Official statements from the Los Angeles Mayor's office or city council meetings

LA Mayor Karen Bass Fires Fire Chief Kristin Crowley Over $17.6M Budget Cuts and Reservoir Issues

Jan 11, 2025, 01:56 AM

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has dismissed Fire Chief Kristin Crowley following Crowley's public criticism of city leadership. The dismissal came after Crowley accused the city of underfunding the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) by $17.6 million and failing its residents during recent wildfires. Crowley's comments were made in an interview with a local Fox TV station, where she stated that the department was not properly funded and that city leadership had failed her. She highlighted the department's daily operations, handling more than 1,500 calls, and stressed the need for 62 new fire stations. Additionally, Crowley pointed out issues with the Santa Ynez Reservoir, which was empty during the fires, and criticized DWP CEO Janisse Quiñones for scheduling maintenance during the brushfire season. The decision to fire Crowley was reported by the Daily Mail and confirmed by sources close to the chief's office, indicating that the meeting with Mayor Bass occurred on Friday afternoon.