The former Los Angeles fire chief filed a legal claim Wednesday against the city, alleging that her ouster by Mayor Karen Bass was followed by an orchestrated effort to smear her conduct and decision-making during the most destructive wildfire in LA history.

The former Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley has filed a legal claim against the city and Mayor Karen Bass nearly six months after she was removed as chief, claiming that she was a scapegoat for criticisms against the city's response to January's devastating wildfires.

The legal claim alleges Mayor Karen Bass scapegoated former Fire Chief Kristin Crowley to protect her political image.