Wildfires are devastating events that have become more and more common in California. 2021 was a bad year for wildfires, with some of the largest fires ever recorded in the state’s history taking place. The Maxwell Fire is one of the most recent wildfires, reported in Trinity County on October 5, 2021. It covered approximately 80 acres in Northern California before being fully contained by October 11.
If you have been impacted by the Maxwell Fire, please don’t hesitate to contact the California wildfire attorneys at Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger for a free wildfire damage consultation. We can help you understand your legal rights as a victim.
Everything We Know About the Maxwell Fire
Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger is staying on top of the latest updates and information released about the Maxwell Fire. As of November 15, CAL FIRE and local news stations have reported the following:
- The Maxwell Fire began on Tuesday, October 5, at 3:34 p.m.
- It started about five miles west of Douglas City in Trinity County.
- It was named after Maxwell Creek Road, as it started in a wooded area just west.
- It may be a flare-up of the Monument Fire, but the two fires burned separately (they did not merge) according to authorities.
- It actively burned for 6 days and covered 80 acres.
- The Maxwell Fire is at 100 percent containment as of October 11 at 6:35 p.m.
- There have been no reported injuries or deaths.
- There have been no reported structures damaged.
This is a recent incident that is still developing and being investigated. We will update our website as more becomes known about the Maxwell Fire.
What Caused the Maxwell Fire?
No known cause of the Maxwell Fire has been released. If it is confirmed that the Maxwell Fire is a flare-up of the Monument Fire, the cause of the Monument Fire may determine the rights of those affected by the Maxwell Fire. Although it is currently thought that a lightning strike started the Monument Fire, this is still under investigation.
PG&E’s power equipment is in the fire zone of both fires. This is a utility company with a long history of negligence connected to wildfires in California. If reports show evidence that PG&E either started the fire or failed to appropriately handle an emergency wildfire situation, such as by not deenergizing its power lines soon enough, victims of the Maxwell Fire may be eligible for financial compensation from PG&E for fire damage.
What to Do After Wildfire Damage
If a wildfire in Northern California encroaches on your home, there are steps that you should take to protect yourself, your family and your property. Evacuate immediately if these orders are given in your county. Have a fire escape plan in place and do not wait to put it into motion. If you get injured in the fire –including smoke inhalation injuries – go to a hospital right away. Once it is safe to return home, document any damage to your home, landscaping and property by taking photographs and videos.
When you are ready to start the insurance claims process, contact an attorney for assistance first. An attorney can help you prove the full extent of your losses, as well as negotiate for fair and full financial compensation from an insurance claims adjuster. If an investigation uncovers that someone started the fire, such as a negligent utility company, your lawyer can help you join or start a fire damage lawsuit.
Contact Us Today for a Free Fire Damage Consultation
If you have any type of damage from the Maxwell Fire, discuss your legal options with an attorney from Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger as soon as possible. We are also representing victims of the Dixie Fire. We offer free initial consultations at no obligation to hire us, so you can get answers to your legal questions at no risk. Call (415) 981-7210 or contact us online today to request a case evaluation.
