Former LA Fire Chief Sues City Over Alleged Retaliation by Mayor Bass

Kristin Crowley claims she was removed as chief for speaking out about budget cuts and the Palisades Fire response.

Feb. 24, 2026 at 9:36pm

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Former Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley has filed a lawsuit against the city, alleging that Mayor Karen Bass has waged a "campaign of retaliation" against her since the devastating Palisades Fire. Crowley claims she was removed as chief last year in retaliation for publicly discussing budget cuts to the fire department and her warnings about aging infrastructure and staffing issues prior to the fire.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between city leadership and public safety officials, as well as the challenges facing fire departments in major cities like Los Angeles. It raises questions about transparency, accountability, and the ability of public servants to speak out about issues without fear of reprisal.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Crowley, a 26-year veteran of the LAFD, was named chief by former Mayor Eric Garcetti in 2022. However, Bass removed her from the position last February, citing Crowley's apparent refusal to conduct a timely after-action report on the Palisades Fire and her decision to send crews home on the day the fire started. Crowley denies these claims and asserts that she had warned Bass and other officials for years about the department's aging infrastructure, staffing issues, and budget constraints.

  • Crowley was named fire chief by former Mayor Eric Garcetti in 2022.
  • The Palisades Fire occurred in January 2025.
  • Crowley was removed from her position as fire chief by Mayor Karen Bass in February 2025.
  • Crowley filed a lawsuit against the city on February 20, 2026.

The players

Kristin Crowley

A 26-year veteran of the Los Angeles Fire Department who was named fire chief by former Mayor Eric Garcetti in 2022, but was later removed from the position by Mayor Karen Bass in 2025.

Karen Bass

The current mayor of Los Angeles who removed Kristin Crowley from her position as fire chief in 2025.

Eric Garcetti

The former mayor of Los Angeles who appointed Kristin Crowley as fire chief in 2022.

Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD)

The fire department of the city of Los Angeles.

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What they’re saying

“We know that 1,000 firefighters that could have been on duty on the morning the fires broke out were instead sent home on Chief Crowley's watch.”

— Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles (CBS News)

“I don't know why you had to do that. Normally, we are on the same page, and I don't know why you had to say stuff to the media.”

— Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles (Lawsuit filing)

What’s next

The lawsuit demands a jury trial, and the judge will need to decide whether to allow the case to proceed.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between city leadership and public safety officials, as well as the challenges facing fire departments in major cities like Los Angeles. It raises questions about transparency, accountability, and the ability of public servants to speak out about issues without fear of reprisal.