Two Airport Fire victims have spoken up about their experience losing their home in the Southern California blaze. The Airport Fire, which broke out on Monday, September 9th in Orange County on Trabuco Creek Road, has since scorched over 23,500 acres of land and destroyed more than 150 structures. 

Victims Charlie and Nikki Hoey, husband and wife, lost everything in the span of a few hours on Wednesday, September 11, 2024. As the Airport Fire continued to spread, it made its way over the ridge down into Riverside County. The Hoeys say they had less than an hour to pack what they needed and evacuate their home, narrowly escaping the flames as they descended. 

Charlie Hoey noted the losses they experienced were even more devastating due to so many of the items lost being family items handed down from grandparents. 

Legal Options Available for Homeowners Affected by the Airport Fire 

Wildfires can have disastrous effects, especially when homes are affected. The losses homeowners face in the wake of such events can be devastating, not only financially, but emotionally, as well. The costs of evacuating, temporary housing, and rebuilding after the fire can be immense. Those affected by the airport fire may have legal avenues available to them to help recover the damages they have suffered. Victims of the Airport Fire may potentially seek compensation for expenses including:

• Property Damage: this may include compensation for the loss of homes, vehicles, and other personal belongings such as irreplaceable family heirlooms.
• Temporary Housing: this may include compensation for the cost of temporary housing, food, and other costs associated with obtaining emergency lodging in a safe location away from the fire.
• Emotional Distress: losing a home and significant personal items can cause emotional trauma, which may be considered when seeking compensation for non-economic damages. 

“Wildfires wreak havoc on the lives of victims in their path,” says managing partner and attorney, Gerald Singleton, of Singleton Schreiber, “our team is heartbroken for the many individuals and families who’ve lost everything to the Airport Fire. We understand that the effects of this kind of loss can be devastating and cause financial and emotional turmoil. Victims who’ve lost their homes and belongings may wish to pursue a claim to obtain compensation for the losses they’ve suffered due to the fire.”

If you’ve lost your home in the Airport Fire in Orange or Riverside Counties, contact the team at Singleton Schreiber to learn more about your options and schedule a free consultation today. Contact the team at Singleton Schreiber today or call them at (310) 455-8351 to get started. 

September 16, 2024 – On Monday, September 9, 2024, a fire was ignited in Orange County near the Trabuco Flyers Club on Trabuco Creek Road. Orange County Public Works employees were using a loader to place a load of boulders heavy as barriers restricting access to the vegetation off Trabuco Creek Road. The loader started letting out smoke and sparked, which started the fire.

According to Orange County Fire Authority Deputy Chief, TJ McGovern, the fire was deemed as “unintentional”. McGovern stated that the OC Public Works employees attempted several times to extinguish the fire after noticing it sparked by using fire extinguishers and loaders while 911 was being contacted. 

As of September 16, 2024, the fire is 31% contained and has scorched 23,519 acres of land. Recent colder weather and light showers have helped slow the fire’s spread. Fire officials estimate that the fire will be fully contained by September 24. 

There are more than 770 personnel assisting to get the fire under control, along with 10 helicopters, 134 engines, and more. Confirmed damage includes six structures, residential, commercial, and other, as well as 10 firefighter injuries and two civilian injuries. 

Thus far, 160 structures have been destroyed and 34 damaged. 

Dangers of Wildfires in California

Wildfires are a persistent and growing problem in California, especially in recent years as the state faces prolonged droughts and increased temperatures. These fires not only destroy vast amounts of land but also endanger lives, properties, and entire ecosystems. As seen in the recent Airport Fire in Orange County, fires can start unexpectedly and spread rapidly.

Several factors contribute to the occurrence of wildfires:

• Human activity: whether through negligence, unintentional accidents, or illegal activities, many California wildfires are sparked by human activity. 
• Natural causes: extreme heat, lightning strikes, and high winds often contribute to the start and spread of wildfires. 
• Electrical failures: power lines and electrical equipment can create sparks that ignite dry brush or vegetation and lead to large-scale fires.

Wildfires can cause widespread devastation and often lead to the loss of homes, businesses, and even lives. Wildfires can have long-term effects on air quality, water supplies, and the overall health of the affected communities. 

Potential Injuries and Damages Available to Victims of Wildfires

Wildfire victims often suffer both physical and financial harm, and they may be entitled to compensation depending on the circumstances surrounding the fire. The types of injuries and damages can vary greatly based on the severity of the fire and the level of destruction it causes. 

“Wildfires like the Airport Fire can have devastating consequences for both individuals and communities. This fire highlights the importance of accountability and safety measures to prevent such disasters,” says Gerald Singleton, Managing Partner and attorney of Singleton Schreiber, “Those affected by the destruction– whether through injury, property damage, or loss of a loved one – deserve to understand their rights and seek compensation for the harm they’ve endured. Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by this fire as they navigate the difficult path to recovery.” 

Some potential injuries and damages available to victims include:

• Physical injuries – such as burns, respiratory issues from smoke inhalation, and trauma from escaping dangerous conditions. Victims may need long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment for these injuries and may be able to recover compensation to cover those expenses. 
• Property damage – such as destruction of homes, vehicles, personal belongings, businesses, and more. Compensation victims may be able to recover for this type of damage may include repair or replacement costs for lost property, like rebuilding homes or recovering damaged personal items. 
• Wrongful death claims – in cases where wildfire causes death, the deceased’s family may choose to pursue a wrongful death claim. This can allow them to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, loss of financial support, and more. 

If you or a loved one have been impacted by the Airport Fire in Orange County, contact the team at Singleton Schreiber today to learn more about your options. Contact the team at Singleton Schreiber today or call (310) 455-8351 to get started.