LA Fire Dept Faces Backlash Over Previous DEI Initiatives Amid Ongoing Wildfire Crisis

The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) is under scrutiny for its past focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives as the city struggles to contain large wildfires that erupted earlier this week.

A post from Libs of TikTok highlighted LAFD’s prior “Racial Equity Action Plan,” implemented under former Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas. The plan aimed to combat “systemic, institutional, and structural racism” and included tracking employees’ racial demographics to ensure a diverse workforce.

Additionally, Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, who became the first female and openly gay fire chief in 2022, has faced renewed attention for her emphasis on DEI efforts. At the time of her appointment, Crowley stated she was “super inspired” about bringing diversity to the department.

According to NBC Los Angeles, Crowley said at her appointment, “As the next fire chief, my priorities will be to ensure the LAFD stands ready and remains operationally efficient to serve our communities and this great city; that we enhance and support our firefighters’ safety, health and overall well-being; and that we promote and demand a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination and hazing.”

“Our efforts will be maximized by making sure diversity is celebrated and valued, and that equity and inclusion are intertwined into every policy, procedure and practice,” she added. 

Criticism of the department’s focus on DEI comes as Los Angeles faces a wildfire crisis. Over 5,000 acres have burned across multiple fires, prompting the evacuation of more than 30,000 residents. Firefighters have struggled with water shortages and resource limitations, with internal communications reporting that fire hydrants in some areas have run dry, according to the Los Angeles Times.

California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a statewide emergency and announced the deployment of over 1,400 firefighters to assist in combating the fires. Despite the efforts, the blazes remain largely uncontained, intensifying frustration and scrutiny over the city’s preparedness and priorities.