Skip to main content

'Camp Fire' Victims Sue Utility Company

By George Khoury, Esq. on November 14, 2018 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

The recent California wildfires, which as of this date are still not contained, have resulted in almost 50 deaths, countless destroyed homes, and acres upon acres of destroyed landscape.

And before the fire is even out or down to embers, victims of the Camp Fire burning in northern California have filed a negligence lawsuit against Pacific Gas and Electric claiming that sparks from an electrical line started the fire, and that the company knew about the dangers and failed to act to prevent the wildfire from starting. It's alleged that had the utility shut off power, the Camp Fire would not have started.

Spark Check

Despite knowing that California's wildfire risk was at its peak, the utility failed to shut down power to an area even though it suspected an electrical line was sparking. In the past the utility company has shut down power when high winds and other issues increased the risk of wildfires.

This time, one customer reported that PG & E notified her that they would be coming out to check the lines the following day because of sparks. That never happened because the wildfire started.

Although an official cause hasn't been announced, given the current conditions and that notice of sparks, it may not look good for the utility, which has stated that it might not have enough insurance coverage to cover the damages.

Sadly, California wildfires are regular occurrences, and too often these fires can ravage whole neighborhoods or towns.

Related Resources:

Copied to clipboard