Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has appointed Jaime Moore, a seasoned 30-year veteran of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), as the city’s new fire chief. This decision comes several months after Bass dismissed the previous fire chief, Kristin Crowley, following intense criticism over the handling of the Palisades Fire—the most destructive wildfire in the city’s history.
The Palisades Fire, which erupted on January 7 amid strong winds, devastated an affluent Los Angeles neighborhood, destroying or damaging nearly 8,000 homes, businesses, and other structures. The fire tragically claimed at least 12 lives and left the city grappling with the aftermath of one of its worst natural disasters. The fire department’s response to this crisis came under heavy scrutiny, sparking public debates about preparedness and accountability.
Following the wildfire, Mayor Bass made the controversial decision to fire Chief Crowley just six weeks after the disaster. Crowley, the first female chief in the department’s history, had been appointed in 2022 by Bass’s predecessor during a time when the LAFD was confronting internal turmoil, including allegations of widespread harassment, hazing, and discrimination. Crowley had spent more than 25 years with the fire department, holding numerous key positions such as fire marshal, engineer, and battalion chief. Her termination came amid a public disagreement between her and City Hall, each side blaming the other for the department’s perceived failures in wildfire preparedness and response.
Crowley’s dismissal was met with strong criticism from the firefighters union, which labeled her a “scapegoat” for broader systemic issues. She later filed a legal claim against the city in August, accusing Mayor Bass of orchestrating a campaign of misinformation, defamation, and retaliation connected to the wildfires and her removal.
Amid this backdrop, Mayor Bass conducted a nationwide search for a new fire chief, evaluating over 100 candidates before naming Deputy Chief Jaime Moore as her choice. Moore, who currently oversees operations for the Valley Bureau—a northern sector of Los Angeles encompassing 39 fire stations and nearly 1,000 sworn personnel—brings extensive experience and a deep understanding of the department’s operations. Since joining the LAFD in 1995, Moore has served in a variety of roles across the department and was promoted to assistant chief in 2018.
Moore is a lifelong Southern California resident, born in Delhi, Louisiana, with roots that reflect the city’s diverse population. His mother immigrated from Guadalajara, Mexico, and he was raised bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish. He holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and a master’s degree in public administration and emergency management from California State University, Long Beach.
Upon announcing Moore’s appointment, Mayor Bass expressed confidence in his ability to lead the department through its current challenges. “I’m proud to appoint an Angeleno to this role, and I know that he will work to improve the LAFD for everyone in this city,” she said. Moore himself outlined his priorities, which include implementing strategic changes to better prepare for major disasters and world events, enhancing department morale and culture, and ensuring adequate staffing and resources to meet the city’s needs.
The firefighters union quickly welcomed Moore’s selection, praising his leadership and commitment. In a statement posted on social media platform X, the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City noted, “Throughout his career with the LAFD, Chief Moore has shown strong leadership and a deep commitment to the department. His background and experience within the ranks has demonstrated that he’s the right leader at the right time to move the LAFD forward.”
Moore’s appointment comes at a critical moment politically for Mayor Bass, who is preparing for her reelection campaign amid a challenging first term. The city continues to wrestle with significant issues, including a persistent homeless crisis, budget shortfalls, and preparations for the upcoming 2028 Olympic Games. Meanwhile, the recovery from the January fires remains an ongoing priority.
The Palisades Fire itself has been the focus of federal investigation, which revealed that it was triggered by a smaller fire set around New Year’s Day. A man accused of starting this initial blaze has pleaded not guilty to federal charges. His attorney has argued that the LAFD failed to fully extinguish the first fire, though fire officials maintain that such fires can smolder underground for extended periods, making them difficult to detect and completely eradicate.
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