Bobcat Fire: latest news

by Jeffrey Nadrich Managing Partner, Nadrich & Cohen, LLP

The Bobcat fire is now 92% contained and has burned 115,796 acres of land in the central San Gabriel Mountains in and around Angeles National Forest. It started on September 6, has destroyed 170 structures, damaged 47 structures and caused six injuries. 240 personnel were assigned to the fire. Suppression costs have been estimated at $80,000,000.

Crews are actively mopping up in the Juniper Hills and Mt. Wilson area. Residents may see smoke in this area from unburnt fuel islands inside the containment area, and should not call 911 regarding smoke in this area.

Tree branches, Southern California Edison equipment may have started Bobcat Fire

A letter from Southern California Edison (SCE) to regulators on October 12 stated that tree branches might have come into contact with SCE equipment, starting the Bobcat Fire.

The letter states that the Bobcat Fire was reported near Cogswell Dam at around 12:21 PM on September 6. The letter says “a section of the Jarvis 12 kV circuit” is located near Cogswell Dam and experienced a “relay operation” at 12:16 PM on September 6.

The letter states that “it appears that [United States Forest Service] is investigating whether vegetation was involved in the ignition of the fire… USFS also removed and retained three tree branches in the area.” The letter states that investigators also took possession of “an approximate 23-foot section of 1/0 ACSR conductor.”

The letter states SCE is evaluating whether vegetation “may have encroached within the minimum clearance distance or contacted the section of the overhead conductor retained by USFS.”

Federal loans available to those who suffered Bobcat Fire damage

Southern California residents were reminded by authorities on Tuesday that the U.S. Small Business Administration is offering loans to Los Angeles County residents and businesses who suffered damage due to the Bobcat Fire.

Businesses and nonprofit organizations can borrow up to $2 million under the program in order to replace or repair destroyed or damaged inventory, equipment, machinery, real estate or other business assets.

Homeowners can receive disaster loans up to $200,000 for replacement or repair of destroyed or damaged real estate. Renters and homeowners can receive loans of up to $40,000 to replace or repair destroyed or damaged personal property.

Almost a quarter of Angeles National Forest has been burned this year

Wildfires, including the Bobcat Fire, have burned over 150,000 acres of land in Angeles National Forest, representing 23% of the forest’s land, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The Lake Fire, Martindale Fire and Ranch 2 Fire were also notable wildfires which occurred in the region over the last few months.

Trump administration approves wildfire aid for victims of Bobcat Fire, other fires

The Trump administration will approve a request for a disaster declaration, allowing for federal aid to be given regarding the Bobcat Fire, the Creek Fire, the El Dorado Fire, the Valley Fire, the Oak Fire and the Slater Fire. The approval is a reversal of an earlier FEMA decision. Trump had originally supported the earlier FEMA decision, according to a statement from Trump Administration deputy press secretary Judd Deere.

California State Senator Andreas Borgeas had earlier sent a letter to Trump and FEMA asking for a reconsideration of the earlier FEMA decision, noting “significant damage to roads, and access to facilities are blocked by thousands of hazardous trees and debris. There was also significant damage to the wastewater treatment facility that could take months to repair, further delaying residents' ability to return to their homes.”

Tulare County was also added to the Federal Major Disaster Declaration for Wildfires because of the SQF Complex fire.

Governor Gavin Newsom recently wrote that damage estimates for California wildfires exceed $229 million, stating “federal assistance is critical to support physical and economic recovery of California and its communities.”

Assemblyman Jim Patterson recently wrote that over 927 structures were burned in the Creek Fire and “a large number of my constituents living in the area had little or no insurance.” Patterson said it can cost $70,000 to hire a contractor for waste removal.

"Those who are underinsured may only have part of the cleanup covered," he wrote. "Those without insurance would be responsible for the entire cost."

Patterson said the cleanup will be funded by the Recovery CA Disaster Assistance Act in the meantime.

“There is no more time to waste," he wrote. "Rain and snow are imminent, as are the resulting mudslides into our watersheds. We must act now to prevent harmful hazardous waste and bulk asbestos from threatening public health and the environment."

Over 100 dogs from kennel in Bobcat Fire zone ready to be adopted

Authorities said on Friday that over 100 dogs from a commercial breeding kennel in the Bobcat Fire’s evacuation zone are ready for adoption.

The animals had been taken to Los Angeles County animal shelters and were relinquished several weeks later by their owner, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control.

The department said shelter employees helped make the less socialized dogs better companions and every dog will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped before entering their new homes.

The department website has photos of the dogs.

About the author

Jeffrey Nadrich is the managing partner of Nadrich & Cohen, LLP, a California personal injury law firm which represents Bobcat Fire victims.

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Created on Oct 21st 2020 18:08. Viewed 544 times.

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