Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) is responsible for several notable California wildfires, including:
- The Dixie Fire (2021)
- The Zogg Fire (2020)
- The Kincade Fire (2019)
- The Camp Fire (2018)
- The Butte Fire (2015)
- The Trauner Fire (1994)
Many of these fires were caused by trees too close to active power lines or equipment in disrepair.
The California wildfire attorneys here at Danko Meredith would like to look at these PG&E wildfires in more detail. We’ll discuss what specifically caused these fires and why these fires are becoming more serious and destructive. We’ll also review what legal options you have when a utility company’s negligence causes damage to your home or business.
If you’ve been affected by a wildfire caused by a utility company, we want to hear from you. For a free consultation, contact our Bay Area law firm today. You can also reach our law office in Redwood City by phone at (650) 453-3600. Our team can hold PG&E accountable.
The Dixie Fire (2021)
The Dixie Fire started on July 13, 2021 and was not contained until October 25, 2021. As of this writing, the Dixie Fire is the largest single-source wildfire in California history.
What Caused the Dixie Fire?
The Dixie Fire was caused by a tree that made contact with a PG&E 12,000-volt power line. Contact with the power line caused sparks that ignited the dry brush nearby.
The resulting fire affected Northern California communities in Butte County, Lassen County, Plumas County, Shasta County, and Tehama County.
The Damage Caused by the Dixie Fire
According to CAL FIRE, the Dixie Fire burned more than 963,000 acres across five Northern California counties. The blaze destroyed more than 1,300 structures and damaged more than 95 structures. The fire also claimed the life of one firefighter and injured three other firefighters.
The Zogg Fire (2020)
The Zogg Fire started on September 27, 2020 and was contained on October 13, 2020.
What Caused the Zogg Fire?
The Zogg Fire was caused by a grey pine tree that fell onto PG&E power lines.
Why was that tree so close to the power lines? Well, investigators found out that this particular tree was marked for removal after the 2018 Carr Fire. The tree was never dealt with despite the risk it posed.
The Damage Caused by the Zogg Fire
According to CAL FIRE, the Zogg Fire burned more than 56,300 acres in Shasta County and Tehama County. The blaze destroyed 204 structures, damaged 27 structures, and caused four deaths and one non-fatal injury.
The Kincade Fire (2019)
The Kincade Fire started on October 23, 2019 and was contained on November 6, 2019. The Kincade Fire was the largest fire during California’s 2019 wildfire season.
What Caused the Kincade Fire?
The Kincade Fire was caused by PG&E equipment failure. More specifically, the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office noted the fire was likely caused by a broken jumper cable that failed due to years of wear and wind-related fatigue.
CAL FIRE Captain Gary Uboldi stated that he observed this particular jumper cable swinging violently back and forth like a pendulum on the night the Kincade Fire started.
The Damage Caused by the Kincade Fire
According to CAL FIRE, the Kincade Fire burned more than 77,700 acres in Sonoma County. The blaze destroyed 374 structures and caused four non-fatal injuries.
The Camp Fire (2018)
The Camp Fire started on November 8, 2018 and spread rapidly before it was contained on November 17, 2018. As of this writing, the Camp Fire is the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history.
What Caused the Camp Fire?
The Camp Fire was caused by the failure of a single worn metal hook attached to a PG&E transmission tower. When the hook snapped, a power line struck the transmission tower, producing an electric arc and molten metal that ignited the dry brush beneath.
The Damage Caused by the Camp Fire
According to CAL FIRE, the Camp Fire burned over 153,300 acres in Butte County. The blaze destroyed more than 18,800 structures and caused 85 deaths and 17 non-fatal injuries.
The Camp Fire destroyed most of the community of Paradise, CA, and also devastated the nearby communities of Butte Creek Canyon, Concow, and Magalia.
The Butte Fire (2015)
The Butte Fire started on September 9, 2015 and was contained on October 1, 2015.
What Caused the Butte Fire?
