Former Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley is appealing her February 2025 dismissal and seeking reinstatement. On March 4, she appeared at a hearing as part of the appeal process, addressing supporters outside Los Angeles City Hall with gratitude for their backing.
For Crowley to regain her position, she needs the support of 10 out of 15 Los Angeles City Council members. However, reaching that threshold may prove challenging.
Several city council members have already sided with Mayor Karen Bass, who removed Crowley over her handling of the Eaton and Palisades fires:
Councilmembers Curren Price, Hugo Soto-Martinez, and Adrin Nazarian
Councilman Bob Blumenfield has also voiced support for Crowley’s removal.
Meanwhile, Councilmembers Monica Rodriguez and Traci Park have opposed the firing and encouraged Crowley to appeal.
A spokesperson for Mayor Bass, Zach Seidl, acknowledged Crowley’s legal right to appeal but did not indicate whether the mayor’s office was open to reconsidering the decision.
Mayor Karen Bass dismissed Crowley in February 2025, accusing her of making critical errors during the Eaton and Palisades fires that burned through Los Angeles in January 2025.
“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. 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.”
Crowley has the backing of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) and the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, IAFF Local-112, which claims she is being used as a scapegoat for the wildfire response.
The Los Angeles City Council will decide whether to reinstate Crowley or uphold Mayor Bass’ decision. The timeline for the final vote remains unclear.
