DOJ Sues Company for Starting Wildfire

The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated a lawsuit against Garrett J. Gentry General Engineering Inc., a contracting company based in Upland, California, for allegedly igniting a destructive wildfire in the San Bernardino National Forest. The South Fire, which erupted near the Lytle Creek area, prompted hundreds of evacuations and threatened the I-15 Freeway, leading to significant firefighting efforts. According to the San Bernardino National Forest Service, the fire scorched over 800 acres, damaging six homes and destroying 18 structures, including four residences. Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly a week before it was fully contained. The lawsuit claims that the actions of Gentry and his company directly contributed to the fire's ignition and spread, as they failed to take necessary precautions. Investigators revealed that the fire was sparked when the steel treads of an excavator operated by Gentry Engineering struck rocks, igniting dry vegetation in the vicinity. The lawsuit asserts that Gentry and his company were aware of the risks associated with operating heavy machinery in such conditions but did not take adequate measures to mitigate the danger. The U.S. Forest Service incurred over $2.2 million in firefighting costs, and the U.S. Attorney's office is seeking to hold the contractor accountable for the extensive damages caused by the South Fire. The case highlights the ongoing challenges of wildfire management and the responsibilities of contractors operating in vulnerable areas.