The Reasons Why Many Individuals Lost Their Lives in the Camp Fire

In California, the Camp Fire was first spotted by workers of PG&E, the company that is currently under scrutiny in the midst of the case and could be held liable for various damages following the deadliest wildfire in California history. The Camp Fire has not only been recognized as the deadliest of all the recorded Golden State wildfires, but it is also the most destructive and costliest of all wildfires that have ever taken place across California.

The fire, which has allegedly taken the lives of 85 individuals and injured thousands through smoke inhalation and burns, has caused destruction for many, and the destruction does not just stop at the lives that have been lost. It also includes property destruction; many families have lost their homes and businesses after the blaze swept through their town. In the early stages of the Camp Fire, approximately 1,300 names were added to a list of the missing and, though all have been accounted for, the reality is that many lives have been lost in the midst of a highly preventable accident and those lives can’t be brought back.

Because of this, it is imperative to understand that many individuals have rights in the midst of their wildfire accident claim. Today, we want to focus on the major reasons why so many individuals were killed at the hands of the California Camp Fire. As with many wildfires in California, this one happened unexpectedly and, through an investigation, it was found that many steps could have been taken by PG&E to ensure that the incident never occurred in the first place. We will take a closer look at what neglectful acts took place and the many reasons why lives were lost.

Individuals Were Gridlocked with a Lack of Warnings 

The city of Paradise nearly burned to the ground due to the devastating Camp Fire, which could have been prevented in this area and beyond if PG&E would have taken preemptive measures to replace equipment. According to firefighters who were at the scene of the fire, three or four major roadways that were leaving Paradise were ablaze for quite some time, which caused gridlock. There are increased chances of gridlock when the roadways become flooded with drivers from all over and are especially prevalent in the face of emergencies.

Gridlock occurs when vehicles are not able to pass through an intersection, even when there is a green light. As a result, many individuals cannot move. Cars get trapped in the middle of the intersection and delays and blaring horns tend to result. This was the case in the midst of the Camp Fire, where many people felt trapped. Within only two minutes of a warning that was given to those living in Paradise, it was reported that a major traffic jam took place and caused many to become trapped. Approximately 1,200 were a part of the traffic jam and, with a total of 27,000 residents attempting to flee Paradise and beyond, the corridors caught fire and nobody could move.

Emergency responders realized that there was a major lack of warnings, with only a small percentage of people being prepared to leave who were part of a private warning system for wildfires across California. Emergency responders reported that the fires blazed so heavily and so many people were trapped, steering wheels started to melt in the hot temperatures. Unfortunately, many people were killed inside their vehicles as the fires were burning, scorching the equivalent of 80 football fields per minute. This tragic and preventable wildfire was able to take many lives in a short amount of time.

Effects on the Elderly and Disabled 

An overwhelming number of those who were not able to escape were elderly, some of whom were also disabled and unable to get out in a time when the fire happened so unexpectedly. Many of the lives that were taken were between the ages of 60 and 90 and were those who were unable to drive on their own, had dementia, and or suffered from other disabilities that prevented them from getting the help that they needed, leaving them confined to their homes while the forests burned around them and individuals worked on escape.

Before the fire, approximately 9,500 people in the Paradise area had a disability of some kind. This means that, once the fires started burning, 25% of people were some of the most vulnerable parties who get trapped in wildfires. Firefighters who scoured the area found that many people who lost their lives were killed when their homes ignited in their sleep and when propane tanks started to explode. Many believe that there was little that could be done to help these parties prepare for what was to come.

Because there were so many risks to those who were elderly or disabled, many enrolled in what is known as the “Special Needs Awareness Program,” which was enacted so elderly and disabled individuals could be rescued by firefighters who would see a placard on the front of a house. However, only 300 people knew or signed up for the program by the time the Camp Fire rolled through and the county does not know how many were rescued due to how chaotic the fire became in a short amount of time.

If You Have Lost a Loved One 

At Marlene Leiva Law Group, our attorneys have handled a wide variety of wildfire accident cases and are willing to stand by your side if you have lost a loved one in a serious wildfire incident. Our attorneys have helped many clients move forward with proceedings in the midst of their Camp Fire lawsuits. Especially for those who have lost a loved one to the Camp Fire, it is imperative to seek the help you deserve as soon as possible. Please contact us at 415-459-7300 to find out how we can assist you in your time of need.