Camp Fire Lawsuit to Recover Losses
Downed power-lines likely sparked the massive Camp Fire blaze. PG&E recorded and informed state regulators of an electrical incident relating to a major electrical transmission failure just minutes before the reported start of the Camp Fire. The Camp Fire has destroyed 125,000 acres, 6,522 residences and 260 commercial properties with an estimated 15,500 structures that are currently threatened. WJKA will represent the victims that have lost residences, commercial structures, and personal property or, who were injured in the fire. Contact WJKA to consult with a wildfire attorney about your options. You pay NO FEES or COSTS until adequate compensation is recovered for you.
The Carr Fire Incident
The Carr Fire was one of the large wildfire incidents that occurred in California in 2018. With a burn area that spans Shasta and Trinity Counties, it eventually became the 7th largest wildfire in the state. Carr Fire also became the seventh most destructive wildfire in California history costing a total of $1.66 billion in damages, with $1.5 billion in insured losses recovered thanks to wildfire attorneys and $158 million for the fire control efforts.
During the peak of the fire control efforts, Carr Fire engaged more than 4,700 firefighting personnel from CAL FIRE Shasta-Trinity Unit, US Forest Service and NPS Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. The wildfire, which was first reported on July 2018, caused the evacuation of nearly 40,000 people from the city of Redding. People in Summit City Shasta Lake, Igo, Keswick, Lewiston and French Gulch were also evacuated. Carr Fire left eight people dead, three of whom were firefighters, marking the start of a deadly California wildfire season that would culminate with the butte county camp fire.
How It Started
The first reports of what would eventually become Carr Fire came it in July 23, 2018 at 1:28 pm. Reports indicate that the ignition point was at the intersection of Carr Powerhouse Road and Highway 299 in the Whiskeytown District of Shasta County. Further investigations revealed that a vehicle that was towing a dual-axle travel trailer accidentally caused the fire. As it reached the intersection, one of the tires of the trailer blew out. The steel rim scraped the pavement and created sparks that jumped on and ignited the dry brush along the side of the highway.
The prevailing hot weather, topography and winds caused the fire to spread rapidly. During the previous week, the weather in Redding reached 113 according the National Weather Service.
The inaccessible terrain and the area’s unusual topography made the containment efforts as difficult for the responding firefighters during the Carr Fire as the ones facing the Potter Valley Fire. The firefighters scrambled to fortify containment lines with slow progress. Highway 299 was immediately closed and mandatory evacuation started in French Gulch.
Carr Fire Spreads
By July 26, the burn area of Carr Fire grew from 1,500 acres by the day’s end in July 23 to more than 20,000 acres. A huge fire whirl that some experts refer to as a “firenado” developed as Carr Fire razed through Redding City. Reaching a maximum height of 18,000 feet, the firenado inflicted tornado-like damage felling transmission lines, uprooting trees and shredding foliage as it spread more fire along its path.
The burn area further spread to more than 100,000 acres by July 31, something comparable to the Nurse Fire, but the wildfire’s containment was only at 30 percent. Challenging terrain and more dry fuel on the wildfire’s path, along with strong winds made it difficult for firefighters to control the fire. By August 4, the burn area was estimated to have grown to more than 145,000. The eight and last fatality of Carr Fire was reported on August 9 as it grew to more than 178,000 acres.
Aftermath
On the evening of August 30, 2018, just a few weeks before the Eden Fire, officials reported that Carr Fire was 100% contained. The wildfire had left a burn area measuring more than 229,000 acres and razing 1,000 homes, 500 outbuildings and 21 commercial structures to the ground. At the height of Carr Fire, some 55,000 people were evacuated from their homes in Shasta and Trinity counties.
Potter Valley Fire
The Potter Valley Fire, also known as the Mendocino Complex Fire is one of the most notable among the string of massive and destructive wildfires that hit California in 2018, comparable only to the butte county camp fire. It will eventually become the largest wildfire complex in California’s recorded history. A complex fire is a term used to refer to multiple wildfire incidents that are in progress simultaneously in a single general area.