The Butte Fire was caused by a tree that made contact with a PG&E power line.
PG&E tried to claim that the tree making contact with the power line was not their fault but rather the fault of an independent tree-trimming contractor they hired.
Our law firm proved that PG&E failed to train the contractor properly, and that the utility was responsible for the resulting wildfire.
The Damage Caused by the Butte Fire
According to CAL FIRE, the Butte Fire burned over 70,800 acres in Amador County and Calaveras County. The blaze destroyed more than 800 structures, damaged 45 structures, and caused two deaths.
The Trauner Fire/Sierra Blaze (1994)
Many recent fires have called attention to PG&E’s negligence and the wildfire dangers in the state. Yet many have been aware of these dangers much earlier. Such was the case with the Trauner Fire, which occurred in August 1994.
What Caused the Trauner Fire?
According to a 1997 report from SFGate/The San Francisco Chronicle, the Trauner Fire was caused by a failure to trim trees that were near PG&E’s power lines. A 21,000-volt power line brushed against a tree limb, sparking the blaze.
Investigators with the California Department of Forestry found that PG&E’s negligence also caused or contributed to several major wildfires and hundreds of smaller wildfires prior to 1994.
A 2017 investigative report from NBC Bay Area noted that the Trauner Fire was partly the result of PG&E’s focus on profitability. The utility shifted $77 million away from tree-cutting needs in order to boost overall profits.
The Damage Caused by the Trauner Fire
The Trauner Fire burned roughly 500 acres near the hamlet of Rough and Ready. The blaze destroyed 12 homes and 22 other structures in the area.
Reasons Why PG&E Utility Fires Happen
As we look at the list of PG&E wildfires above, certain patterns emerge. In our years of taking on utility companies, here are some of the most common reasons why these kinds of fires happen:
- The “Run to Failure” Mentality: Rather than doing maintenance or repairs, some utility companies think it’s more affordable to let equipment break and deal with the consequences afterward. Putting profit over public safety is unacceptable. Think of the Camp Fire, where a single metal hook destroyed entire communities
- Failure to Clear Trees Within Strike Zones: Trees, tree limbs, and branches can cause sparks that ignite fires when they come into contact with power lines. Utility companies need to be vigilant in clearing vegetation away from power lines. We see that clearly in the Dixie Fire, the Butte Fire, the Trauner Fire, and countless others.
- Failure to Shut Off Power During Dangerous Conditions: During heavy winds and other wildfire red flag situations, utility companies are allowed to shut off power to protect nearby communities. Sometimes utility companies are slow to react, which can lead to potentially disastrous line strikes and fires.
Why PG&E Fires Are So Devastating
There are a few reasons why PG&E wildfires are becoming more destructive and devastating to working Californians:
- California’s Long Wildfire Season: Wet and dry weather exacerbated by climate change has extended the wildfire season in western states. Heavy rains and long drought conditions create ample fuel for fires almost all year round.
- Heavy Winds and Ample Fuel Sources: The Diablo Winds in Northern California can cause power lines to swing and make contact with trees in the area. These heavy winds also play a major role in how wildfires grow and spread, sending embers beyond fire breaks and contained areas.
- The Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI): More population centers have been built near forested areas and wildlands, which are places where wildfires usually start. Devastating wildfires can easily spread to residential areas and businesses, causing major destruction.
Can I Sue PG&E for Damages After a Wildfire?
Yes, you can sue for wildfire damage caused by PG&E. In utility-caused wildfires, companies like PG&E can be held liable for putting profits over people’s safety.
Potential Damages in a Wildfire Lawsuit
In a wildfire lawsuit against PG&E, you can seek compensation for the following:
- Damage to a Home or Business: If your home or business was destroyed or damaged due to a utility fire or smoke from the fire, you can seek compensation to repair damage or to cover the value of the destroyed property.
