In California, the increasing frequency of utility-caused wildfires has reshaped how communities think about safety, accountability, and recovery. When a wildfire destroys homes, property, and lives, determining who is responsible can be a complex process. For victims, understanding what evidence is needed to prove that a utility company’s negligence caused a wildfire is a critical first step in pursuing justice.
At Kershaw Talley Barlow, we have extensive experience investigating large-scale utility-caused fires. Our attorneys work closely with technical experts to uncover how and why these disasters occur — and to hold accountable the responsible entities.
How Negligence Leads to Utility-Caused Wildfires
Utility companies in California are required to maintain and inspect their power lines, transformers, and equipment to prevent sparks and failures that can ignite fires. Negligence can occur when utilities:
- Fail to properly maintain or replace aging infrastructure
- Neglect vegetation management around power lines
- Ignore prior warnings or known equipment hazards
- Delay safety upgrades despite foreseeable fire risks
When utilities fail to meet these safety obligations, their actions — or inaction — can lead to devastating consequences for entire communities.
Key Evidence in Utility-Caused Wildfire Cases
Proving liability in a wildfire case requires technical, scientific, and legal evidence. Every detail matters — from weather data to equipment inspection records. Below are some of the most important forms of evidence that attorneys and investigators use to build a case.
1. Fire Origin and Cause Analysis
Experts begin by identifying the ignition point and determining how the fire started. Physical evidence from the scene, such as downed power lines, damaged equipment, or burn patterns, can indicate whether a utility’s equipment was the source.
2. Utility Maintenance and Inspection Records
Internal company documents often reveal whether inspections were performed as required or if known problems were left unaddressed. Gaps in inspection schedules, deferred maintenance, or ignored safety reports can be powerful evidence of negligence.
3. Witness and First Responder Accounts
Eyewitness statements and reports from firefighters or emergency personnel can help establish the time and location where the fire originated. These firsthand accounts often support technical findings.
4. Weather and Environmental Data
High winds and dry conditions increase the likelihood that faulty electrical equipment will spark a wildfire. Weather reports, satellite data, and environmental studies are used to confirm whether the conditions at the time made ignition foreseeable.
5. Utility Communication Logs and Internal Reports
Email records, maintenance logs, and incident reports may reveal what utility personnel knew about potential risks prior to the fire occurring. These communications often provide insight into whether preventive measures were ignored.
6. Expert Testimony
Electrical engineers, fire investigators, and environmental scientists often play a crucial role in explaining how the evidence connects to the utility’s conduct. Their testimony can help courts understand complex technical issues and establish causation.
The Role of Experienced Legal Representation
Utility-caused wildfire cases are complex and often involve multiple agencies, insurers, and corporate defendants. Evidence must be preserved quickly before it is lost, altered, or destroyed. Legal teams with experience in mass tort and environmental litigation know how to coordinate investigations, obtain critical records, and work with technical experts to present compelling evidence in court.
Kershaw Talley Barlow’s attorneys have years of experience handling utility negligence and wildfire cases throughout California. Our firm combines legal knowledge with scientific and forensic expertise to uncover the truth and pursue recovery for affected communities.
California Wildfire Attorneys
For individuals and families impacted by utility-caused wildfires, rebuilding can take years. Understanding what caused the disaster and who is responsible is a crucial step toward achieving justice and recovery.
If you or your community were affected by a wildfire you believe was caused by utility negligence, our legal team can help you understand your rights and options.
Contact Kershaw Talley Barlow at (916) 520-6639 to learn more about how we can assist with wildfire claims and investigations.
