After the devastating California fires of 2018, the state is preparing for another season of catastrophic wildfires.

2018 was a disastrous year for California regarding wildfires. According to the annual Wildland Fire Summary report, the state suffered the worst wildfire devastation in the country. Almost 2 million acres across the state were affected by several destructive fires, including the Woolsey Fire, the Hill Fire, and the Camp Fire.

California Fire Damage

Over 100 people were killed by California fires in 2018. The fires resulted in damage or destruction of tens of thousands of structures, including over 17,000 residences and 700 commercial structures. Millions of acres of land were destroyed by the multiple fires, resulting in further damage to the land, including erosion and mudslides. The effects of these wildfires are still ongoing, and the damage is still being discovered.

Who is Responsible?

Several Southern California utilities companies have been blamed for the fires, including Southern California Edison and Pacific Gas & Electric Co. Multiple lawsuits have been filed against these utilities companies by citizens who lost homes, property, or loved ones to the fires.

A recent investigation by the Ventura County Fire Department traced the origins of the Thomas Fire to faulty equipment owned by Southern California Edison. According to this report, two power lines owned by the company deposited hot or molten material onto the ground, resulting in the ignition of a blaze that would become the Thomas Fire. This fire burned for 40 days in 2018 across Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, and resulted in the deaths of two people. At the time it happened, the Thomas Fire was the most devastating fire in California recent history.

Next Steps for Californians

Due to drought, California’s landscape is full of dry vegetation that may be easily ignited. New fires will continue to destroy and damage property. Victims of damage and destruction caused by the 2018 California fires may be able to pursue compensation for costs associated with these catastrophic blazes.

Whether residents are still working through the claims process with their insurance agent or they have already received compensation or an insurance payout, victims of California fires may be able to pursue additional damages. A large amount of property may have been underinsured, and claimants may qualify for a higher payout than they have already received.

California residents who have lost loved ones or property due to these fires may be able to pursue compensation for:

• Damage to homes or structures including garages, outbuildings, and sheds.
• Damage to landscaping, trees, and vegetation.
• Damages related to erosion caused by the fires. Erosion may lead to dangerous mudslides.
• Damages for injuries, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of business income.

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