Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass fires fire chief Kristin Crowley after weeks of tension

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has removed LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley effective immediately.

The Palisades Fire , which erupted in early January , ranked as the ninth deadliest and third -most destructive wildfire on record in California .

Crowley and Bass have exchanged blows since the fire began, with Crowley blaming budget cuts enacted by Bass for hamstringing the department's ability to respond to large-scale emergencies.

Bass ’ former mayoral opponent Rick Caruso quickly condemned Crowley ’s removal on social media.