Archive: 2025

Generally speaking, wildfires tend to start in places with abundant vegetation, hot and dry conditions, and the presence of an ignition source (e.g., lightning, campfires, power lines). The wildfire can spread to nearby areas and even into residential communities. This question has been on our minds while meeting people in L.A. and discussing Eaton Fire...

Read More

Yes, insurance does provide coverage for losses in a wildfire to a certain extent. However, there are often limits to how much someone can receive. There are many cases when the insurance company’s payout falls well short of the actual cost of rebuilding, making repairs, and replacing personal belongings that were damaged or lost. This...

Read More

While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies wildfires as natural disasters, not all wildfires are the result of natural events. Forest fires and brush fires can be caused by natural events as well as human activities. There’s also growing research about how human activities can exacerbate conditions that make wildfires more likely and much deadlier....

Read More

Wildfires can be started by natural causes such as lightning strikes and human causes such as poorly controlled campfires, fireworks, lit cigarettes, arson, and negligence by utility companies. The risk of wildfires has increased in California due to strong regional winds (Diablo winds and Santa Ana winds), extreme wet and dry weather, and the effects...

Read More

Last week, Southern California Edison released a draft Wildfire Recovery Compensation Program for victims of the Eaton Fire. While it may appear to offer a path to recovery, a closer look reveals serious flaws that could limit your compensation and compromise your rights. At Danko Meredith, we believe you deserve to know what’s really at...

Read More

If you’re rebuilding after the Eaton Fire or another recent California wildfire, taxes may be the last thing on your mind. But understanding your options can make a real difference in your financial recovery. Are Insurance Proceeds Taxable? One of the most common questions from wildfire survivors is: “Will my insurance payout be taxed?” Generally,...

Read More

The Federal Case Confirms What We’ve Said All Along  The federal lawsuit confirms what we have said from the start: SCE’s failures caused the Eaton Fire. The government’s complaint alleges SCE’s equipment ignited the Eaton Fire and seeks millions for firefighting costs, damage to public lands, and restoration of roads and trails.  In plain terms,...

Read More