Breaking: Firefighters Battle Fire in Sorrento Valley
What started as a brushfire has now become a bigger incident in Sorrento Valley in San Diego. The fire reached up to 90 acres by the end of the day but was ultimately contained enough to allow residents back to their homes.
Keep reading to learn more about the fire, possible causes, and how wildfire attorneys from BD&J can help in the aftermath of a devastating wildfire that results in injuries.
Key Takeaways
- The fire was first reported around 9:30am PST in the Sorrento Valley area, where the I-5 and I-805 split
- Evacuation orders were placed for residents of nearby areas, like Sorrento Valley Blvd and the area around Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve
- The fire reached around 90 acres
- Wildfire attorneys can represent homeowners and other vulnerable victims after a wildfire results in injuries and other damages
How Long Has the Sorrento Valley Fire Been Active?
The Sorrento Valley Fire was first reported around 9:30am on Monday, June 8th. Less than an hour later, the fire was estimated to have reached 30-40 acres of land and was traveling at moderate speed.
CAL Fire and San Diego Fire Rescue worked to keep the fire contained. By the next day, residents were able to go back to their homes and businesses. By Wednesday, the 90-acre fire had been 90% contained.
No known cause for the fire has yet to be determined, but a mountain biker interviewed by NBC 7, who reported the fire, recounted hearing what sounded like a firework and the sound of a small vehicle falling over before the fire initially started.
Common Wildfire Causes
Some of the most common wildfire causes, according to wildfire attorneys, include:
- Equipment malfunctions, such as with electrical distribution systems
- Discarded cigarettes
- Dry vegetation due to drought conditions
- Burning debris
- Arson
What are the Most Recent Updates to This Story?
The fire began on Monday the 8th, and by the following Wednesday was 90% contained.
Another fire broke out near the airport in Oceanside around 11am that same Monday, damaging multiple RVs in a storage yard and prompting evacuations for nearby homeowners. This fire was much smaller, around .5 acres, and was about 50% contained within a few hours.
No injuries or property damage have been reported from either fire. 2,200 homes and businesses were evacuated for the Sorrento fire, and those orders remained in effect until the fire was contained.
The San Diego Fire Department’s Metro Arson Strike Team has committed to investigating the initial cause of the Sorrento fire.
Wildfire Attorneys: California is no Stranger to Wildfires
With the 1-year anniversary earlier this year marking the devastating Palisades and Eaton fires in Los Angeles County, it’s not unusual for California to host various wildfires. In fact, recent data from the National Interagency Fire Center shows that the state has seen 140% more wildfires this year than the 10-year average.
The climate, winds, and periods of extreme rainfall or drought are just a few of the common reasons why California has been affected by wildfires over the years.
If you or a loved one is affected by a wildfire, California wildfire attorneys can help:
- Present a wildfire claim for compensation
- Help in evidence collection
- Use expert witnesses to attest to your injuries and property damages
- Advance case costs on a contingency fee basis to move your case forward
- Negotiate a fair settlement with insurance companies and other parties
- Communicate with all parties involved in your claim on your behalf
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Take if I Have to Evacuate During a Wildfire?
Having a wildfire evacuation bag can come in handy during a sudden evacuation. Food and water, a smartphone and charger, and vital documents like passports and birth certificates are a few of the necessary items you should carry in an evacuation bag.
How Do I Know It’s Time to Evacuate My Home?
Keeping an eye on the news and any phone alerts can signal you to warnings or official evacuation orders from local officials. However, if you smell or see a wildfire in your area, it’s better to act fast and prepare for evacuation before a mandatory order is made.
What Are Common Wildfire Injuries?
Some of the most common wildfire injuries include burns, catastrophic injuries, fractures, lacerations, and brain injuries.
How Long Do I Have to File a Wildfire Claim?
Wildfire insurance claims typically require at least a year to file, and early reporting is needed for home damage. A civil suit against another person or entity who played a role in the wildfire has a statute of limitations of 2 years.
If you are filing a claim against a local municipality, you have 6 months to file a claim.
Who Could Be Liable in My Claim?
Responsible parties could include another person, a property manager, a utility company, or even a government agency.
What Evidence Should I Present in My Claim?
Photos and videos of the wildfire and damages, fire investigation reports, utility reports if relevant, and expert witness testimonies can support a wildfire claim.
Are BD&J Wildfire Attorneys Available 24/7?
Absolutely! Connect with our team 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to schedule your initial consultation with our wildfire lawyers.
How Much Does It Cost to Work with BD&J Attorneys?
Wildfires can lead to serious, expensive damage, which is why you shouldn’t have to add legal representation to your list of financial stressors. At BD&J, our wildfire attorneys work on a strict contingency fee basis.
This means we advance all case costs to clients upfront and recover attorney fees after your claim is settled. No fees until we win*.
How To Protect Your Home from Wildfires
Wildfires can happen in the blink of an eye, especially in California. The following steps can help maintain your home as protected as possible in the case of an unexpected fire.
- Keep debris off your roof and gutters. – Debris can catch fire from flyaway embers in seconds, so keeping your roof and gutters clean can ensure nothing on top of your home catches fire.
- Landscape vegetation should be at least 15 feet apart. – Shrubs and other vegetation should be spread out to lessen the amount of combustible material near each other.
- Gasoline should be stored safely. – Keeping gasoline in an approved can or tank prevents spills and fuel vapors from interacting with ignition sources.
- A wildfire attorney can still help after a fire. – If you did all the right things but still suffered injuries or damages in a wildfire, a California wildfire lawyer can fight for you when it comes to obtaining compensation.
Wildfire Attorneys Fighting for Victims Since 2007
The Sorrento Valley Fire is just one of the many wildfires that have hit California. What’s impactful about most California wildfires is that they often start as small brushfires that instantly spread and leave destruction in their wake.
California wildfire attorneys from BD&J can represent you against insurance companies and other entities when it comes to recovering damages after an unforeseen fire. Call us now or complete our form to schedule your consultation!
You’ve gone through the devastation of a wildfire; now let BD&J attorneys help you in the fight for justice.