Fire knows nothing of mercy.
-Proverb
What caused the 2017 Northern California fire?
Here’s what’s currently being reported:
- People have reported cases of damaged infrastructure like wires down and broken poles according to The LA Times;
- There have been reports of downed power lines and exploding transformers by The Mercury News;
- Downed power lines were also cited as a possible cause by The New York Times;
- Falling power lines and exploding transformers were being investigated by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection according by KCRA;
- The California Public Utilities Commission sent a letter to Pacific Gas and Electric requiring them to preserve “all evidence” in relation to the fire; consequently Pacific Gas and Electric’s stock plummeted per CNBC;
- Downed power lines and other equipment failures were cited as potential causes by KOLO;
- Blown transformers and downed power lines were reported by emergency radio traffic according to Fox News; and
- Yesterday The Mercury News reported that Pacific Gas and Electric power lines were linked to the fire. And here’s a map of reports regarding electrical problems the night of the fire.
Pacific Gas and Electric has caused fires before. The 2015 Butte fire in Northern California burned for 2 weeks, killed 2 people, burned 900 structures including 550 homes, and caused $300 million dollars in losses. 4 months ago Pacific Gas and Electric was found liable for the damages. It was also fined $8.3 million by California regulators.
The state of California has a dedicated website for information related to the individual fires and their progress at CALFire.ca.gov
Here’s a quick video of the devastation caused by the Santa Rosa fires:
Here are some of Evan W. Walker blogs with useful insurance information:
How to Make a Fire Damage Insurance Claim
Understand Your Homeowners Policy
What to do if Your Homeowners Claim was Denied
And here are additional blogs useful to people with property damage claims:
What are the Statutes of Limitations
What is the Made Whole Doctrine
Personal Property and Loss of Use
Have questions? Contact Me for a free consultation.
