DeKalb GA News

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has denied reports claiming she dismissed Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley following criticism of her management of the California wildfires. According to a report by the Daily Mail, Crowley was called to a meeting with Bass on Friday afternoon and subsequently informed her staff that she had been terminated.

A source quoted in the Daily Mail stated, “Kristin was summoned by Bass this afternoon, about 4 pm. She came back from that meeting, hugged her staff goodbye, and left. She said she was fired.”

The alleged dismissal followed comments made by Crowley criticizing the city’s leadership. Speaking to FOX LA, Crowley emphasized the need for adequate funding for the fire department: "My message is the fire department needs to be properly funded," adding, "It's not." When asked if she felt let down by Mayor Bass and the city, Crowley affirmed: "Yes."

In response to these developments, Nick Sortor tweeted about Crowley's reported firing after her public remarks against Mayor Bass's handling of fire response efforts.

Reports also indicate that funding for the Los Angeles Fire Department was reduced by $17.6 million months before the fires began. Critics argue that more effective measures could have mitigated the severity of the fires, such as clearing dead brush and replenishing water resources.

Mayor Bass's office has refuted claims of Crowley's dismissal as "fake news," stating: “The Mayor and Chief met. The priority remains fighting these fires and protecting Angelenos.”

This situation continues to evolve and further updates are expected.