Former LA Fire Chief Sues City Over Dismissal After Palisades Fire

Kristin Crowley alleges Mayor Karen Bass spread misinformation to avoid accountability for the devastating wildfire.

Feb. 24, 2026 at 9:49pm

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The former Los Angeles fire chief, Kristin Crowley, has filed a lawsuit against the city, claiming her ouster was part of an orchestrated effort by Mayor Karen Bass to smear her conduct and decision-making in order to avoid accountability for the devastating Palisades Fire in 2025 that killed at least 12 people and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses.

Why it matters

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing political fallout and finger-pointing over the Palisades Fire, one of the most destructive wildfires in LA history. It raises questions about leadership, emergency preparedness, and transparency in the city's response to the disaster.

The details

Crowley's lawsuit alleges that Bass made false statements to shift blame, including claims that she was unaware of the anticipated dangerous weather conditions, that the fire department's budget was not cut, and that more firefighters could have been deployed. Crowley disputes these claims, arguing they were part of a 'deliberate strategy to divert scrutiny' from Bass' own decisions and avoid accountability.

  • The Palisades Fire began on January 7, 2025 during heavy winds.
  • Kristin Crowley was fired by Mayor Karen Bass on February 21, 2025, six weeks after the fire started.
  • Crowley lost an appeal to the City Council to win back her job in March 2025.

The players

Kristin Crowley

The former Los Angeles fire chief who was fired by Mayor Karen Bass after the Palisades Fire and is now suing the city.

Karen Bass

The mayor of Los Angeles who fired Kristin Crowley and is accused of spreading misinformation to avoid accountability for the Palisades Fire.

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What they’re saying

“These false statements were not mistakes but part of a deliberate strategy to divert scrutiny from Bass' decisions and to avoid accountability.”

— Kristin Crowley, Former Los Angeles Fire Chief

What’s next

The lawsuit filed by Kristin Crowley against the city of Los Angeles is ongoing, and the courts will determine whether her allegations against Mayor Karen Bass have merit.

The takeaway

This case highlights the political tensions and lack of transparency that can arise in the aftermath of a major disaster, as officials try to deflect blame and protect their reputations rather than focus on lessons learned and improvements for the future.