Following one of the most destructive wildfires in LA’s history, Mayor Karen Bass removed Fire Chief Kristin on February 21,2025. This caused a major stir throughout Los Angeles due to the mass impact the fires had on the residents. At least 29 people were killed in the Palisades Fire which occurred on January 7. The destruction costed civilians 18,000 homes and structures. Bass stated that Crowley’s decision to send a handful of firefighters home on the day the fires started and her unpreparedness to perform an after-action report led to her final decision on letting Crowley go.

Many communities have responded to this decision in different ways. The United Firefighters , have spoken out on the matter in outrage voicing that Bass’s motive was to scapegoat Crowley. Freddy Escobar who is he current Union President also voiced his criticism on the strategy of Bass’s decision. “I’ve known chief Crowley for 20-plus years. She’s a person of integrity and a true leader,” Escobar said.

Many small business owners have also spoken out about the effect of the aftermath of the fires. Along with criticism developer Rick Caruso has made an effort to speak out about the city’s preparation of flames. He make a suggestion of a private sector and the usage of better fire-resistant materials.

As the situation is being resolved, the community is at a great divide, with many discussions about the effectiveness of decisions and the major impacts of Los Angeles’s recovery.