Thomas Fire

The Thomas Fire, sparked in the evening of December 4, 2017, began as two separate fires and eventually combined to create one of the largest and most destructive wildfires in California history. 

The first fire originated in a canyon above Steckel Park north of Santa Paula and, shortly after the first fire starting, a second fire began in the Anlauf Canyon area of Ventura County. Due to dry conditions and strong Santa Ana winds, both fires spread rapidly before merging together. The Thomas Fire impacted several communities, including Ojai, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Santa Paula, Montecito, Clearpoint, and Fillmore. 

The Thomas Fire wasn’t fully contained until January 12, 2018. During the course of the fire, one civilian and one firefighter were killed. 21 additional people were later killed when the burned-out landscape caused by the Thomas Fire led to mudslides when strong rain storms moved into the area. 

The Thomas Fire, by the numbers

  • 2 counties affected
  • 281,893 acres burned
  • 1,063 structures destroyed
  • 280 structures damaged
  • 104,607 people evacuated
  • 2,800 firefighters worked to control the fire

What caused the Thomas Fire? 

Southern California Edison (SCE) has admitted that their equipment was the likely cause of one of the two initial fires. However, in March 2019, an investigation into the Thomas Fire handled by the Ventura Fire Department found that SCE was responsible for igniting both fires. 

SCE’s equipment has also been linked to the 2018 Woolsey Fire and several other California wildfires. 

Claims for damages caused by the Thomas Fire

The Thomas Fire caused devastating amounts of damage and in many cases, insurance policies don’t cover the full extent of a person’s losses. By filing a lawsuit for your losses caused by the Thomas Fire, you may be able to recover damages such as: 

  • Damage to your home
  • Damages to other structures on your property
  • Loss of personal property
  • Lost income
  • Costs of temporary housing and other costs associated with evacuation
  • Emotional distress

Contact a Thomas Fire attorney

At The Wallace Firm, our wildfire attorneys who are representing victims of the Thomas Fire in claims against SCE. As a team with strong personal ties to the communities affected by the Thomas Fire, we care deeply about helping those affected by the Thomas Fire rebuild their lives. Let us fight on your behalf to get all of the compensation you need. Whether you have insurance or not, we may be able to help. Contact us today. 

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