Bass has appointed former Chief Deputy Ronnie Villanueva as interim fire chief. Villanueva served with the LAFD for 41 years before retiring in September 2024.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on Friday, Feb. 21, removed Kristin Crowley as the city’s fire chief, ending weeks of speculation about Crowley’s future as head of the L.A. Fire Department – though Crowley will remain in a lower position with the fire department.

Kristin Crowley sent a letter to the Los Angeles City Council on Thursday, informing them she is proceeding with an appeal of the mayor's removal of her as fire chief.