If you or someone you know was affected by a wildfire, then make sure to contact our California wildfire lawyers for a free consultation.
Ranch Fire and River Fire made up the Potter Valley Fire that blazed through the Mendocino, Glenn, Colusa and Lake Counties. Ranch Fire went on to become the largest single wildfire incident in California’s recorded history. It took almost three months for firefighters to contain the Mendocino Complex Fire fully from July 27 to September 18.
What Started the Fire
The Potter Valley Fire, aka Mendocino Complex fire, was ignited in the most unusual and seemingly harmless way when a Potter Valley Rancher tried to plug the opening of an underground yellow jacket nest. According to reports, the rancher was trying to build a shade for his water tank when he accidentally agitated the nest. When the swarm stopped, the rancher tried to plug the opening by hammering a 24-inch concrete stake into it using a claw hammer. This caused the spark that ignited a waist-high cured brush nearby.
Despite the rancher’s several attempts to put out the fire, which included smothering it with dirt and pouring water on it, the fire spread out of control. The mix of dry air, high temperatures and the abundance of cured grassland for fuel, similar to the Nurse Fire outbreak, overwhelmed the efforts of the rancher to extinguish the fire.
One hour after the rancher called in to report what will be Ranch Fire, River Fire, and the Potter Valley Fire.
How the Mendocino Complex Fire Progressed
Although firefighters were dispatched to the site of the fire immediately, gusty winds, high heat, and the area’s rugged terrain stymied their attempts to slow down the spread of the two wildfires, which caused the injury to several firefighters overnight. By the next day, the two wildfires were organized as the Mendocino Complex Fire. The complex fire has grown from 5,000 acres to 80,000 acres on July 31.
By August 7, the burn area of the combined wildfires grew to more than 220,000 acres. The wildfires, at this point, have either burned or damaged more than 220 structures. By August 12, firefighters were having more success at containing the much smaller River Fire reporting 93% containment. By the following day, the firefighters were finally able to achieve 100% containment of the River Fire with a burn area of more than 48,000 acres.
Ranch Fire, on the other hand, continued to blaze as firefighters managing to achieve only 63% containment by August 14. At this point, Ranch Fire’s burn area measured some 300,000 acres and will continue to burn on well into September. On September 19, the U.S. Forest Service finally declared the Ranch Fire and the Potter Valley Fire to be 100% contained.
The Aftermath
The Potter Valley Fire left a burn area of nearly 460,000 acres, with Ranch Fire accounting for more than 400,000 acres of it. It destroyed more than 280 structures, 150 of which were homes. Despite its size, the fire caused only $267 million in damages, which is significantly smaller than other wildfires that hit California in 2018. CAL FIRE determined that the cause of the Potter Valley Fire was accidental and no charges were filed against the Potter Valley rancher who set off the largest complex wildfire in the state’s history.
The California Alder Wildfire
Most people view wildfires as deadly no thanks in part to the news media who prefer to highlight those that are frighteningly destructive and deadly. However, there are instances when ecological fire or wildfires are beneficial because of its positive contribution to the ecosystem both within the burn area and its vicinity.
This article will focus on two Alder wildfires. one of which occurred during the destructive and deadly 2018 wildfire season in California. The other Alder wildfire occurred in Arizona’s Coconino National Forest in 2018.
If you know someone who has been a victim to a wildfire, have them contact our California wildfire lawyers for a free consultation.
California Alder Fire of 2018
The year 2018 saw the most destructive and deadliest season in California’s recorded history. The Potter Valley Fire became the largest wildfire with a burn area of more than 460,000. With more than $16 billion in damages and more than 80 fatalities, the Butte County Camp Fire became the state’s worst wildfire ever.
As these wildfires grabbed the headlines, beneficial wildfires such as the Alder Fire did not get much attention. Unlike the Nurse fire, the Alder fire was caused by a lightning strike on October 4, 2018 at around midnight. The ignition point was five miles north of Camp Nelson in Giant Sequoia National Monument. Two other fires were also ignited within the vicinity of Alder Fire. These were the Mountaineer, half-a-mile east of Alder Fire and Moses Fires, one mile south of Moses Mountain.
