A devastating fire that ravaged multiple counties in California has led to a significant legal battle. On July 3, 2024, Paul L. Beach filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, against Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). The lawsuit stems from the Dixie Fire and Fly Fire incidents that caused extensive damage to properties and communities.
According to the complaint, Beach alleges that PG&E's negligence led to the ignition of the Dixie Fire on July 13, 2021, near Storrie Road above Cresta Dam in Plumas County. The fire subsequently spread across Plumas, Butte, Lassen counties and neighboring areas, burning over 963,309 acres and destroying approximately 1,329 structures. Beach asserts that the fire was caused by a tree falling onto PG&E’s high voltage line. Furthermore, he claims that another fire—the Fly Fire—merged with the Dixie Fire after starting on July 22, 2021.
Beach accuses PG&E of failing to maintain its electrical infrastructure properly despite knowing the risks involved. He points out that PG&E had an obligation under various codes and regulations to ensure their equipment did not pose a danger to public safety. The plaintiff highlights previous incidents where PG&E's negligence resulted in fires and explosions causing loss of life and property damage. "PG&E has developed a regular pattern of placing its own profits before the safety of California residents," states Beach in his complaint.
The plaintiff seeks just compensation for damages incurred due to both fires. This includes general and special damages for emotional distress, loss of property value, costs related to evacuation and relocation, among others. Additionally, Beach is pursuing punitive damages citing PG&E’s "conscious disregard for public safety" as well as litigation costs under California Code of Civil Procedure §1036.
Representing Paul L. Beach are attorneys Shawn E. Caine from Law Offices of Shawn E. Caine A.P.C., Dave Fox from Fox Law A.P.C., and Christopher C. Sieglock from Sieglock Law A.P.C.. The case is presided over by Judge William Alsup with Case ID CGC-24-616156.