Los Angeles, CaliforniaJan. 11, 2025Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, right, and Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, left, address the media at a press conference on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Former Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley has officially appealed her termination to the City Council, setting up a crucial vote on Tuesday that could determine her future with the department.
Crowley, who was fired last week by Mayor Karen Bass, needs 10 of 15 council members to overturn the decision.
Mayor Bass cited Crowley’s handling of the Palisades Fire—considered the worst wildfire in Los Angeles history—as the primary reason for her termination. The fire burned more than 23,000 acres, destroyed 6,837 homes, and resulted in 12 fatalities.
Bass, who faced criticism for being out of the country when the fire started, accused Crowley of failing to deploy additional firefighters despite warnings of extreme weather conditions. The mayor also alleged that Crowley did not properly communicate the severity of the fire risk and failed to cooperate with a Fire Commission evaluation of the department’s response.
Crowley has not publicly addressed the mayor’s specific allegations. However, in a statement following her dismissal, she defended her leadership, saying she had prioritized firefighter safety to ensure they could protect the community.
The United Firefighters of Los Angeles City (UFLAC), the union representing L.A. firefighters, has strongly backed Crowley, accusing city leaders of providing “manufactured reasons” for her removal. The union claims Crowley was fired for speaking out about inadequate department funding.
“Despite the manufactured reasons that have been publicly offered for her termination, the reality is Kristin Crowley was fired for telling the truth,” the union’s statement read. “Our rank-and-file firefighters on the ground strongly support Chief Crowley.”
The City Council initially scheduled a special meeting for Friday evening at Van Nuys City Hall to review Crowley’s appeal. However, the firefighters’ union criticized the short notice, calling it an attempt to “bury the issue when nobody is watching.”
Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson later postponed the hearing, stating that while the matter should be handled quickly, all involved parties should have time to prepare. The council will now take up the appeal at its regular meeting on Tuesday.
For Crowley to be reinstated, she must secure a two-thirds vote from the council. However, her appeal faces significant challenges. Four council members publicly stood with Mayor Bass when she announced Crowley’s firing, potentially signaling opposition to reinstating her.
If Crowley wins the necessary votes, she could be reinstated within 10 days. It remains unclear whether she will personally testify at Tuesday’s hearing.
