Los Angeles City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley has publicly criticized city officials for budget decisions that she says severely weakened the fire department’s ability to combat the deadly wildfires devastating the region. Crowley warned that the department was left dangerously unprepared due to major funding cuts.
During an appearance on CNN, Crowley highlighted how a $17 million budget reduction crippled the department’s operational readiness. “Any budget cut would negatively impact our ability to carry out our mission,” Crowley said. She emphasized her responsibility to ensure that firefighters are properly equipped to protect the city, but the budget cuts made this impossible.
One of the most damaging consequences of the cuts was the elimination of civilian positions, including vital mechanics. Crowley revealed that more than 100 fire engines are currently out of service because of the shortage of mechanics to perform repairs.
“Having these apparatus and the proper amount of mechanics would have helped,” she stated, underscoring how this shortage directly impacted the department’s response.
BREAKING: The Fire Chief that blasted elected officials in California just doubled down on their failures!
They need to resign ASAP!
"The $17 million budget cut and the elimination of our civilian positions, like our mechanics did, has and will continue to severely impact our… pic.twitter.com/XsRxqYN5oG
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) January 10, 2025
Crowley also warned that the department is struggling to meet growing demands with fewer resources. She pointed out that emergency calls have increased by 55% since 2010, yet staffing and funding have not kept pace. Even more alarming, Crowley disclosed that she was asked to develop a plan that could slash an additional $48.8 million from the budget, which would result in the closure of 15 fire stations and the elimination of over 300 firefighter positions.
L.A. Fire Chief Kristin Crowley warned Mayor Karen Bass (D) last month the $17+ million she cut from the department's budget "severely limited the department's capacity to prepare for, train for, and respond to large-scale emergencies, including wildfires" pic.twitter.com/tgzIAeHIsQ
— Ryan Saavedra (@RealSaavedra) January 9, 2025
Describing the Palisades fire as one of the worst disasters in Los Angeles history, Crowley admitted that even additional resources would have made little difference without proper staffing and functioning equipment. “Even with an extra hundred engines, we were not going to catch that fire,” she explained.
🚨 #BREAKING: LA Fire Chief calls out Mayor Bass for slashing the Fire Department’s budget
Chief Crowley confirms she warned the Mayor that the Fire Department would NOT be able to handle potential wildfires, but the Mayor insisted on cuts anyway.
REPORTER: “Did the city fail… pic.twitter.com/0atW9sBYxT
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) January 10, 2025
Democrats in Sacramento CUT wildfire prevention by 80% at the same time LA Mayor Karen Bass slashed her fire department budget—even when her own Fire Chief warned those cuts would limit their ability to fight a fire like this. This is inexcusable and we need to kick every… pic.twitter.com/hyYnWOlJh5
— Bill Essayli (@billessayli) January 10, 2025
As wildfires continue to devastate communities, many residents are left questioning the city’s preparedness. Families like Castey Fortich’s had to evacuate in the middle of the night, leaving everything behind. Their experience highlights the real-world consequences of the city’s financial decisions.
LA Fire Chief Kristin Crowley just wrecked Mayor Karen Bass:
“Let me be clear. The $17M budget cut and elimination of our civilian positions like our mechanics did and has and will continue to severely impact our ability to repair our apparatus.”
Someone is losing their job. pic.twitter.com/OaPNasS3oZ
— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) January 10, 2025
Crowley’s urgent warnings reveal how critical funding and resources are for public safety. Without immediate action, Los Angeles may face even greater risks in future disasters.
