Three weeks after the Airport Fire erupted, the blaze has burned more than 23,000 acres across Orange and Riverside counties — and now many of those impacted by the flames are planning to file a lawsuit.
The fire was 95% contained as of Monday. However, it has left a path of destruction along the way. Nearly 200 structures were destroyed or damaged.
Emily Pincin with the Kent | Pincin law firm is representing people who are looking to sue Orange County.
Eight firefighters were hurt — including two critically — when the fire truck they were in rolled over while returning from a 12-hour shift battling the Airport Fire.
“I would estimate that collectively we represent several hundred clients at this point,” Pincin said. “I think by the time the lawsuits are filed there will be hundreds, if not thousands, of plaintiffs.”
The Airport Fire was sparked on Sept. 9 by Orange County Public Works crews who were working using heavy machinery.
Orange County Fire Authority investigators deemed the cause accidental. Pincin said that doesn’t matter.