Fairview Fire Lawyers

Did the Fireview Fire Affect You?

The California wildfire attorneys of Robins Cloud LLP have a proven track record of zealously pursuing claims on behalf of families and businesses that have been affected by wildfires caused by utility companies. If you were affected by the Fairview Fire, please call (310) 340-2898 now for a free consultation to find out if you might qualify for compensation.

How Did Fairview Fire Start?

The Fairview Fire began on September 5, 2022, in Hemet in Riverside County and burned more than 28,300 acres, destroyed approximately 22 structures (with several others damaged), and caused two deaths. Approximately 1,500 homes were forced to evacuate. While the cause is still under investigation, evidence exists that Southern California Edison's (SCE) electrical infrastructure may be responsible for the destruction.

How Utility Companies Can Be Held Liable for Wildfires

Utility companies play a central role in wildfire litigation when their equipment or operations are linked to the ignition or spread of a fire. California law holds these companies to a high standard of care, and they can be held legally and financially responsible if their negligence contributes to a wildfire.

How Utility Negligence Can Cause Wildfires

1. Equipment Failure

• Aging, faulty, or poorly maintained equipment—such as power lines, transformers, or other electrical infrastructure—can spark fires, especially in dry or windy conditions.
• Examples include transformer explosions, downed power lines, or malfunctioning circuit breakers, all of which can ignite surrounding vegetation.
• Utility companies are required to regularly inspect, maintain, and replace equipment to minimize these risks. Failing to do so is a common basis for liability.

2. Poor Vegetation Management

• Utilities must clear trees, brush, and other vegetation from around their power lines and equipment to prevent contact that could cause sparks or fires.
• Neglecting vegetation management can allow overgrown branches or plants to touch energized lines, dramatically increasing wildfire risk.
• State and federal regulations often require utilities to maintain specific clearances; ignoring these requirements is a frequent cause of utility-related wildfires.

3. Delayed Repairs or Inspections

• Utility companies are obligated to promptly repair or upgrade damaged or outdated infrastructure and to conduct regular inspections to identify hazards.
• Delays in addressing known problems—such as ignoring reports of frayed wires, leaning poles, or malfunctioning equipment—can result in preventable fires.
• Inadequate response to high-risk conditions, such as failing to de-energize lines during extreme fire weather, also constitutes negligence.

Legal Principles in Wildfire Lawsuits Against Utilities

Plaintiffs can pursue claims against utility companies under several legal theories. First, under negligence, plaintiffs must demonstrate that the utility owed a duty of care, breached that duty (such as through poor maintenance, inadequate vegetation management, or delayed repairs), and that this breach directly caused the wildfire and resulting damages. Second, strict liability may apply if the utility's equipment is determined to be the source of ignition, even without evidence of overt negligence. Finally, regulatory violations, such as failing to comply with state or federal safety regulations or mandated fire prevention measures, can strengthen claims against utility companies.

Damages Owed to Affected Property Owners

If SCE is determined to have caused the Fairview Fire, it is responsible for the losses suffered by the people of Riverside County. Robins Cloud is representing Fairview Fire victims to obtain monetary compensation for their losses.

If you were affected by the Fairview Fire, you may be owed compensation for:

• Trees and vegetation
• Dwellings
• Fences, irrigation, and septic systems
• Barns, corrals, and other structures
• Roads, bridges, culverts, and erosion
• Bodily injuries
• Death of a loved one
• Belongings, tools, vehicles, and equipment
• Lost income (including from grazing leases and hunting permits)
• Evacuation and out-of-pocket expenses
• Non-monetary damages (emotional distress, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment of property or life, etc.)

We Have the Strength to Support Your Claim

Call (310) 340-2898 now for a free consultation with the Fairview Fire attorneys of Robins Cloud LLP. We have decades of experience fighting high-profile claims against big defendants and have successfully represented thousands of fire victims to obtain the compensation they deserve. At the same time, we are a client-focused firm that limits its caseload, so each case gets the attention it deserves. Working with Robins Cloud LLP gives you big-firm resources with a small-firm feel.

Robins Cloud LLP invests in industry experts such as registered professional foresters, hydrologists, and contractors to prove your losses and maximize your recovery. There are NO up-front costs or and no attorney's fees if we do not recover for you, too. Get a free consultation now.