Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has removed LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley Friday following weeks of tensions that mounted over preparations for the deadly Los Angeles wildfires in January.
Bass was expected to speak about the removal at a midday news conference.
Bass issued a statement ahead of the news conference. The LAFD declined to comment.
“Acting in the best interests of Los Angeles’ public safety, and for the operations of the Los Angeles Fire Department, I have removed Kristin Crowley as Fire Chief,” Bass said. “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.
“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 heroism of our firefighters – during the Palisades fire and every single day – is without question. Bringing new leadership to the Fire Department is what our city needs.”
Former Chief Deputy Ronnie Villanueva, a 41-year LAFD veteran, will serve as interim fire chief.