As roaring wildfires continue to wreak havoc across Los Angeles, Fire Chief Kristin Crowley has made headlines for her candid remarks during a television interview that revealed the deep-seated issues plaguing the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). On Friday, Crowley, under pressure from a Fox 11 reporter, candidly stated that both the city of Los Angeles, led by Mayor Karen Bass, and the Fire Department are critically understaffed and underfunded, declaring the situation “no longer sustainable.”
Later in the day, a long meeting between Crowley and Bass raised eyebrows, particularly when rumors surfaced about Crowley’s potential firing. These claims were swiftly denied by both Bass and the Fire Department, which confirmed that Crowley remained in full command during the ongoing firefighting efforts. In fact, Bass was joined by Crowley at a briefings on Saturday, reiterating their shared commitment to managing the wildfire crisis.
The lethal wildfires have already claimed at least 13 lives and devastated various localities, including Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and Altadena. Amid this devastation, tensions between Crowley and Bass regarding the budget and resources available to fire crews have come to a head. Crowley expressed profound concerns over substantial budget cuts, stating that a $17 million reduction harmed the department’s ability to effectively combat such emergencies.
Despite these challenges, City Administrative Officer Matt Szabo has indicated that the LAFD’s budget is anticipated to grow by over 7% this year, factoring in wage increases and necessary vehicle purchases, and assured that financial constraints have not hindered the response to the wildfires.
Crowley, the first woman to lead the department, has not shied away from advocating for increased funding and staffing, calling for the hiring of more firefighters and the establishment of additional fire stations to ensure public safety. Last month, she expressed dire concerns about cuts to her department, which she argued impede their capacity to handle large-scale emergencies.
City Councilmember Traci Park, representing affected areas, voiced support for Crowley, highlighting the longstanding issue of under-investment in the Fire Department, which needs to be addressed for the safety of all Angelenos.
While the situation remains challenging, the open dialogue about funding and resources is a positive step towards ensuring that the firefighters and first responders have the necessary support to protect communities in times of crisis.