Here are the main points from the article about Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley and the ongoing wildfires in the region:
Wildfire Update
- The Pacific Palisades brush fire has killed at least five people and burned over 22,000 acres.
- The fire is 11% contained as of Saturday.
- Tens of thousands of people have fled their homes due to evacuation orders or warnings.
- Over 12,000 structures have been destroyed, including at least 5,000 in the Palisades Fire.
Chief Kristin Crowley
- Crowley is a 25-year veteran of the LAFD and the agency’s first LGBTQ fire chief.
- She has served in nearly every role within the department, including fire marshal, engineer, and battalion chief.
- Crowley was described by former Mayor Eric Garcetti as “not only a trailblazer but the most qualified person” to lead the department.
Budget Cuts and Funding
- The LAFD’s budget decreased by $17.6 million (2%) between the 2024-25 and 2023-24 fiscal years.
- The city council approved a four-year, $203 million contract with the firefighter’s union in November to boost wages and health benefits for staff.
- Crowley has criticized the budget cuts, saying they have “severely impacted” the department’s ability to repair apparatus and respond to fires.
Speculation about Crowley’s Status
- There was speculation that Crowley had been dismissed as chief due to her absence from a Friday night press conference with Mayor Karen Bass.
- The LAFD refuted this speculation, stating that Crowley met with Bass on Friday and remains in full command of the department.
- Bass and Crowley appeared together at a Saturday news conference to reassure the public that they are working together to combat the wildfires.
Quotes from Crowley and Bass
- Crowley: “We are screaming to be properly funded, to make sure that our firefighters can do their jobs so that we can serve the community that we took an oath.”
- Bass: “I think first of all you have heard it directly from me. I’ll give her an opportunity to repeat it again, that we have one mission, and that is going to be our sole focus.”