In a decisive move, Mayor Bass announced the immediate removal of Chief Crowley, stating, “Los Angeles needs to move forward. This is a new day.” The controversy revolves around the alleged under-utilization of available firefighting resources, as Bass revealed that an additional 1,000 firefighters could have been deployed on the day the fire broke out, a claim that Crowley has contested.
The Palisades Fire, which began on January 7 during severe wind conditions, wreaked havoc on nearly 8,000 homes and businesses in Los Angeles, claiming at least 12 lives. Simultaneously, another wildfire in Altadena destroyed over 10,000 structures and resulted in 17 fatalities. Despite warnings of dangerous fire conditions preceding these incidents, Mayor Bass was overseas on a presidential delegation trip to Africa, which drew criticism for her absence during such critical events.
Further fueling the controversy, Bass claimed Crowley failed to notify her of the impending fire danger, a standard procedure since Bass took office. Meanwhile, the fire department has remained silent on the chief’s removal, and Crowley has not commented publicly. Bass’s office noted that Crowley has chosen to remain with the department but in a lesser role yet to be determined.
The move to dismiss Crowley has sparked backlash from the firefighters’ union, which argued that she is being unfairly targeted without a comprehensive investigation. The union highlighted longstanding issues of understaffing and underfunding within the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), problems that have persisted through various administrations, including Bass’s tenure.
Crowley, appointed by Bass’s predecessor and the first female chief in the LAFD’s history, had publicly criticized budget cuts that hampered response efforts during the fires. In January, amid the chaos of the Palisades Fire, she spoke out on television about the department’s lack of resources, citing operational budget reductions and a shortage of mechanics to maintain emergency vehicles. In contrast, Bass contended that budgets had been increased, not decreased.
This series of events has placed a spotlight on Bass’s leadership as she navigates the complex task of rebuilding and recovery. The future of this effort involves coordination with multiple entities, including the state government and private sectors, under the scrutiny of both political rivals and the public. Bass, an experienced politician with a background as a legislator and former Congress member, now faces a defining challenge in her career.
As Los Angeles embarks on the extensive rebuilding process after such catastrophic events, Mayor Bass seeks to reaffirm her leadership. This incident underscores her tenure and will undoubtedly shape the public’s perception heading into potential re-election in 2026.
