California Wildfire Lawyer

Wildfire Attorneys Serving California

California wildfires have been a longstanding issue, significantly impacting both the natural environment and communities of people. The state’s climate and vegetation, particularly its vast tracts of forests, make it highly susceptible to wildfires.

Wildfire attorneys, from San Diego to Eureka, and from Santa Monica to the border of Nevada, are often on call throughout the year. There was a time when wildfires had a particular season, but now they seem to pop up all year round.

Our California wildfire lawyers can handle claims in San Diego, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Bakersfield, Fresno, Ventura, Valencia, San Francisco, Santa Barbara to Sacramento. Contact one of our listed attorneys to discuss your claim and the possibility of a recovery.

Major Wildfires Hit California Often

Some of the most notable fires in California’s history include the Camp Fire in 2018, which destroyed the town of Paradise, leading to 85 fatalities and massive property loss. The Mendocino Complex Fire, also in 2018, burned nearly 460,000 acres, making it the largest fire in the state’s history in terms of acreage. In 2020, the state faced one of its most destructive wildfire seasons with the August Complex Fire that consumed over a million acres. More recently, in 2023, the Sonoma Shores Fire scorched significant portions of the state’s renowned wine country, threatening both lives and the local economy.

Source: Cal Fire

California has responded to this ongoing issue through a series of laws and initiatives aimed at fire prevention, mitigation, and recovery. State law requires homeowners in high-risk areas to create defensible space around their properties, essentially clear zones that can slow or stop the spread of wildfire. Additionally, controlled or prescribed burns are a significant part of the state’s fire management strategy. These carefully managed fires reduce the amount of available fuel and create firebreaks to prevent the spread of larger, uncontrolled fires.

How a Law Firm Can Help in Your Recovery

An attorney experienced in wildfire claims and litigating with utilities in the state of California is critical in obtaining compensation for wildfire damages by navigating complex legal and procedural challenges. They assess damages, gather evidence, and identify responsible parties, applying relevant legal theories to build a strong case. Our listed law firm is adept at handling interactions with government agencies, ensuring compliance with regulations, filing claims, and managing interagency coordination. They also negotiate with insurance companies to secure fair compensation and resolve disputes. In cases involving utility companies, a law firm can counteract powerful defense teams, organize class action suits, and bring in expert witnesses to support technical evidence.

Our listed lawyers ensure comprehensive compensation by accurately calculating economic and non-economic damages, and pursuing punitive damages when applicable. Their litigation skills and ability to negotiate settlements are essential in achieving favorable outcomes for victims.

The complexities involved, such as legal and technical challenges, resource imbalances, regulatory hurdles, and class action dynamics, underscore the importance of experienced legal representation. Ultimately, a skilled California wildfire lawyer’s expertise and advocacy are vital in protecting victims’ rights and securing the compensation you and your family deserve.

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Wildfires Caused by Utilities

Utilities companies, primarily PG&E, have been held accountable for some major fires. In the case of the 2018 Camp Fire, PG&E pleaded guilty to 84 counts of involuntary manslaughter and paid billions in settlements. California law holds utilities responsible if their equipment causes a fire, even if the companies weren’t negligent, a doctrine known as “inverse condemnation”.

California Wildfire Laws & Legislation

California has seen an unprecedented rise in the intensity and frequency of wildfires, causing the state government to respond with new regulations and laws to mitigate the issue. Simultaneously, the role of utilities in instigating and managing wildfires has come under intense scrutiny, leading to new legal responsibilities for these entities.

In 2020, California introduced a series of legislative bills that address wildfire risks and responsibilities, several of which specifically targeted utility companies. These include Senate Bill 901 (SB 901), enacted in 2018, and Assembly Bill 1054 (AB 1054), passed in 2019.

SB 901 mandated that utility companies annually present wildfire mitigation plans to the state. It also increased funding for forest health, fire prevention, and prescribed burns. AB 1054 created a wildfire insurance fund, providing utilities a line of financial relief if they meet certain safety standards. However, the law emphasized that utilities would remain liable for fire damages if their equipment caused a fire, even if they weren’t negligent.

Utilities play a significant role in California’s wildfire problem because their infrastructure, particularly power lines, can ignite fires if not adequately maintained or de-energized during high-risk conditions.

The deadliest wildfire in California’s history, the 2018 Camp Fire, was sparked by PG&E’s electrical transmission lines. Following this catastrophe, PG&E was forced into bankruptcy due to the massive legal claims it faced and was later found guilty of 84 counts of involuntary manslaughter.

In response to such devastating incidents, the state has imposed stringent regulations on utilities. For instance, under the new laws, utility companies are required to conduct comprehensive inspections of their infrastructure, bolster their equipment to withstand extreme weather conditions, and improve their systems to shut off power during high wildfire risk.

This pressure has resulted in significant changes in utilities’ operations. For instance, PG&E and other utilities have initiated “Public Safety Power Shutoffs” (PSPS) to preemptively de-energize power lines during high fire-risk conditions. However, these shutoffs have faced criticism for their widespread impact on communities, leading to calls for better planning and communication.

Utility Investment in Wildfire Mitigation Measures

California’s wildfire laws impose significant requirements on utility companies to mitigate wildfire risks. These requirements have led to operational changes within the utilities, but also to debates about the role these companies should play in California’s future energy landscape.

As the state continues to grapple with the increasing threat of wildfires, these discussions are likely to intensify.

Utilities are also investing heavily in grid hardening and resilience measures, such as undergrounding power lines, employing advanced weather monitoring systems, and using LiDAR and drones for infrastructure inspection.

However, the burden of utility-caused wildfires and their associated costs have sparked discussions about the future of California’s energy sector. Some advocates argue for the decentralization of energy production through local renewable power sources, reducing reliance on large utility companies and their susceptible infrastructure.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a wildfire, or had property damaged in a wildfire, contact a California wildfire lawyer as soon as possible.