Three years ago, Kristin Crowley made history as the first female chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department (L.A.F.D.), receiving praise for her leadership capabilities. However, as the city faces severe wind-driven wildfires, she is now confronted with significant challenges, including tensions with city officials and scrutiny over the department's preparedness.
The ongoing wildfires have devastated nearly 40,000 acres and resulted in at least 27 fatalities. Recently, a public dispute arose between Mayor Karen Bass and Chief Crowley regarding funding for the fire department. Veteran fire managers criticized Crowley for not positioning more engines in high-risk areas prior to the fires that began on January 7.
During a news conference, Crowley faced questions about why approximately 1,000 firefighters were not ordered to stay on duty amid extreme fire conditions. She stated, “We surged where we could surge.” A letter from unnamed retired and active L.A.F.D. chief officers accused her of management failures and called for her resignation.
In response to the criticism, a fire department spokesperson indicated that Crowley was focused on firefighting efforts and could not address the letter. Crowley defended her team, stating, “Our firefighters are doing an incredible job,” as they worked to contain the fires.
Civic leaders have expressed mixed opinions on the situation. Some, like Corinne Tapia Babcock of the Los Angeles Fire Commission, emphasized that the scale of the disaster cannot be attributed to a single individual. Others, including former officials, suggested that accountability will be necessary once the crisis subsides.
Prior to the fires, Crowley faced political challenges, particularly regarding her appointment, which aimed to address past complaints of harassment and discrimination within the department. Despite her extensive experience, she was still establishing support when the recent fires erupted.
Critics have pointed to underfunding as a contributing factor to the department's struggles. A December memo from Crowley highlighted a $7.9 million cut in overtime and the elimination of civilian positions, which she claimed limited the department's emergency response capabilities. Although the budget approved by Mayor Bass was lower than the previous year, it ultimately resulted in an increase due to a new contract with the firefighters’ union.
As tensions between Crowley and Bass escalated, both leaders attempted to present a united front, despite underlying friction. Reports indicated that the firefighting force on duty during the initial outbreak of the Palisades fire could have been larger, as past practices included extending shifts during high-risk conditions.
Critics within the department have suggested that Crowley should have retained both incoming and outgoing shifts of firefighters as a precaution. A letter from current and retired officers expressed concerns that better preparation could have reduced fatalities and property loss during the fires.
Sharon Delugach of the Los Angeles Fire Commission noted that while internal dissent had been observed, it had not formally escalated prior to the fires. She suggested that some criticism may stem from sexism or resistance to change, given Crowley’s historic position as the first lesbian chief.
Delugach concluded that the future of Chief Crowley may depend more on her relationship with Mayor Bass than on the internal and external criticisms she faces. “It’s whether she and the mayor can work together, that’s the real question,” she stated.