Our Team:

Tubbs Fire

The Tubbs Fire was one of the most destructive wildfires in California history. It started on October 8, 2017, in Napa County, California, and quickly spread into Sonoma County, devastating the city of Santa Rosa. Here are some key facts about the fire:

Key Facts:

• Cause: Officially, the cause was determined to be electrical equipment owned by Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E).
• Size: Burned approximately 36,807 acres.
• Destruction:
  • Over 5,600 structures were destroyed.
  • The Fountaingrove and Coffey Park neighborhoods in Santa Rosa were nearly wiped out.
  • The Hilton Sonoma Wine Country and the historic Fountaingrove Round Barn were completely destroyed.
• Deaths: 22 people lost their lives.
• Evacuations: Tens of thousands of residents were forced to flee, often with little to no warning.
• Cost: Over $1.2 billion in insured losses, though total damages were estimated to be much higher.

The Tubbs Fire was part of a larger series of fires in Northern California that October, known as the October 2017 Fire Siege, which collectively caused catastrophic destruction. PG&E was later found responsible for sparking the fire, leading to lawsuits and financial repercussions for the utility company.

Camp Fire

The Camp Fire was the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history. It ignited on November 8, 2018, in Butte County, California, near the community of Pulga, and was fueled by strong winds and dry conditions. The fire rapidly spread, devastating the town of Paradise and several surrounding communities.

Key Facts:

• Cause: Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) equipment failure (a faulty electrical transmission line).
• Size: Burned 153,336 acres.
• Destruction:
  • 18,804 structures were destroyed, including homes, businesses, and infrastructure.
  • The town of Paradise was nearly wiped out.
  • Major damage also occurred in Concow and Magalia.
• Deaths: 85 people lost their lives, making it the deadliest wildfire in California history.
• Evacuations: Over 50,000 people were forced to flee, many with only minutes to escape.
• Cost: Insured losses exceeded $16.5 billion.

Impact and Aftermath:

• PG&E admitted liability for the fire and later filed for bankruptcy due to the massive claims against it.
• In 2020, PG&E pleaded guilty to 84 counts of involuntary manslaughter and one count of unlawfully causing a fire.
• Recovery efforts included billions in settlements for victims, debris removal, and rebuilding efforts.
• The fire spurred changes in California’s wildfire policies, including increased wildfire prevention measures and utility safety regulations.

Bobcat Fire

The Bobcat Fire was one of the largest wildfires in Los Angeles County history, igniting on September 6, 2020, in the Angeles National Forest near Cogswell Dam. Fueled by extreme heat, dry conditions, and strong winds, the fire spread rapidly across rugged terrain, threatening multiple communities.

Key Facts:

• Cause: The fire was determined to have been caused by electrical equipment owned by Southern California Edison (SCE).
• Size: Burned approximately 115,796 acres.
• Destruction:
  • Over 170 structures were destroyed, including homes, cabins, and businesses.
  • Major impact on Juniper Hills, Valyermo, and the Antelope Valley region.
  • The Mt. Wilson Observatory was threatened but ultimately saved.
• Containment: Declared 100% contained on December 18, 2020.
• Evacuations: Thousands of residents in surrounding areas were forced to evacuate.
• Cost: Estimated $130 million in damages.

Maui Fires

The Maui Fires of August 2023 were among the deadliest and most devastating wildfires in U.S. history, primarily impacting Lahaina, a historic town on the island of Maui, Hawaii. The fires, fueled by strong winds from Hurricane Dora, dry conditions, and invasive grass species, spread rapidly, overwhelming residents and first responders.

Key Facts:

• Start Date: August 8, 2023
• Main Areas Affected: Lahaina, Kula, and Upcountry Maui
• Size: Burned over 2,170 acres in Lahaina alone
• Deaths: At least 100 people, making it the deadliest wildfire in the U.S. in over a century
• Missing Persons: Hundreds were initially unaccounted for, but numbers decreased as searches continued
• Destruction:
  • Over 2,200 structures destroyed, most of them homes and businesses
  • The entire historic town of Lahaina was nearly wiped out
  • Estimated damages exceeded $5.5 billion

Causes & Controversy:

• Downed power lines operated by Hawaiian Electric are suspected to have ignited the fire, sparking lawsuits and investigations.
• Officials failed to activate Maui’s emergency siren system, leaving many residents unaware of the imminent danger.
• Limited evacuation routes contributed to chaos, with some people forced to flee into the ocean to escape flames.

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Our team is committed to rebuilding communities.

During the California wildfire cases, the Watts’ team provided support to 17,559 clients. Our attention to detail and dedication led to a 50% increase in client awards after reconsideration, resulting in over $3.79 billion in compensation for our clients to date.

Our team is committed to rebuilding communities.

During the California wildfire cases, the Watts’ team provided support to 17,559 clients. Our attention to detail and dedication led to a 50% increase in client awards after reconsideration, resulting in over $3.79 billion in compensation for our clients to date.