Wildfire Recovery Attorneys File Suit Against PG&E for 2019 Kincade Fire Damages to Public Resources

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, the nationally recognized attorneys from Baron & Budd and Dixon Diab & Chambers LLP, collectively known as the Wildfire Recovery Attorneys, filed a lawsuit against PG&E on behalf of Sonoma County, City of Santa Rosa, Town of Windsor, City of Cloverdale, and the City of Healdsburg for damages to public resources resulting from the 2019 Kincade Fire. The lawsuit was filed in Sonoma County Superior Court on November 17, 2020.

The Kincade Fire, which started October 23, 2019, burned 77,758 acres over a 13-day period. Four people were injured as a result of the fires, 374 structures were destroyed, and 60 structures were damaged.

“Sadly, PG&E has displayed a regular pattern of choosing profits over the safety of California residents,” said Baron & Budd Shareholder, John Fiske. “PG&E’s history of safety failures has resulted in tragedy and destruction across the state. The company needs to be held responsible for the suffering they have caused California communities.”

The lawsuit alleges that PG&E negligently caused the Kincade Fire and seeks reimbursement of public funds lost and public resources destroyed by the fire. The legal allegations include inverse condemnation and negligence, among others, and seek damages for injury to and loss of public resources, including but not limited to land, roads, and environmental resources.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) has taken possession of certain PG&E equipment as part of its investigation. Earlier this year, Cal Fire announced that PG&E equipment caused the Kincade Fire. Cal Fire reports to have sent its investigative findings to the county district attorney’s office to decide whether to file criminal charges.

ABOUT WILDFIRE RECOVERY ATTORNEYS

Known collectively as Wildfire Recovery Attorneys, Baron & Budd, P.C. and Dixon Diab & Chambers LLP, are nationally recognized attorneys that teamed up to help those affected by tragic wildfires. Each of these firms has extensive experience in representing families, businesses and other entities that suffered losses in previous wildfires.