LA Fire Chief Moore Gets $473K Salary Amid Lawsuit & Palisades Fire Criticism

Los Angeles City Council members have approved a $473,600 annual salary for newly appointed Fire Chief Jaime Moore, a move that reflects the significant responsibility and challenges facing the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). The decision, made in a 12-0 vote on Tuesday, represents an approximately $18,000 increase over the salary of his predecessor, Kristin Crowley, and comes amidst ongoing scrutiny of the department’s response to devastating wildfires and internal leadership disputes. This appointment and the associated compensation package signal a commitment to attracting and retaining experienced leadership within the LAFD, as the city navigates increasing risks from climate change and urban wildfires.

The approval follows a nationwide search initiated after Mayor Karen Bass ousted Crowley in February 2025, citing concerns over the handling of the Palisades Fire, a particularly destructive blaze that impacted the affluent Los Angeles neighborhood. Moore, a 30-year veteran of the LAFD, had been serving as interim chief since October 2025, following the appointment of Ronnie Villanueva in the interim role. The salary decision underscores the high stakes involved in leading a major metropolitan fire department, particularly one grappling with the aftermath of a major disaster and facing calls for improved preparedness and response strategies. The situation highlights the complex interplay between political leadership, emergency services, and public safety in a major urban center.

The approved salary falls within a range of $303,595 to $538,369 considered by city officials, factoring in the rate of inflation. Mayor Bass initially recommended the $473,600 figure, which was subsequently approved by the Executive Employee Relations Committee on January 27th. Comparatively, the salary of Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone was $475,000 in 2024, according to county records. This suggests a competitive compensation level for top fire service leadership in the region. The decision to finalize Moore’s salary comes as the city continues to address the long-term consequences of the Palisades Fire and implement recommendations for improving fire safety protocols.

Palisades Fire and Leadership Changes

The events leading to Moore’s appointment and salary approval are deeply rooted in the fallout from the Palisades Fire. The blaze, which began in January 2025, destroyed or damaged nearly 8,000 homes, businesses, and other structures, and tragically resulted in at least 12 fatalities. The response to the fire sparked a public rift between Mayor Bass and then-Fire Chief Crowley, centering on preparations for potential blazes and accountability for the devastation. Bass ultimately removed Crowley from her position, citing a lack of adequate pre-deployment strategies and concerns about the department’s overall preparedness.

The controversy extended beyond the initial response to include allegations of a manipulated after-action report. In January 2026, Chief Moore acknowledged that the report had been edited to minimize criticism of LAFD leadership. This revelation further fueled public debate and prompted calls for greater transparency and accountability within the department. Moore subsequently ordered an independent investigation into the Lachman Fire, a smaller blaze that preceded the Palisades Fire, to thoroughly examine the department’s decisions and identify areas for improvement. He as well requested the Fire Safety Research Institute to incorporate the Lachman Fire into its broader analysis of the January 2025 fires.

Salary Comparisons and City Finances

Moore’s $473,600 salary places him in a similar range to other top public safety officials in Los Angeles County. In 2024, Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell received a salary of $450,000, although his initial recommended salary was higher at $507,500 before being adjusted due to budgetary constraints. Janisse Quiñones, the general manager of the Department of Water and Power, was hired in 2024 with a significantly higher salary of $750,000, a figure justified by city officials as necessary to remain competitive in attracting qualified utility executives. These salary figures reflect the city’s approach to compensating key leadership positions, balancing the need to attract talent with fiscal responsibility.

The approval of Moore’s salary also comes against a backdrop of ongoing financial challenges for the city. While the city aims to provide competitive compensation, budgetary concerns often play a role in determining salary levels for public officials. The decision to approve Moore’s salary, despite the financial context, underscores the perceived importance of strong leadership within the LAFD, particularly in light of the recent wildfire disasters and the need for improved emergency preparedness.

Legal Challenges and Ongoing Investigations

The leadership transition and the handling of the Palisades Fire have not been without legal repercussions. Former Fire Chief Kristin Crowley filed a lawsuit against the city on Tuesday, accusing Mayor Bass of retaliation for her termination. Crowley’s lawsuit alleges that Bass and other city leaders’ decisions exacerbated the LAFD’s response to the fire and that the city has historically underfunded the department, leading to staffing shortages and equipment maintenance backlogs.

In response to the lawsuit, Yusef Robb, a senior advisor to Mayor Bass, dismissed the claims as lacking merit, reiterating that Crowley was removed for failing to pre-deploy resources and for a decision to send firefighters home on the morning the fires broke out. The legal battle adds another layer of complexity to the situation, highlighting the deep divisions and lingering tensions surrounding the handling of the Palisades Fire and the future direction of the LAFD. The lawsuit is expected to be a lengthy and contentious process, potentially shedding further light on the events leading up to and following the devastating blaze.

Key Takeaways

• New Leadership: Jaime Moore has been confirmed as the new Fire Chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department.
• Salary Approval: The City Council approved a $473,600 annual salary for Chief Moore, a $18,000 increase from his predecessor.
• Palisades Fire Fallout: The appointment and salary decision are directly linked to the aftermath of the devastating Palisades Fire and the subsequent removal of former Fire Chief Kristin Crowley.
• Legal Dispute: Crowley has filed a lawsuit against the city, alleging retaliation for her termination.
• Ongoing Investigations: Investigations are underway to examine the department’s response to the fires and address concerns about the accuracy of after-action reports.

The Los Angeles City Council’s approval of Chief Moore’s salary marks a significant step in the ongoing effort to rebuild trust and improve emergency preparedness within the LAFD. As the city faces increasing threats from wildfires and other disasters, the leadership of the fire department will be crucial in protecting lives, and property. The next key development will be the outcome of the independent investigation into the Lachman and Palisades Fires, expected to be completed by the end of the year, which will likely inform further policy changes and resource allocation within the department.

We encourage readers to share their thoughts and perspectives on this crucial issue in the comments below. Your feedback is valuable as we continue to cover the evolving situation within the Los Angeles Fire Department and its impact on the community.