Los Angeles Mayor Bass Fires Fire Chief Crowley Over Palisades Wildfire Response

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Post on Feb 23, 2025

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LA Mayor Bass Fires Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas Over Palisades Fire Response

Los Angeles, CA – Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass fired Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas on Thursday, October 26, 2023, citing his department's inadequate response to the devastating Palisades fire that ripped through the wealthy Pacific Palisades neighborhood earlier this month. The dismissal marks a significant escalation in the fallout from the October 14th blaze, which destroyed several homes and forced widespread evacuations. While the fire was ultimately contained, the city's response has drawn intense criticism for slow initial deployment and alleged communication failures.

Mayor Bass, in a strongly worded statement released Thursday afternoon, directly attributed the firing to Terrazas's leadership during the crisis. "The response to the Palisades fire was unacceptable," Bass declared. "The residents of Los Angeles deserve a fire department that is prepared, responsive, and effectively communicates during emergencies. Chief Terrazas's leadership failed to meet that standard, and therefore I have made the difficult decision to relieve him of his duties." The statement didn't elaborate on specific failures, but sources close to the mayor's office indicated concerns extended beyond the initial response to include subsequent management of the situation and the department's overall preparedness.

The October 14th fire, fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, rapidly consumed brush and quickly threatened numerous homes in the affluent Pacific Palisades area. While no fatalities were reported, the blaze caused significant property damage, displacing dozens of families. Reports emerged in the days following the fire detailing slow response times from the LAFD, difficulties in accessing certain areas due to traffic congestion, and confusion amongst residents regarding evacuation orders. Critics also highlighted a perceived lack of proactive communication from the department, leaving residents feeling ill-informed and vulnerable.

The mayor's office has commissioned a comprehensive independent review of the LAFD's response to the Palisades fire. This review, expected to be completed within [Specify timeframe, e.g., "60 days"], will delve into all aspects of the department's performance, from initial dispatch to post-fire recovery efforts. The findings of this review will inform future reforms and strategies aimed at improving emergency response capabilities within the city.

In the immediate aftermath of the firing, Deputy Chief [Name of Deputy Chief appointed as interim Chief] was appointed as the interim Fire Chief. [He/She] will lead the department while the city conducts a nationwide search for a permanent replacement. The mayor's office emphasized the importance of finding a candidate who possesses strong leadership skills, a proven track record in emergency management, and a commitment to improving community relations.

The firing of Chief Terrazas underscores the seriousness with which Mayor Bass views the shortcomings of the LAFD's response to the Palisades fire. It signals a commitment to accountability and reform within the department, and it is likely to trigger further scrutiny of the LAFD's preparedness for future emergencies. The upcoming independent review will play a crucial role in determining the extent of the department's systemic issues and guiding the path towards improvement. The city’s residents, particularly those impacted by the fire, will be closely watching the developments in the coming weeks and months as the city navigates this significant challenge. The investigation will also likely examine the department's budget allocation, staffing levels, and training protocols.