Alder Fire, along with Mountaineer and Moses Fires continued to smolder for the next two months. Firefighters were successful in directing the wildfire towards an area with an extensive tree mortality and heavy fuels on the ground. Moses Fire on the other hand, burned through a patch of timber near a rocky area.
By December 17, 2018, all of the fires were declared out. Alder Fire left a burn area of more than 4,600 acres, while Mountaineer and Moses fires burned through 1,270 and 19 acres respectively. These fires burned through an area with heavy fuel loads and standing dead trees called snags. Clearing these types of fuels and hazards, will pave the way for newer growth, limit the fuel for future fires and make future wildfire containment easier for firefighters.
Arizona Alder Fire of 2018
The Alder prescribed fire in 2018 started in a logging area in May 11, 2018 where it quickly spread through a timber pile. Wind drove and pushed the blaze into Ponderosa pine trees and further fueled it with an undergrowth of grass, gamble oak and small aspen. Within 20 minutes, the fire grew from half-an acre to over 20 acres, burning through more trees as fire crews arrived. The firefighters, however, were able to manage and control the fire within a few days and completed mopping up operations on May 14, 2018. The success and ease of managing the Alder Fire of 2018 was attributed to a previously prescribed fire to reduce fuel loads in the area.
These two wildfires are good examples of beneficial wildfires. Such fires are needed to maintain the balance in the ecosystem, mitigate the dangers of future wildfires, and provide firefighters and residents with additional protection.
Eden Fire Incident in Sequioa National Park
The Eden Fire is one of the recorded wildfire incidents in California in 2018., located within Sequioa National Park. Unlike the butte county camp fire, the Eden fire was ignited naturally by lightning on October 4, 2018 as a series of thunderstorms passed through the park during the first week of that month. Like most other wildfire incidents, Eden Fire was named after its ignition point, which is the Eden Creek Grove of giant sequoias.
Do you know someone who was a victim to a wildfire? Have them contact our California wildfire lawyers for a free consultation.
Initial Stages
Eden Fire progressed slowly since it began in the early days of October. By the first week of November, the burn area was estimated to be about five acres. Although the smoke can readily be seen from the Mineral King Road and other elevated areas in the Three Rivers Area, the fire at this point was burning the rugged and steep area of the John Krebs Wilderness. Unlike the Nurse Fire, the Eden Fire wasn’t posing any threats to life or any infrastructure at this stage.
Even though the Eden Fire was already burning for a month, the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks’ Fire Management Program are allowing it to run its course. The park’s fire management experts believed that intervening directly or indirectly would have done more damage to the wilderness than the fire itself. Despite the smoke, the visitor services in the Mineral King sector of the Sequoia National Park remains unaffected, but the Mineral King Road was closed to the public on October 31.
Wild Fire Progress Aftermath
By November 14, 2018, Eden Fire’s burn area had grown to be more than 343 acres, a stark contrast to the 400,000 acres of the Potter Valley Fire. The western edge of the fire slowly crept towards the Eden Creek drainage, but it has established on the east side of the drainage. The park’s fire experts at this point did not see any indication that it was moving southwards to Homer’s Nose. The behavior of Eden Fire remained positive, with its fuel coming mostly from brush, downed tree logs and a few standing dead trees, which are also called “snags.” Since the area has no modern fire history, there are several snags in the area primarily due to natural tree mortality.
Smoke was already visible from the western side of the Sequioa National Park, a dangerous sign of the growing wildfire. Apart from the Eden Fire, some of the visible smoke is from three other brush fires within the park. The Sequoia national Park Fire Management Office maintained that their office take air quality concerns very seriously. However, Eden Fire was allowed to continue on its course since it was burning in designated wilderness. The office did not see the need to intervene with Eden Fire since it was ecologically beneficial and it will be unwise to take away valuable firefighting resources away from more dangerous fires in California.
