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.”

Impact of the Mountain Fire on Local Families and Communities

The Mountain Fire has left a profound mark on families and communities across Ventura County, as many residents face the loss of their homes, cherished belongings, and a sense of stability.

Ken and Brittanie Bibby, who recently moved into their Camarillo home, lost everything when the Mountain Fire swept through, leaving only ashes in its wake. Now, with their son, Ken’s mother and grandmother, and two dogs, they face the challenging process of rebuilding amid questions about insurance and securing basic needs like shelter and food.

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. 

Around 3 am Sunday, October 20th, a fire broke out on the 2500 block of Manchester Avenue in San Pablo.

The upstairs unit caught fire with three cousins inside, 22-year-old Mychel Gordon, 16-year-old Omari Godfrey, and 11-year-old Malik Gordon. Unfortunately, Mychel Gordon died in the fire, and Omari Godfrey died just hours after the fire in the hospital.

11-year-old Malik Gordon survived but is still in the hospital in critical condition. His cousin, Amy Jackson, told reporters that he has burns covering 95% of his body.

Fire crews were able to extinguish the fire quickly and investigators are still looking into the cause of the fire. When asked if there were working smoke detectors inside the unit, firefighters said that it is under investigation.

A neighbor said that Gordon’s mother was working an overnight shift when the fire broke out. The neighbor called her right away and she came. She has been at her son’s bedside ever since, according to Jackson.

What Makes Apartment Fires Especially Dangerous?

Apartment fires have heightened risks due to the proximity of multiple units, shared walls, and common areas, which can allow fires to spread rapidly, endangering more lives. In multi-family buildings, a fire in one unit can expose residents in surrounding units to intense smoke and heat. Additionally, complex layouts and limited escape routes in apartment buildings can make evacuations more challenging, particularly for children and elderly residents.

Proper safety measures, such as functioning smoke alarms and clear emergency exits, are essential to alert residents early and give them time to escape. However, if fire safety measures are absent or fail, the consequences can be devastating, as seen in the recent tragic fire on Manchester Avenue in San Pablo, California, where two young boys’ lives were lost and another child remains in critical condition.

“This heartbreaking incident underscores the critical importance of fire safety in multi-family housing,” says Gerald Singleton, attorney at Singleton Schreiber, “Apartment managers, property owners, and apartment dwellers must work together to prioritize regular maintenance of smoke detectors to ensure they are functioning and working properly to prevent losses like these.”

Legal Recourse Available to Family Members of Fire Victims

When families lose loved ones or experience severe injuries due to apartment fires, they may have legal recourse through wrongful death and personal injury claims. These claims can help families seek financial compensation for the loss, while also holding accountable those who may have contributed to the tragedy.

In a wrongful death claim, surviving family members can seek damages to cover the financial and emotional impact of their loss. These damages often include funeral and burial costs, loss of future income, and compensation for emotional pain and suffering.

For those who survive the fire with severe injuries, such as burns, personal injury claims may provide compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation expenses, lost income, and the long-term effects of pain and emotional trauma.

If you’ve lost a loved one in a fire or you or a loved one have been severely injured in an apartment fire, contact the team at Singleton Schreiber today to learn more about how we may be able to help you. Call  (619) 771-3473 or email info@singletonschreiber.com to get started today.