Los Angeles Fire Chief, Mayor Clash Amid Devastating Wildfires

A public dispute has erupted between Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley and Mayor Karen Bass amidst the city’s most destructive wildfire in history, raising questions about resources and leadership during a critical time, The Associated Press reports.

The conflict comes just three years after Crowley, a career firefighter, was appointed to lead the department, initially hailed as a stabilizing force to address internal turmoil.

The wildfire, which has already consumed over 5,000 structures in the Pacific Palisades area, has ignited tensions between the city’s top officials. Chief Crowley publicly criticized city budget cuts, claiming they have hampered the department’s ability to respond effectively. She specifically cited a lack of resources and a major issue with water supply, with approximately 20% of the hydrants used in the fire fight running dry earlier in the week.

“I’m not a politician, I’m a public servant. It’s my job as the fire chief for Los Angeles city fire dept to make sure our firefighters have exactly what they need to do their jobs,” Crowley said in an interview with CNN, directly challenging the city’s resource allocation.

Crowley’s remarks and perceived falling-out with Mayor Bass prompted widespread speculation about her job security, causing the firefighters’ union to issue a statement assuring members that she had not been terminated.

Mayor Bass attempted to de-escalate the situation the following day, stating, “Let me be clear about something: The fire chief and I are focused on fighting these fires and saving lives, and any differences that we might have will be worked out in private.” She emphasized that the priority is to address the immediate crisis.

The incident also comes against the backdrop of national debate surrounding diversity and inclusion policies, an area where Crowley has made significant progress within the LAFD. As the city’s first female and openly gay fire chief, Crowley has focused on diversifying the predominantly male department, a move which conservatives have criticized on a national stage.

The focus on budget cuts by Crowley comes after her warnings of the potential impact of a $7 million reduction in overtime pay and the elimination of key civilian positions. She argued these cuts have limited the department’s ability to prepare for major incidents like the current wildfires. She also cited delays in repairing the department’s fleet due to the reduction in mechanics.

Other city officials have stated that the fire department’s budget has since been increased, but the allocation of those funds is not clear. The Mayor has reiterated that the department has the necessary resources, but details will be discussed after the fire is controlled.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is under fire as well, as they are responsible for providing water for the fire hydrants. LADWP officials have said they were overwhelmed by the demand, as the municipal water system was not designed to handle the high volume of water required during a wildfire, exacerbated by the grounding of firefighting aircraft. Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered an investigation into the matter.

The friction between Crowley and Bass marks a significant shift from when Crowley was appointed in 2022. Then-Mayor Eric Garcetti hailed her as the most qualified candidate to lead the department out of a period of turmoil. Lawsuits, including one from the federal government, alleged the department harbored a toxic “frat house” culture rife with hazing, harassment, and discrimination, particularly towards women and minorities. At that time, women comprised only 3.5% of the force, and surveys indicated widespread reports of harassment among minority members.

Crowley’s appointment was seen as a turning point, with her vowing to ensure all employees “feel safe and feel heard.” Prior to becoming fire chief, she served in nearly every role in the departme nt after coming to firefighting following a stint as a paramedic. She had initially studied biology and intended to become an orthopedic surgeon.