Aftermath
Eden Fire was finally declared as 100% contained early in December 2018. By then, it has burned through an estimated 1,777 acres of brush, dead logs, snags, mixed conifer and some sequoia trees. Throughout the course of Eden Fire, no suppression efforts were made, which means that no firefighters were placed at risk. The park welcomed the Eden Fire incident as it created a modern fire history in the area, which in turn, will make management of significantly more dangerous fires in hotter months more manageable.
Prior to Eden Fire, the area had over a century of extreme fuel loading. The burn eased the fuel load and significantly reduced the risks and costs that are associated with suppressing future fire incidents in the park. The fire ecologists in Sequoia National Park also believe that the Eden Fire made the area more resilient to climate change and more sustainable.
The California Nurse Fire Incident
The Nurse Fire Incident refers to the blaze that broke out on the same date as the Butte County Camp Fire, November 8, 2018. On that Thursday at around 12 pm in Solano County, CA, a brush fire would erupt into a deadly blaze.
This brush fire got its name from the location of its starting point, which witnesses said was near Nurse Slough, east of Saisun City. While the blaze never threatened the city, its severity reached multiple-alarm levels as it blazed through Rio Vista, south of Travis Air Force Base. Firefighters were able to achieve 90% containment by the following day even though it took 33 days for them to extinguish Nurse Fire completely.
Have you been a victim? Make sure to contact one of our California wildfire lawyers for a free consultation.
How it Started
Much like the Potter Valley Fire, the Nurse Fire was an accident of circumstance. Solano County Sheriff’s Office reports that Nurse Fire was sparked when a commercial trailer caught fire as it was plying State Route 12 near Nurse Slough past 12 noon. Within an hour, the wind had already blown the flames into nearby fields. Solano County Firefighters were immediately dispatched to the area.
The Solano County Office of Emergency Services said that upon reaching the area, the crews immediately worked to redirect the fire into the burn scar of the earlier Branscombe Fire. This decision was made to ensure that there were no fuels to keep the brush fire going. By 3:30 in the afternoon, the firefighters were still directing the blaze away from Highway 12 and toward to Grizzly Island Road. Officials from the Saisun Fire Protection District estimated the level of containment at around 60 percent at that point.
Extent of Damage and Aftermath
Nurse Fire prompted a large response in Solano County, with the Saisun City Fire Protection Unit heading the firefighting efforts. By 3 pm the following day, the fire dispatchers report that an 8th alarm was sounded. However, it was clear by that time that the brush fire was already under control and 90% contained. The brush fire backed up traffic into Saisun City while it was raging. CHP officials momentarily blocked access to eastbound highway lanes along Walters Road and the westbound lanes along Denverton Road in the county.
Initial estimates by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection or CAL FIRE places the acres burned by Nurse Fire at 2,500. Later investigations revealed, however, that the acres burned was a relatively smaller area of 1,500. Although the fire reached the 8th alarm, there were no evacuation orders, no infrastructure came under threat and there were no report of injuries. The California fire agency did not commit any resources to fighting Nurse Fire, despite its size because it occurred on county land. CAL FIRE is responsible for protecting State Responsibility Areas of the state, which covers more than 30 million acres.
California Wildfires
Due to its climate and geographical features, California can produce small to highly destructive wildfires. The state has a year-round dry, hot and windy climate that runs from spring to late autumn. A small camp or brush fire during these months can easily escalate and become huge wildfires as dry winds, which are also known as Diablo winds fan and further spread the blaze.
At the same time that Nurse Fire was raging, another exponentially larger firestorm was also raging in Northern California. The Butte County Camp Fire became the largest, deadliest and most destructive wildfire in the history of California scorching more than 150,000 acres of land, killing 85 people and leaving $16 billion in damages in its wake.
7 months ago the Camp Fire in Butte County left Paradise and the surrounding towns in chaos, but you know that. What this article is meant to cover, are the things that you don’t know: what really happened, is PG&E really to blame, and will victims be able to sue for compensation? If you were a victim, make sure to contact our California wildfire lawyers for a free consultation.
