On Wednesday, November 6th the Mountain Fire wildfire broke out in Somis, an unincorporated community in Ventura County. The fire sparked near the 7900 block of Balcom Canyon Road and Bradley Road. Due to winds and ample dry brush, the fire quickly spread to nearby areas, and now, as of Friday, November 8th, spans more than 20,500 acres.
While the cause is under investigation, the Ventura County Fire Department and CalFire San Luis Obispo are working together with more than 2,500 personnel to knock down the blaze. Containment efforts have been challenging for crews as the fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain. At this point, the fire is 7% contained and threatens nearly 12,000 structures in the area.
Dangers of Wildfires In California
Each year, hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of acres of land are burned in wildfires in California. According to data from CalFire, on average, 1,281,974 acres of land have been burned in the last five years. And so far in 2024, 1,040,165 acres have been burned.
Wildfires pose many threats to California residents, from the immediate risk of injury or death during evacuation and long-term health issues caused by smoke inhalation or burn injuries, to the severe economic repercussions that accompany the loss of homes, vehicles, and other personal property that can be destroyed in seconds, victims may face many challenges in the aftermath of a wildfire.
“The devastation caused by wildfires like the Mountain Fire is overwhelming for affected families and communities,” says attorney Gerald Singleton of Singleton Schreiber personal injury law firm, “beyond the immediate danger, wildfire victims face a long road to recovery, often dealing with serious health risks, emotional trauma, and the loss of homes and cherished belongings. It is important for those impacted to understand their legal rights to be able to rebuild their lives after such a tragedy.”
Legal Options for Those Affected By Wildfires
While the insurance policies of victims of wildfires may offer some coverage for the damages they suffer, filing personal injury or property damage claims can sometimes provide more comprehensive compensation. Wildfire-related claims can help individuals seek recovery from property loss, relocation costs, lost income, medical expenses, and emotional suffering.
Potentially liable parties in cases of wildfire may include:
- Utility companies – if a utility company’s equipment failure or negligent practices sparked or contributed to the wildfire, they may be held accountable.
- Government agencies or contractors – if the fire originated on public land or was influenced by activities conducted by government agencies or contractors (like roadwork or construction that accidentally ignited dry brush), these entities could be held liable for damages.
- Landowners or property managers – in some situations, neighboring landowners or property managers could be held responsible if their failure to clear dry brush or take preventive measures allowed the fire to spread.
If you or a loved one were injured in the Mountain Fire, or your home or other property was damaged or destroyed, contact Singleton Schreiber today to learn more about how our Mountain Fire attorneys may be able to help you. Call (619) 771-3473 or email info@singletonschreiber.com to get started today.
