Over 100 Days Past the Camp Fire and How Many Are Moving Forward

It is now months past the initial California Camp Fire that tore through homes, took the lives of many individuals, and caused injuries to others. There are many issues that certain affected communities have been struggling to come to terms with such as being able to move home, filing lawsuits on behalf of loved ones, and the many roadblocks that have been standing in the way. Today, we want to take a look at some of the most popular topics regarding the Camp Fire and where many stand today.

Finding Those Still Missing

Surprisingly, there are still individuals who have been reported as missing following the Camp Fire, that now took place many months ago back in November of 2018. The list of missing was about 1,300 names long in November, but now there are just two people who are still unaccounted for. Many people live in fear that their loved ones might have lost their lives in the Camp Fire but will not be able to identify or find them.

The death toll remains at 85 as of now, with 73 remains being identified at this time. The names have been released to the public on lists. Until all victims have been named from the Camp Fire, many individuals are still struggling with the fact that the trauma of the Camp Fire is nowhere near long gone and might live with them for quite some time. 

Repopulating 

For those who are working with insurance companies at this time, many have chosen to stay in the area and rebuild so that they can repopulate the beautiful city of Paradise as it once was. Many who chose to remain in their home city faced the fact that they could stay on their property while clean-up took place, or find themselves in a situation where they would have to find other accommodations until the area was declared safe. Toxicity in the ashes were looming in the city for quite some time and threatening the health and well-being of many residents. With smoke inhalation a very real fear and the impacts it could cause on many individual’s lives, residents continued to fight.

In fact, many pushed for removal services through the California Office of Emergency Services and FEMA. However, this struck a snag only weeks ago when FEMA announced that the towns affected by the fire might not be eligible for more than $1.7 billion in reimbursement if they live on temporary housing before the removal takes place. Now, with no end in sight for some people, they continue to fight on. 

State and Federal Aid for Those Affected 

Paradise Disaster Recovery Centers are open for those in need, with many other programs and organizations stepping forward to make a difference in Paradise and other affected towns. Many others have had the option to sign up for a government Camp Fire debris removal program for help with their homes as they rebuild. The SBA has also been working to approve over $300 million in loans for Camp Fire survivors, including $11 million for businesses and private nonprofits. About 2,452 loans have been given so that individuals can start moving forward in a positive way.

The Impact on Schools 

With many other issues looming in the background, individuals tend to forget that schools are suffering due to the Camp Fire as well. The Paradise Unified School District has specifically found many places to relocate students such as Chico, Durham, Oroville, and Magalia before schools were able to reopen. Hundreds upon hundreds of students have been relocated so that they could continue to receive an education even with the destruction taking place around them.

On top of that, a whopping 700 students from Paradise High School were able to start school again last month on a temporary campus. By August, administrators are hoping that they will be able to return to their own campus, which mostly escaped the effects of the fire. 

Filing Lawsuits

And, of course, one of the biggest issues to be tackled over 100 days after the Camp Fire is the fact that many people continue to move forward with their lawsuits at this time. More than a dozen lawsuits have been filed thus far against Pacific Gas and Electric for their role in the California Camp Fire with over 430 plaintiffs looking at actions. Among the first to file were Police Chief Kirk Trostle and his wife, who are suing PG&E for negligence.

Many of the individuals who are alleging claims are suing the company for aspects like damaged property, loss of loved ones whose lives were taken during the devastating fire, and injuries that were sustained by those involved. However, with PG&E filing for bankruptcy less than a month ago on January 29, it is difficult to tell what the future will hold, as the company is now working on restructuring and many individuals might find that they will lose out on their claims entirely if they don’t continue to fight.

How an Attorney Can Help 

Many people do not see the success in their situations yet, as the Camp Fire is still fresh in their minds. However, over 100 days in to the Camp Fire and there is an honest success in many of the actions that have been taken to protect those involved. It is true that many areas will not look the same and we can’t get back our loved ones who have been lost in this senseless fire, but recovery is happening right before our very eyes.

Our attorneys at Brady Law Group have dedicated themselves to many similar claims, with experience in many California wildfire cases and helping victims get back on their feet after immeasurable losses. If you have lost a loved one in the California Camp Fire or you have suffered a variety of other damages that have popped up in the midst of the fire, we would like to speak with you immediately. Please contact us to get started at 866-478-6483. We are waiting to take your call.