LA Fire Chief Earns $473,600 Amid Scrutiny Over Deadly Palisades Fire

Jaime Moore takes over an embattled LAFD with a higher salary than his predecessor.

Feb. 24, 2026 at 11:20pm

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Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Jaime Moore has taken over an agency under intense scrutiny over its handling of the deadly Palisades fire in 2025. Moore will earn $473,600 a year, $18,000 more than his predecessor Kristin Crowley, who was ousted by Mayor Karen Bass. The LAFD and Mayor Bass continue to face criticism over the department's response to the Palisades fire, which killed 12 people and destroyed thousands of homes.

Why it matters

The high salary for the new LAFD chief comes as the department faces intense public scrutiny over its handling of the deadly Palisades fire. The fire and the subsequent controversy have raised questions about the LAFD's leadership, preparedness, and transparency.

The details

Chief Moore, a 30-year LAFD veteran, will earn $473,600 annually, which is $18,000 more than his predecessor Kristin Crowley made. Crowley was ousted by Mayor Karen Bass in February 2025 for her handling of the Palisades fire. The LAFD and Mayor Bass continue to face criticism over the department's response to the fire, which killed 12 people and destroyed thousands of homes. The LAFD's after-action report on the fire was also watered down to 'soften language and reduce explicit criticism of department leadership'.

  • In January 2025, the Palisades fire killed 12 people and destroyed thousands of homes.
  • In February 2025, Mayor Karen Bass ousted former LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley.
  • In October 2025, Jaime Moore was appointed as the new LAFD Chief.

The players

Jaime Moore

The new LAFD Chief who will earn $473,600 annually.

Kristin Crowley

The former LAFD Chief who was ousted by Mayor Karen Bass in February 2025.

Karen Bass

The Mayor of Los Angeles who ousted former LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley.

Kenneth Cook

The LAFD Battalion Chief who authored the department's after-action report on the Palisades fire, which was later watered down.

Jim McDonnell

The Los Angeles Police Chief who earned a $450,000 salary in 2024.

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What they’re saying

“The author of the report, Battalion Chief Kenneth Cook, declined to endorse the final version because of changes that altered his findings and made the report, in his words, 'highly unprofessional and inconsistent with our established standards.'”

— Kenneth Cook, LAFD Battalion Chief (latimes.com)

“Bass has called The Times' reporting 'dangerous and irresponsible'.”

— Karen Bass (latimes.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.