The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) has refuted claims that Fire Chief Kristin Crowley was dismissed on Friday amid ongoing wildfires across the region.
In a statement, the department emphasised that Crowley remains in full command of the LAFD, asserting that her focus, along with Mayor Karen Bass, remains on addressing the current wildfire crisis and ensuring the safety of Los Angeles residents.
The speculation about Crowley’s dismissal arose after both she and Mayor Bass were absent from a press conference on Friday evening concerning the wildfires in LA County.
The Mayor’s office clarified that Crowley has not resigned and continues in her role as Fire Chief.
The Los Angeles Fire Department has faced significant challenges as it contends with budget cuts. According to city budget documents, funding for the fire department was reduced by $17.6 million, or 2%, between the 2023-24 and 2024-25 fiscal years.
Despite this, the Los Angeles City Council approved a four-year $203 million contract with the firefighter’s union in November, aimed at improving wages and benefits for staff.
The budget reductions have drawn criticism, particularly as the fire department continues to fight the ongoing wildfires.
In a memo to the Board of Fire Commissioners on December 4, Crowley highlighted the negative impact of the cuts on the department’s ability to maintain core operations, particularly in the wake of large-scale fires like the Pacific Palisades blaze.
Crowley acknowledged the severity of the situation on Friday, stating, “The Palisades Fire, it is absolutely one of the most horrific natural disasters in the history of Los Angeles. Even with an additional 100 engines, I tell you, we would not catch that fire.” She further pointed out the consequences of the $17 million budget cut and the elimination of civilian positions like mechanics, which she said has impeded the department’s ability to repair fire-fighting apparatus.
The Pacific Palisades fire has caused significant damage, with at least five people confirmed dead and over 21,000 acres burned within just three days.
As of Friday, the fire was 8% contained, and firefighting efforts continue.
A total of 331,335 people in LA County have been affected by evacuation advisories, with 139,524 under evacuation warnings and 191,811 under evacuation orders. To put this in perspective, this number is enough to fill SoFi Stadium three times.
Crowley, a 25-year veteran of the LAFD, made history as the department’s first LGBTQ and paramedic fire chief.
Reflecting on her appointment, Crowley expressed her pride, saying, “It really feels incredible. I feel so honored,” and added, “I’m truly humbled to be in this position.”
As of Friday, around 153,000 people in Los Angeles County remain under evacuation orders. Many residents were forced to leave their homes with only the belongings they could carry.
Additionally, another 166,000 individuals are under evacuation warnings, meaning they may soon need to evacuate.
Over 10,000 buildings have been destroyed in the fires, making this the most destructive wildfire in LA’s history. An estimated 60,000 more structures are at risk.
Insured losses are expected to exceed $8 billion, due to the high value of the proprties affected. Authorities have warned that the death toll may continue to rise as search teams sift through the debris.
