Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has removed Fire Chief Kristin Crowley following the devastating wildfires in January that resulted in the deaths of over two dozen people and the destruction of more than 13,000 structures. The decision was announced on Friday (February 21) and comes amid criticism of the fire department's handling of the crisis.

The wildfires, which swept through large areas of Los Angeles, have sparked widespread scrutiny of emergency response strategies. Mayor Bass's decision to remove Chief Crowley reflects a broader effort to address these concerns and improve the city's preparedness for future disasters.

"We know that 1,000 firefighters that could have been on duty on the morning the fires broke out were instead sent home on Chief Crowley’s watch," Bass said in a statement. "Furthermore, a necessary step to an investigation was the President of the Fire Commission telling Chief Crowley to do an after-action report on the fires. The Chief refused. These require her removal."

The removal of Chief Crowley marks a significant change in the leadership of the Los Angeles Fire Department. As the city seeks to recover from the recent devastation, the focus will likely shift to implementing new strategies and appointing a new leader who can enhance the department's effectiveness in managing such emergencies.

The search for a new fire chief is expected to begin immediately, with an emphasis on finding a candidate who can bring innovative solutions to the challenges posed by increasingly severe wildfire seasons.

Michael DelGiorno