PG&E asked Judge Curtis Karnow to send the various fire victims’ lawsuits to five different counties. Instead, Judge Karnow decided that all cases that have been filed — or that will be filed — as a result of the Nor Cal fires will be handled by one judge and that judge will be in San
Cal Fire Determines PG&E Power Line Cause of Butte Fire
Today Cal Fire issued a news release. Cal Fire investigators determine the cause of the destructive Butte Fire was the PG&E power line. Cal Fire will file a lawsuit against PG&E to recover over $90 million for firefighting costs.
Property owners and renters in the Butte Fire area are working with attorneys to calculate
Coincidence? Or Something More?
In February 2015, tree cutters working for PG&E were supposed to remove trees from a grove that threatened power lines. But they left standing a tree in the middle of that grove – a 44-foot tall grey pine that had a diameter of about 5 inches at the base that was leaning toward the lines.
Environmental Damages Quantified
Consultants and paid experts are now working to evaluate the environmental damages that the Butte fire caused. Some of the aspects of the loss they are looking into:
Cost of Clean Up: Wholly apart for reasons of aesthetics, all properties must be cleaned up. An owner may not be too concerned about felled timber left
Butte Fire Cases to be Coordinated
What documents must PG&E turn over to the lawyers for the fire victims? Which PG&E employees will be required to appear and answer questions under oath, and when? What scientific tests may plaintiffs’ experts perform on the evidence found at the fire’s origin?
These are the types of questions that a judge must decide as
Butte Fire Hazmat Update
Are you suspicious about the workers asking to enter your property? Do you have concerns that someone may be posing as an agent of CalRecyle?
As the hazardous materials debris removal process moves along, some property owners question the legitimacy of contractors who are contacting them about further work on their property. Applying the wise
PG&E Debris Removal Program: Cleaning up Victims’ Properties or PG&E’s Image?
Butte Fire victims are just now getting a letter from PG&E offering to clean up some of the woody debris left from the fire. Sounds good, but is it really? Here are some of the concerns:
- No details. We’ve been asking PG&E since October to let us see the forms they want the residents
Where’s the Haz Mat Clean Up Crew in Butte Fire Area?
According to CalRecycle waste management engineer Wes Minderman, although at least 32 crews are working in the clean up area, they have only completed about 28% of the properties(779 registered and 216 completed.) Some property owners are concerned about the status of hazardous material inspections and removal. According to the Butte Fire Clean Up
PG&E Tree Inspection and Removal Continues
An Updated PG&E Tree Removal Plan for the Week of 12/14/15- 12/20/15.
ACRT, Inc. re-inspection continues in the following areas:
- Jesus Maria Rd
- Ponderosa Way
- Worden Rd
- Hwy 26
- Whiskey Slide
- East Murray Creek
- Railroad Flat Rd
- Avenue A
- Mountain Ranch Rd
Four new areas appear on the re-inspection list this week:
- Green Ranch Rd
PG&E Still Talking About “Free” Removal
Over 20 days ago, PG&E announced an "Updated Expanded Debris Removal Program". Today, it continues to tout the program. It has prepared a mailing to go out today for all of its affected customers. PG&E set a December 31st deadline to opt in.
To participate, PG&E requires the property owner to submit a debris