Camp Fire in Butte County: What It All Means
If you had the chance to stop the camp fire in butte county early on, would you? The answer is: of course. However, not every individual shares the same perspective as you, and that difference in perspective is what makes the Butte County Camp fire so different from anything we have ever suffered from.
The Camp Fire in Butte County was a tragic culmination of failed incentive systems and shady corporate distraction tactics. Over the next few minutes, we’ll explore how PG & E, the company at the heart of this tragedy, failed so miserably and what the future holds for them.
Camp Fire Cause: Warning Signs
While the Nurse Fire had no warning, there were several red flags that signaled the danger of the Butte County Camp Fire.
2 days before the day of the Camp Fire in Butte County, PG & E had already picked up on the warning signs of an imminent wildfire: low humidity and high winds.
PG & E reached out to customers notifying them that they were going to shut off electrical currents for safety reasons (high winds/low humidity).
Humidity impacts wildfires because normally there is some moisture in environment to dampen a fire’s energy as it is converted from liquid water to gaseous steam. When there is low humidity, there is no buffer against a fire, meaning it can burn uncontrollably.
High winds impact wildfires by helping them spread, blowing flames from one tree to the next. Combining high winds with low humidity is a recipe for disaster.
There were other red flags besides the elemental threats. Previous reports detailed how the already expired transmission towers in the Sierra Nevada foothills were so corroded that the entire tower was at risk of collapse, endangering potential repair crews.
Despite being painfully aware of the imminent danger, from violent winds, low humidity, and transmission lines being operated past their life time, at the end of the day, PG & E took the risk of leaving power lines active.
On November 8th, 2018 at 6:18 AM, a live wire from transmission Tower 27/222, broke free – cutting power to a single customer.
At 6:33 AM, a PG&E worker called Cal Fire to report a small fire under the Poe Dam transmission lines.
Camp Fire Cause: Failed Systems
You would think that most companies would learn from their mistakes if they were responsible for just 1 wildfire. Unfortunately, you’d be wrong. Out of the 10 most destructive wildfires since 2015, PG & E’s electrical network has been linked to 5 of them.
At the heart of the problem is two failed systems: A broken culture and a poorly thought incentive bonus system.
Camp Fire Cause: Broken Culture
PG & E has a culture problem – the belief systems and ideas upon which PG & E was founded are broken.
In what’s either an effort to maximize profits, or gross negligence, PG & E has accumulated an extensive track record of violating safety laws. Besides wildfires, PG & E has been held liable for falsifying safety records, causing the explosion of pipelines, and gas leaks. All of which could have been avoided if PG & E followed their own safety code.
The broken culture at PG & E of neglected safety has claimed the lives of hundreds and has caused billions in damages.
Camp Fire Cause: Incentive Bonus Systems
The managers at PG & E receive bonuses based on the lack of customer complaints and phone calls. Their goal is minimize contact with customers by keeping them happy – a reasonable goal in most cases.
Power outages generally lead to customer complaints and calls which would lower the management’s bonuses. And that’s where the whole system falls apart.
The decision to not cut the power, likely stemmed from some manager trying to get an extra $300 tacked on to his paycheck. And while it can be easy to point fingers at that individual, it’s more important to not underestimate just how powerful of a psychological driving force a positive incentive can be.
The problem itself wasn’t the individual, the problem was the incentive system coupled with a company culture of neglecting safety.
The Camp Fire in Butte County: What It All Means
To sum up what we just covered:
- PG & E has a history of not only neglecting, but also actively violating safety code.
- PG & E was painfully aware of the warning signs of a wildfire: low humidity, ferocious winds, and poor electrical network infrastructure.
- PG & E was considering shutting power off to protect its customers, but ultimately made the choice not to.
- The negligence of PG & E ultimately led to $16.5 billion in damages and a death toll of over 80 individuals.
Corporate Distractions
Unlike the Potter Valley Fire which was sparked by an accident, the PG & E Butte County Camp Fire was set ablaze due to negligence. In an effort to bide time, PG & E filed for bankruptcy in the Butte County Camp Fire aftermath. Confronted with an onslaught of law suits for personal injury, wrongful death, property damage, and so much more, the bankruptcy filing was to be expected.
