of the crisis and her decision to prioritize other initiatives over fire department funding. As both officials brace for potential backlash, the focus remains on addressing the immediate fire threat and ensuring the safety of Los Angeles residents.
As the city grapples with the aftermath of the wildfires and the exposed weaknesses in its emergency response system, the relationship between Fire Chief Crowley and Mayor Bass will be crucial in determining the path forward for Los Angeles’s fire safety and disaster preparedness efforts.