You need to understand your legal rights. Fire officials have indicated that the cause of the Airport Fire is “accidental, unintentional, by heavy equipment working in the area of the RC Airport.” If the investigation concludes that this disaster could have been prevented had it not been for the negligence of a government entity, those who sustained losses may be able to pursue compensation for property loss, living expenses, and other damages.
The California wildfire lawyers at Wisner Baum have the experience and resources needed to take on any corporate defendant. With $4 billion in verdicts and settlements across all practice areas, your case is in good hands with us.
If you or someone in your family suffered losses in the Orange County Airport Fire, fill out our online form or call (310) 207-3233 to learn more about your legal rights.
WHAT IS THE AIRPORT FIRE?
The Airport Fire started on Monday, September 9, 2024, near Rose Canyon Road and Trabuco Canyon Road in Orange County. In the following days, it burned over 23,000 acres, including multiple structures in El Cariso Village and Deckert Canyon, west of Lake Elsinore.
AIRPORT FIRE EVACUATIONS
Airport Fire evacuation orders were issued for the following areas:
- North of the San Diego/Riverside County line
- South of the Orange County line
- East of the Orange County line
- West of South Main Divide/Grand Avenue
Evacuation warnings were issued in parts of Orange County and Riverside County.
The latest Airport Fire evacuation orders and other valuable resources can be found on the CalFire incident report.
Airport Fire Updates
October 6, 2024: As of yesterday, the Airport Fire is 100% contained after burning over 23,000 acres in Southern California. We can now report that the Airport Fire destroyed 160 residential or commercial properties and damaged 34 residential or commercial properties. There were 22 total injuries reported among fire personnel and civilians.
If you were affected by this fire, you should speak with a lawyer about your claim to help ensure that you receive full and fair compensation for your losses. At Wisner Baum, we offer free case evaluations for those who lost their homes or businesses or suffered property damage.
September 23, 2024: Orange County received its first claims for losses from the Airport Fire. The blaze, reportedly sparked by an Orange County Public Works crew using heavy equipment, has destroyed at least 160 structures and damaged 34 others.
A Laguna Hills man filed a claim with the county worth $2.3 million for property loss in El Cariso Village near Lake Elsinore. A separate claim seeks $1,043 for hotel expenses during mandatory evacuations.
Anyone who was affected by the Airport Fire should be advised that the Orange County claim form includes the following:
“Claims related to personal injury or damage to personal property must be presented within six (6) months from the date of loss. Claims related to any other loss must be presented not later than one (1) year from the date of loss.”
If you have questions about pursuing an Airport Fire claim, please contact the wildfire attorneys at Wisner Baum today.
September 19, 2024: The Airport Fire in Riverside County and Orange County has consumed 23,519 acres and is 39% contained as of today. The blaze, which authorities say was caused by equipment, has destroyed 160 structures and damaged 34 others while causing 15 injuries among civilians and fire personnel. Firefighters report positive progress, with few hotspots remaining and crews actively engaged along most of the fire's perimeter. Aided by mild temperatures and possible drizzle from a passing low-pressure system, firefighters continue establishing firebreaks and initiating rehabilitation efforts. Some crews are being airlifted by helicopter to tackle the most challenging terrain as they work towards full containment.
WHAT CAUSED THE AIRPORT FIRE?
Officials have stated that the fire was started accidentally by heavy equipment working near the RC Airport. Specifically, an Orange County Public Works crew were using equipment to move boulders and block access to dry land. A spark from this equipment reportedly started the blaze.
WHAT ARE MY LEGAL RIGHTS IF I SUFFER LOSSES IN THE AIRPORT FIRE?
If you lost property due to the Airport Fire, you may have the right to seek compensation for damages because a government agency appears to be responsible for starting the blaze. However, there are special rules and time limits (statute of limitations) for suing government entities. We recommend consulting with an experienced wildfire lawyer as soon as you are able to ensure your legal claim remains viable.
WHAT DAMAGES CAN I GET IN A WILDFIRE LAWSUIT?
If your case is successful, may be able to claim compensation for:
- Property damage (homes, businesses, vehicles, other personal belongings)
- Lost income
- Evacuation costs
- Emotional distress
- Landscaping losses
- Reduction in property value
This is not an exhaustive list of available damages; all situations differ. If you would like more information on what compensation may be available, contact us for a free case evaluation.
WHAT HAPPENS IF HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE DOESN’T COVER MY LOSSES?
Many people find their homeowner’s insurance doesn't fully cover wildfire losses, especially if their home or business is destroyed. A lawsuit against the responsible party (or parties) can help you recover additional compensation beyond what your insurance provides. Rest assured that your legal claim will not affect or subtract from compensation under your homeowner’s insurance policy.
DO I NEED A LAWYER FOR WILDFIRE CLAIM?
No, you are not legally required to have an attorney represent you. However, having a lawyer is highly recommended for wildfire claims because the cases are often complex, especially when suing a government agency or a utility company. An experienced wildfire lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, build a strong case, and fight for full and fair compensation.
WILDFIRE LAWYERS WITH BILLIONS IN RECOVERIES ACROSS ALL PRACTICE AREAS
If you suffered losses in the Airport Fire and would like to learn more about your legal rights, please get in touch with Wisner Baum today. We offer free and confidential case evaluations, and we represent clients on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe us nothing if we are not successful in getting you compensated for your losses.
We have handled hundreds of wildfire claims for California residents, including those affected by the Camp, Woolsey, Thomas, and Bobcat Fires. We have successfully handled corporate wrongdoing claims for homeowners, renters, high-net-worth individuals, and others.
You don’t have to face the aftermath of this wildfire alone. Call us at (310) 207-3233 or fill out our contact form to schedule your free consultation with an Airport Fire lawyer today.