Unfortunately, many people felt discouraged to file lawsuits after PG & E declared bankruptcy for the Butte County Camp Fire. However, it should be known that the bankruptcy filing will not stop victims from getting the compensation they deserve.
The Legal Aspect of the Butte County Camp Fire
There’s millions on the line when it comes to the Butte County Camp Fire against PG & E. With over $16 billion USD in damage, there’s a lot of home owners and business owners that deserve compensation for PG & E’s negligence.
As of the posting of this article, PG & E has requested that all victims wanting to file claims do so by the legal deadline. Meaning, if you or someone you know was affected by the Camp Fire in Butte County in any way, make sure to contact legal representation.
The attorneys at Wagner and Jones are already helping several victims and can help you or your loved one too. The attorneys are currently offering free consultations to see if you have an eligible, legal case.
Do not hesitate to call as you can reimbursed for the catastrophic levels of damaged caused by PG & E Camp Fire in Butte County. However, there is a deadline for filing all claims.
Final Words
It’s easy to look at the Butte County Camp Fire as just another “incident”. But the truth is that for hundreds of thousands of people, it was one of the most horrific moments of their life. But instead of describing the horrors of the Butte County Camp Fire, here’s a video of a deputy trying to rescue 4 nurses in what he thought would be his final moments.
PG&E creates $105 million wildfire assistance fund to help fire survivors
May 22, 2019: “CALIFORNIA – In a press release, PG&E Spokesperson Paul Moreno announced that PG&E worked with a bankruptcy court to create a $105 million emergency housing fund to benefit survivors of the Camp Fire and the 2017 Northern California wildfires.” Continue reading on www.actionnewsnow.com
Cal Fire investigation determines PG&E lines caused Camp Fire
May 15, 2019: “SACRAMENTO — Cal Fire investigators officially announced the cause of the Camp Fire today in a press release. Sparking Pacific Gas & Electric lines in Pulga, and a second ignition source near Concow and Rim roads were determined to have started the deadly Camp Fire on Nov. 8, which burned more than 153,000 acres, destroyed 18,804 structures and resulted in 85 deaths and several firefighter injuries.” Continue reading on www.chicoer.com
District Attorney says PG&E equipment started Camp Fire, not yet sure if it was a crime
May 3, 2019: “District Attorney Mike Ramsey says all other causes have been ruled out, but investigators are still trying to determine whether charges as serious as manslaughter could apply.” Continue reading on abc10.com
Federal judge: PG&E “unsafe” actions, “dismal” prevention, caused wildfires; orders suspension of dividends to shareholders
Mar. 7, 2019: “PG&E, despite filing for a bankruptcy linked to potential liabilities from lethal wildfires in 2017 and 2018, has urged a judge to approve $235 million in bonuses during 2019 for thousands of employees, court records show.” Continue reading on mercurynews.com
Federal judge: PG&E “unsafe” actions, “dismal” prevention, caused wildfires; orders suspension of dividends to shareholders
Mar. 6, 2019: “Castigating PG&E for years of “unsafe conduct,” a federal judge has ordered the beleaguered utility to stop paying shareholder dividends and focus its resources on managing the vegetation around its power lines to stave off more deadly wildfires.” Continue reading on mercurynews.com
PG&E: Company’s equipment may have ignited Camp Fire
Feb. 28, 2019: “NEW YORK — Pacific Gas & Electric says its equipment may have ignited the 2018 Camp Fire, which killed 86 people and destroyed an entire town in Northern California.” Continue reading on abc30.com
PG&E restructuring highlights arcane California legal rule
Jan. 15, 2019: “(Reuters) – PG&E Corp’s chances of emerging from bankruptcy proceedings hinge in part on an arcane California legal rule that threatens to keep the utility owner perpetually on the hook for liabilities from catastrophic wildfires even beyond the more than $30 billion the company expects to face from recent blazes.” Continue reading on reuters.com
California’s largest utility provider could face murder charges for wildfires, AG says
