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

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 claim alleges that the 25-year career of a public servant was destroyed not because of any failure in Crowley’s duties, but because she told the truth.