A devastating fire that began at a lumber processing mill in Weed, California, has led to a significant lawsuit filed by local residents against the mill's operators. On July 10, 2024, plaintiffs Ashley Navarre, Michael Navarre, Justis Navarre (through guardian ad litem Ashley Navarre), and Jacalyn Navarre (through guardian ad litem Ashley Navarre) filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, against Roseburg Forest Products Co., Benjamin Hornsby, Jeffery Lee, and other unnamed defendants.
The case centers around the "Mill Fire," which ignited on September 2, 2022. The plaintiffs allege that the fire originated from Roseburg Forest Products Co.'s lumber processing mill due to negligent operations and inadequate safety measures. According to the complaint, the fire quickly spread to neighboring properties causing extensive damage. The Mill Fire was not contained until September 13, 2022, by which time it had burned over 3,935 acres, destroyed 118 structures, damaged an additional 26 structures, resulted in multiple injuries and two fatalities.
The plaintiffs argue that Roseburg Forest Products Co., along with its Safety Manager Benjamin Hornsby and Operations Manager Jeffery Lee, failed to adhere to basic safety standards. The complaint states: "Defendants failed to comply with even the most basic safety standards... conducting operations at the Mill in a reckless manner." It is alleged that hot ash byproducts were not adequately cooled and were allowed to accumulate dangerously within the mill premises. Furthermore, there were prior incidents of fires on the property due to similar negligence.
The plaintiffs are seeking various forms of relief including compensation for real property damage; personal property damage; loss of cherished possessions; out-of-pocket expenses; alternative living expenses; emotional distress; nuisance; annoyance; inconvenience; disturbance; mental anguish; and loss of quiet enjoyment of their properties. Additionally, they are demanding punitive damages against Roseburg Forest Products Co., arguing that their actions prioritized profits over safety.
Representing the plaintiffs are attorneys Gerald Singleton (SBN 208783), Jon Cadieux (SBN 265155), and Gary LoCurto (SBN 270372) from Singleton Schreiber LLP. The case is being overseen by Judge Daeja Rogers under Case ID CGC-24-616269.