Kristin Crowley, the ousted Los Angeles Fire Chief, made her first statement since Degraded By Mayor Karen Bass Can’t notify her About hazardous conditions or Activate hundreds of firefighters Before the deadly Palisade fire.
“As a fire chief, I am based on the behavior and decisions of caring for firefighters so that they can take care of our community,” Crowley said in a statement.
“Serving others before myself, having the courage and integrity to do the right thing, and having the leadership with compassion, love and respect has guided me throughout my career. I work for our LAFD members, sacrifices Be proud of dedication.”
A TIMES investigation found Fire department officials could have ordered about 1,000 firefighters to continue on duty during the storm, but chose to object to it. The move would double the momentum of the fire at hand when the Palisades fire broke out on the morning of January 7.
The Times found that the department also has more than 40 engines to fight wildfires, but fire officials only have five engines.
Investigations from other periods have determined that LAFD can be deployed At least 10 other engines Palisade before the fire. If these engines are patrolling hillsides and canyons, then they may be able to put out the fire when the fire is still small.
Crowley opens fire on Friday Tensions in the city hall are intensifying. Monica Rodriguez Torch Hillside Communitysaid she would seek to overthrow Crowley’s sack. Rodriguez believes that evacuation is a way of criticism of bass deflection.
The fire in Palisades killed at least 12 people, destroyed nearly 7,000 houses and other buildings, and drew criticism of bass, which Bass had held a ceremony in Ghana when the outbreak broke out. The disaster posed a serious economic challenge to the region and raised questions about whether the city is ready to host the 2028 Olympics.
Bass was unable to comment immediately on Crowley’s statement.
But in recent days she has lashed out at Crowley, saying she didn’t hear from the Chief until the fire broke out and questioned her deployment strategy.
“As a mean civil servant over the past 30 years, with 25 civil servants with LAFD, it is an absolute honor to represent men and women who represent one of the greatest fire departments in the world,” Crowley said.
Crowley’s representative said she would not comment any more.
LAFD veteran Ronnie Villanueva will serve as interim director. Seven months ago, he retired after working in the department for forty years, serving as the chief deputy to the emergency operations.
