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.

According to a tort claim, a legal precursor to a lawsuit, Crowley is seeking more than $25,000 in emotional damages after she was removed as fire chief in late February in the aftermath of the Palisades Fire. The claim was filed based on accusations of defamation, retaliation and negligence.

"Integrity, truthfulness, and serving others before self have guided me throughout my career," Crowley said in a statement. "As the Fire Chief, for nearly three years, I advocated for the proper funding, staffing and infrastructu

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