Los Angeles fire chief says the city failed the department during wildfire crisis

Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley stated during a Friday interview that the city had failed the department as it continues to deal with the wildfires raging through the Los Angeles area.

Fox11 reporter Gigi Graciette asked Crowley if the department was failed by the city regarding preparedness and resources for the fires, and specifically about the Santa Ynez Reservoir being empty and offline. 

After being asked a third time, Crowley answered, "yes."

Among the issues the fire department has been facing amid the wildfires are budget cuts, the reservoir not being available and fire hydrants not having water to pump.

“So my stance on this is when a firefighter comes up to a hydrant, we expect there’s going to be water," Crowley said, according to The Hill. "We don’t control the water supply. Our firefighters are there to protect lives and property and to make sure that we’re properly trained and equipped."

The fires have resulted in 11 deaths, more than 150,000 people still being under mandatory evacuation orders and 12,000 structures having been damaged or destroyed. 

Crowley reportedly called for Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass to be fired for how she handled the situation, according to The Daily Wire.

Bass faced severe backlash for being in Ghana when the fires first started, despite warning signs of wind and fire.