Over the last few years, major California wildfires have caused significant destruction across the state, including property damage, injuries, and deaths. Across the state, this rise in severe wildfires has also led to an increased number of forced power outages, or Public Safety Power Shutoffs, meant to prevent fire risk by turning off the electricity.

This rise in major, widespread California wildfires has in part been caused by drier weather patterns and lengthened periods of drought. According to Cal Fire Assistant Chief Chris Anthony reported by NBC, fire seasons in the western U.S. are longer than they have been in the past, extended on average by a whopping 78 days.

Overstocked and unmanaged forests, large areas of dead trees, and more are also contributors to the increase in large wildfires.

Cal Fire has created a program to address the effect of climate change on California, including California wildfires, with strategies like reforestation, conservation, fuel reduction, and more.

According to Rich Thompson, National Weather Service (NWS) Incident Meteorologist, we’re entering a new era of “extreme” red flag warnings. The first such warning was issued Oct. 28, 2019, after convergence of particular weather conditions and dry fuels seemed similar to conditions from the previous year’s severe fires. Fortunately, after the warning, no major fires other than the 1,806-acre Easy Fire occurred.

“We needed a better way to message these extreme events,” Thompson pointed out. “Wildfires are the severe weather of the west.”

The National Weather Service is now looking at potentially using a tiered weather warnings system in the future for fire warnings, a stronger way to get across to people what the threat level is and how to respond.

Because of fire weather concerns, the utility company PG&E—which filed for bankruptcy due to liability in several of these recent Northern California wildfires—is looking at ways to target more specific areas to shut off power and decrease risk.

Filing a California Wildfire Lawsuit

If you were affected by one of the recent California wildfires, you may be able to receive further compensation. Property damage or tree damage caused by the Camp Fire, Hill Fire, Thomas Fire, Woolsey Fire, and more may be eligible for compensation.

You may be able to pursue compensation for damages to homes or other buildings; damages to landscaping, trees, and vegetation; damages caused by erosion from the fires; or damages for injuries or death, pain and suffering, emotional distress, or loss of business income.

Filing a lawsuit can be a daunting prospect, especially in the wake of something as devastating as a wildfire and the damage that comes along with it, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney.

Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation. Even if you have already received compensation, you may not have received all the compensation you’re due.

This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.