Former Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley is suing Mayor Karen Bass for defamation related to the devastating Palisades Fire. Crowley was removed from her position on February 21, 2025, weeks after the blaze began. The fire burned 23,448 acres, destroyed 6,833 structures, and killed 12 people.
Background
The lawsuit claims Bass made and continues to make false statements about Crowley, damaging her reputation. Bass demoted Crowley but did not fire her from the department, where Crowley continues to work as an assistant chief in the Valley Bureau.
Crowley’s attorneys, Genie Harrison and Mia Munro, stated that Crowley remains committed to the truth and looks forward to a jury trial. The Mayor’s Office has called the lawsuit meritless.
A resident, Maryam Zar, called the lawsuit absurd, noting that Mayor Bass dismissed the Chief because at least 1,000 firefighters had been excused on a high-wind day under a Red Flag Warning. Zar tried calling the captain at her local fire station but was told the captain was off for the day, which she found inexcusable.
Community Impact
Zar stated that the community is still largely on its own and figuring things out as it goes, with little help from local government. The people on the ground are doing the most important work, and many are engaged in efforts that may ultimately become the blueprint for disaster recovery.
This is the second lawsuit from Crowley. In February, Crowley sued the city of Los Angeles, alleging retaliation in violation of the Labor Code and the state Constitution. The lawsuits are seeking unspecified damages.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
