Los Angeles Mayor Fires Fire Chief Amid Wildfire Management Controversy
Mayor Karen Bass has dismissed Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, citing her handling of recent wildfires that devastated the city, leading to multiple fatalities and extensive damage.
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The damage from the wildfires was exacerbated by the loss of water pressure in some fire hydrants reported by firefighters during the conflagration.
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Bass is facing criticism over two issues in particular: a funding cut to the Los Angeles Fire Department in the fire-prone region and the timing of a diplomatic trip to Ghana as dangerous fire conditions loomed.
LA mayor ousts fire chief amid wildfire response criticism
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Bass has faced tremendous pressure and questions surrounding her decision to attend an event in Ghana when the fires broke out on Jan. 7, despite days of warnings about the unprecedented weather event that drove the fires.
Los Angeles removes fire chief in wake of massive wildfires
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The mayor has taken political heat for her response to the historic fires, almost since the moment they broke out while she was out of the country.
LA mayor sacks fire chief, blames her for mishandling wildfires
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Bass has been facing criticism for being in Africa as part of a presidential delegation on the day the fires started, even though weather reports had warned of dangerous fire conditions in the days before she left.
LA mayor Karen Bass removes fire chief after public rift over wildfire response
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Bass has been facing criticism for being in Africa as part of a presidential delegation on the day the fires started, even though weather reports had warned of dangerous fire conditions in the days before she left.
L.A. Fire Chief Dismissed Over Handling of January Wildfires
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Bass has appointed former Chief Deputy Ronnie Villanueva, a 41-year LAFD veteran, as interim fire chief.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass sacks fire chief who said city failed residents in wildfires
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In the months that led up to Crowley’s removal, Bass and the city’s fire department had been engaged in a contentious back-and-forth about their immediate response to the Palisades fire.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass fires Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley
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LA mayor dismisses fire chief over response to most destructive wildfire in city history last month
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Summary
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has removed Fire Chief Kristin Crowley following severe wildfires that killed 29 and destroyed thousands of homes. Crowley was blamed for sending firefighters home before the fires and refusing to prepare an investigation report. Bass faced backlash for being in Ghana during the fires, raising questions about city leadership and emergency preparedness. Crowley, the first female fire chief, will remain with the department at a lower rank. Ronnie Villanueva has been appointed as interim chief as the city assesses its firefighting strategies.
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