McKenna Sievertson

Bass said at a news conference that she's acting in the best interest of LA's public safety and the operations of the fire department.

Bass said at a news conference that she's acting in the best interest of LA's public safety and the operations of the fire department.

Crowley, who was sworn into office nearly three years ago, was the department's first female and LGBTQ fire chief. Former Chief Deputy Ronnie Villanueva will serve as the interim fire chief while a national search is underway. Bass has faced criticism for being abroad the day the fires began. She has faulted Crowley for failing to alert her about the potentially explosive fire conditions.

Crowley, who was sworn into office nearly three years ago, was the department's first female and LGBTQ fire chief. Former Chief Deputy Ronnie Villanueva will serve as the interim fire chief while a national search is underway. Bass has faced criticism for being abroad the day the fires began. She has faulted Crowley for failing to alert her about the potentially explosive fire conditions.

For NPR News, I'm McKenna Sievertson in Los Angeles.

For NPR News, I'm McKenna Sievertson in Los Angeles.