Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley is facing a wave of anger amid wildfires in the state, which have forced thousands to evacuate from their homes.
It comes as authorities have said the four fires, which have burned more than 4,000 acres, have not yet been contained. Some firefighters have also reported hydrants being dry, preventing them from being able to stop the blazes, according to reports.
Such reports have prompted some social media users to slam Crowley's leadership of the fire department.
Newsweek has contacted Crowley's office for comment via email.
Why It Matters
So far, two deaths have been reported as a result of the fires. The blazes remain a threat to human health, creating hazardous air-quality conditions that pose serious health risks.
Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) levels in the air are expected to reach unhealthy or higher levels.
This means "everyone may begin to experience some adverse health effects, such as difficulty breathing and throat irritation, while sensitive groups could experience more severe impacts," according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District.
Sensitive groups include people with heart or lung disease, children, pregnant women and older adults.
Meanwhile, the fires have also seen schools close and hundreds of thousands of homes left without power.
What To Know
Four fires are currently burning in Los Angeles, including the Eaton fire near Altadena, which has burned 1,000 acres, the Palisades fire in Pacific Palisades, which has burned 2,900 acres so far, and the Hurst fire, north of San Fernando, which has burned 500 acres.
In the last hour or so, a fourth, smaller fire—the Tyler fire—has been reported by the state's fire authority in Riverside County, which is currently burning about 15 acres in size.
Authorities say none of the blazes have been contained and that there is "no possibility" of bringing them under control. According to the LA Fire Department, the situation remains "very dangerous" and wind speeds are "worsening."
The Los Angeles Times also reported that some firefighters battling the blazes said on internal radio systems that hydrants were coming up dry, meaning they did not have enough water to put out the fire.
An LA Department of Water & Power spokesman confirmed reports of reduced water flow from hydrants but provided no details on the number or scope of the issue. In a statement to the Los Angeles Times, the agency said crews were working to maintain water supplies, which rely on water tanks.
The extent and cause of the problem remain unclear. Similar hydrant issues hampered firefighting efforts during Ventura County's Mountain fire in November when inactive water pumps delayed hillside water delivery.
Amid such issues, Crowley is facing scrutiny.
Who is Kristin Crowley?
Crowley is the first woman and first openly LGBTQ+ person to hold her post. She is married to retired firefighter Hollyn Bullock.
Her nomination came after former Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas stepped down amid growing scrutiny for not doing enough to stop sexist and racist behavior within the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Mayor Eric Garcetti said at the time that he nominated Crowley to the position not due to her gender but due to her abilities and skill with public safety challenges.
"I look for who's best, not just who makes history," Garcetti said at a press conference. "Because the protection of our city first and foremost has to go to the human being who is best prepared to lead. But, let me be clear, that is Kristin Crowley. And this progress is incredibly important and long overdue."
When she was nominated to her position in 2022, she had been with the fire department for 22 years, having been a firefighter, paramedic, engineer, fire inspector, captain, battalion chief, assistant chief, fire marshal and deputy chief. She became Los Angeles' first female fire marshal in 2016. When she took the firefighter exam in the late 1990s, she ranked among the top 50 out of 16,000 applicants.
Crowley accepted the nomination, saying: "As the fire chief, if confirmed, I vow to take a strategic and balanced approach to ensure we meet the needs of the community we serve. We will focus our efforts on increasing our operational effectiveness, enhancing firefighter safety and well-being, and fully commit to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture within the LAFD."
What People Are Saying
The MAGA Voice X account wrote: "The Los Angeles Fire Chief was more focused on LGBTQ initiatives than refilling water reservoirs."
Commentator Rogan O'Handley, also known as DC Draino, wrote on X: "On the left is the LA Fire Chief allowing her city to be burned down with no water in fire hydrants. On the right is the New Orleans Police Chief who allowed a terrorist attack on Bourbon without street barriers. DEI is quite literally getting people killed. Bring back merit."
What Happens Next
Firefighters and emergency workers are continuing to respond to the fires, evacuating residents from their homes.
Santa Ana winds are forecast to diminish on Thursday as the storm system moves away from the region, offering some relief to affected areas.
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