- Damage to Other Belongings and Property: You can seek compensation to cover any lost belongings that were in your home when the wildfire hit. This includes the cost of any vehicles, appliances, electronics, clothing, and other valuables.
- Lost Income and Future Earnings: Wildfires can disrupt business operations and livelihoods. You can seek compensation for lost wages due to evacuations. You can also seek compensation if a wildfire has prevented you from earning income in the future due to business disruptions or lingering health problems.
- Medical Expenses Related to the Fire: Wildfire survivors can seek compensation for medical bills to treat severe burn injuries as well as health problems from wildfire smoke inhalation.
- Psychological Trauma from a Fire: Wildfires can be traumatizing events. If you or a family member has developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, or sleep disruptions due to your experiences, you can seek compensation.
- Relocation Expenses After a Wildfire: Many wildfire survivors are forced to move after their home or business is destroyed or severely damaged. You can seek compensation for your moving and relocation expenses.
- The Death of a Loved One in a Wildfire: If you lose a loved one in a wildfire, the pain may feel immeasurable. Grieving family members can file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for funeral costs, grief counseling, and loss of companionship.
How Much Is My PG&E Wildfire Claim Worth?
The amount of compensation you could receive in a wildfire lawsuit will vary depending on the extent of your losses and the way your life was affected.
Since every person’s experience in a wildfire is different, our law firm wants to ensure that any compensation you seek accurately reflects the effects of the wildfire on your life and the lives of your family members.
When you work with our wildfire attorneys, we can review the full extent of your losses and the long-term repercussions that the wildfire has had on your finances, your health, and your overall quality of life. This will give you a better idea of how much your case is really worth.
Why Choose Danko Meredith for Your PG&E Fire Damage Claim
When PG&E or another California utility company starts a wildfire, you need lawyers on your side who can level the playing field and make sure you’re getting properly compensated. Danko Meredith has represented working Californians who’ve been harmed by utility companies and other powerful interests for many years.
Our team of trial attorneys has the knowledge, court experience, and resources to take on big companies and hold them accountable.
We Have a History of Fighting PG&E and Other Utility Companies
Danko Meredith has represented families affected by the Dixie Fire, the Camp Fire, and the Butte Fire. We’ve also helped survivors of the San Bruno PG&E gas explosion in 2010 and the more recent Maui/Lahaina wildfires in 2023. Our law firm knows how to handle these cases, and utility companies like PG&E know that we mean business.
Currently, Danko Meredith is helping Eaton Fire survivors with lawsuits against SoCal Edison (SCE). We’re prepared to help any Californians whose lives and livelihoods have been affected by utility company negligence.
We Consult Leading Expert Witnesses in Complex Cases
Look through our past case results. There are some substantial verdicts and settlements we secured in extremely complex cases. One of the reasons we’ve been successful is that we have the resources to remain in the fight and avoid settling for less than a case is worth.
Danko Meredith brings meticulous research and attention to detail to every case we work on. We’re also able to consult some of the country’s leading expert witnesses to help with investigations and build a solid, evidence-based and science-backed foundation for every claim.
We Work on a Contingency Fee Basis
If you’ve lost everything in a wildfire, you don’t need another bill. Some people avoid filing a lawsuit against a utility company because they’re afraid of expensive attorney fees and a years-long legal battle.
Danko Meredith offers free consultations and works with clients on a contingency fee basis. You only pay our lawyers if we successfully obtain compensation from PG&E or another negligent utility. If we can’t win compensation, you don’t pay. This helps working-class and middle-class families in California seek legal remediation without any further financial losses or obstacles.
Hold PG&E Accountable: Contact Our Utility Fire Attorneys Today
If your home or business was destroyed in a blaze and PG&E was responsible for the wildfire, our lawyers want to hear your story. We’ll fight to ensure you receive fair compensation based on what happened to you.
For a free case review with our PG&E wildfire attorneys, contact our Bay Area law firm today. You can also call Danko Meredith’s Redwood City office at (650) 453-3600.