Dec. 30, 2018: “(CNN) – California’s largest public utility provider could face murder or manslaughter charges if it were found responsible for causing the state’s recent deadly wildfires, according to court documents filed by the state attorney general.” Continue reading on cnn.com
AG: PG&E Could Face Murder Charges For Role In Deadly Camp Fire
Dec. 29, 2018: “SACRAMENTO (KPIX) – PG&E could face criminal charges as serious as manslaughter or murder in the wake of the deadly Camp Fire. The possible charges were described in a brief from the Office of the California Attorney General.” Continue reading on sacramento.cbslocal.com
Deputy AG: PG&E Could Face Manslaughter Charges For California Fires
Dec. 28, 2018: “SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — The state’s top prosecutor could charge PG&E with manslaughter if responsible for California’s deadly wildfires. It came out during a federal hearing tied to the San Bruno Explosion.” Continue reading on sacramento.cbslocal.com
Officials release names of 49 people killed in Camp Fire
Dec. 19, 2018: “The Camp Fire ignited Nov. 8, and windy conditions and low humidity caused the flames to spread quickly, officials said. Crews were able to fully contain the fire by Nov. 25. Recovery efforts, however, are far from over. Crews have been working tirelessly to search for human remains in the fire-ravaged rubble and have positively identified 61 of the victims, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office said. Twenty-two people have been tentatively identified.” Continue reading on kcra.com
Federal judge overseeing PG&E’s probation demands answers on Camp Fire
Nov. 27, 2018: “A federal judge asked Pacific Gas and Electric Co. on Tuesday to account for any role the utility played in sparking California’s deadliest and most destructive wildfire. In a two-page court filing, U.S. District Judge William Alsup in San Francisco asked California’s largest utility for “an accurate and complete statement” of its connection to the cause and reporting of the Camp Fire, which destroyed nearly 14,000 homes and killed at least 88 people.” Continue reading on sfchronicle.com
Why Speak with a Lawyer?
It is important to have an experienced attorney help you file claims with your insurance. WJKA will help you recover losses even if you DO NOT HAVE INSURANCE. You pay NO FEES or COSTS until adequate compensation is recovered for you.
PG&E’s negligence in their failure to adequately maintain its equipment has resulted in heavy losses to life and property. Thousands of people in Butte County are now having to deal with the aftermath of PG&E mismanaging electrical infrastructures. Survivors can receive compensation for property losses, injuries, and other damages. WJKA is CURRENTLY REPRESENTING VICTIMS In lawsuits against PG&E in other cases caused by PG&E pipeline explosion/fires.
Free Legal Evaluation with a Wildfire Attorney
For a free legal evaluation with a trusted Wildfire Attorney, call us at (916) 516-1010 or fill out the contact form to the right. A friendly representative is waiting to discuss your case with you.
Experienced Award-Winning Lawyers
Our experienced lawyers at Wagner, Jones, Kopfman and Artenian recognize the devastation that this wildfire has left and our team is prepared to fight for compensation. WJKA has assisted hundreds of clients with cases regarding negligence. Fighting for the rights of our clients is our passion. Our experienced team of legal professionals has won millions of dollars in favor of our clients.
Awarded Cases Against PG&E
WJKA has investigated and brought cases against PG&E due to negligence. Our intention is to recover losses of residences of Butte County that have experienced extreme devastation. Contact WJKA to receive a free consultation today. Fill out the free consultation form so we can start the fight for you.
Resources for Camp Fire Victims
View the latest Incident Update for current information on evacuations, evacuation centers and road closures.
Evacuation Centers
OPEN: Glenn County Fairgrounds
221 E Yolo St,
Orland, CA 95963
OPEN: Neighborhood
2801 Notre Dame Blvd,
Church Chico, CA 95928
OPEN: Butte County Fairgrounds
199 E Hazel St.,
Gridley, CA 95963
Animal Evacuation Centers
Small Animals:
Chico Municipal Airport
150 Airpark Blvd.,
Chico, CA 95973
Large Animal Shelter:
Butte County Fairgrounds
199 E Hazel St.,
Gridley, CA 95963
