The ongoing Close Fire in California, now known as the Eaton Fire, has caused significant property and business damage, destroying more than 1,900 structures to date and leaving many people and business owners facing financial hardship. While wildfire insurance may cover some losses, it often doesn’t address all damages or additional costs.
If you or your business suffered damage in the Close Fire in California, the legal team at Bernheim Law Firm is ready to help. We will pursue fair compensation beyond insurance coverage by investigating the fire’s cause and determining if negligence from utility companies or other entities played a role. We can also file liability claims, navigate class action lawsuits, and ensure you receive fair compensation for business interruption, property losses, and other financial effects of the fire.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable Close Fire attorney, please call us at (310) 975-4728 or contact us online today.
Why Should We Handle Your Case?

The ongoing wildfires in California, including the Close Fire, have wreaked havoc across the state, causing significant property damage and other losses. If you sustained damage in this fire, the legal team at Bernheim Law Firm is ready to advocate for you. Unlike most wildfire lawyers, we are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve from the responsible entities that caused the harm – like utility companies – and not just from insurance companies. We will do everything possible to maximize the total compensation award you receive for your losses.
You can see our most recent case results and client testimonials on this site. Our office is conveniently located at 752 Millard Canyon Road, Altadena, CA 91001.
Close Fire Overview
The Eaton Fire, initially called the Close Fire, began on January 7, 2025, in California near Eaton and quickly grew into a major wildfire that threatened homes and caused widespread damage. High winds and dry conditions, typical for California winters, contributed to its rapid spread, forcing evacuations and prompting a large response from firefighting teams across the state.
The fire’s close proximity to residential and commercial areas has raised concerns about the safety of local residents. While firefighters have made some progress in controlling the flames, ongoing challenges such as extreme weather conditions and the difficult terrain continue to hinder their efforts.
How Much Compensation Can I Seek in My Close Fire Case?
If you have experienced individual property or business damage due to the ongoing Close Fire in California, there is often compensation to recover beyond your wildfire insurance coverage, state assistance, or federal disaster aid. These compensation options primarily involve legal avenues and allow you to seek recovery from parties responsible for the fire – or specific damages not covered through insurance.
Liability Claims

If the fire resulted from negligence or wrongdoing by a third party, you may pursue a liability claim. For example, if the fire resulted from faulty utility equipment, improper maintenance by a utility company, or even construction errors, you can seek compensation directly from the responsible party. In these cases, the responsible entity may be accountable for not only the immediate damage to your property but also other losses, such as business interruptions or emotional distress. Liability claims can compensate for property damage, lost earnings, and other related costs.
Class Action Lawsuits
In some cases, if a corporation or governmental entity is directly responsible for starting or failing to control the fire, a class action lawsuit may be a viable option. This type of lawsuit allows multiple affected parties to join together and seek compensation for damages from the fire. For example, if a utility company failed to maintain power lines or take necessary precautions that contributed to the fire, a class action may result in significant compensation for property loss, business disruption, and even mental and emotional distress. Class actions can potentially lead to large settlements or judgments, which can be particularly beneficial for affected individuals.
Business Interruption Compensation
For business owners whose operations have been disrupted by the fire, compensation for lost income may be available outside traditional business insurance. In many cases, businesses that experience a loss of income due to physical damage or forced closures can seek compensation for the earnings they lost during the interruption. This may be accomplished through lawsuits or claims if another party’s negligence caused the interruption.
Emotional Distress Compensation
While not as common, individuals who have suffered emotional distress due to the fire may also be eligible for compensation. This may be pursued through personal injury claims, especially if you or your family members experienced trauma due to evacuation, injury, or loss of property. The compensation may cover the psychological effects of the event, including therapy costs, medication, or other treatment necessary to cope with the emotional toll.
Loss of Future Earnings
The fire may result in long-term financial losses for individuals or businesses whose properties are integral to their livelihood – such as farmers, ranchers, or tourism-related businesses. If your ability to generate income has been significantly affected, you may seek compensation for future lost earnings. This is typically pursued through legal action if another party’s negligence is involved in causing the fire or exacerbating its effects.
How Do California Corporations and Other Entities Negligently Cause Wildfires?
Utility companies and other entities can be responsible for starting wildfires in California through various forms of negligence, equipment failure, and inadequate safety measures. Given the state’s dry climate, high winds, and vast forests, even small lapses in care can result in devastating fires.

One of California's most common causes of wildfires is malfunctioning electrical equipment – particularly power lines. When high winds cause power lines to fall or come into contact with dry vegetation, sparks can ignite fires. Additionally, malfunctioning transformers or equipment failures, like short circuits or faulty connections, can also trigger fires. If utility companies fail to properly maintain these systems or clear the surrounding areas of brush and trees, the risk of ignition increases.
Utility companies are also responsible for maintaining their equipment and infrastructure to ensure it operates safely. However, some companies fail to inspect or repair power lines, transformers, or other equipment regularly. For example, older or poorly maintained equipment can deteriorate over time, becoming more likely to start fires when exposed to high winds, lightning strikes, or other conditions. Failing to replace or update outdated equipment is another form of negligence that can lead to wildfires.
Utility companies are also legally required to implement specific fire prevention measures, especially in fire-prone areas. These include creating defensible spaces around power lines, trimming trees and vegetation that may come into contact with electrical equipment, and using “fire-resistant” materials for infrastructure. However, some companies fail to take these precautions, leaving their infrastructure vulnerable to ignition in dry conditions. Inadequate fire-prevention efforts can lead to catastrophic fires when weather conditions are ideal for spreading flames.
Beyond utilities, other entities, such as oil and gas companies, can also be responsible for starting wildfires. Drilling equipment, pipelines, and other infrastructure used in the extraction process can create sparks or release flammable materials that ignite nearby vegetation. Inadequate monitoring of these activities or failure to follow safety protocols can contribute to wildfire risk.
How We Can Take Action Against Negligent Corporations and Other Entities in a Close Fire Case?
If you’ve suffered property damage or business disruption due to the ongoing Close Fire in California, and a negligent utility company or other entity caused the fire, you may have grounds to take legal action. We at Bernheim Law Firm can handle the legal process and seek compensation for your losses, including litigation in court if necessary.
Investigating the Cause of the Fire
The first step in pursuing legal action is investigating the cause of the fire. We will work with experts, such as fire investigators and engineers, to determine whether a utility company or another entity’s negligence caused the fire. For example, we can gather evidence to establish liability if the fire resulted from faulty power lines, equipment malfunctions, or improper maintenance.
Determining Liability
Once the cause is identified, the next step is determining who is responsible. If a utility company’s equipment—like power lines, transformers, or electrical equipment—caused the fire, the company may be liable for the damages. In some cases, other entities, such as contractors, may also share responsibility if their actions contributed to the fire’s spread. We will identify and hold all potentially liable parties accountable for their negligence.
Filing a Lawsuit

If settlement talks with the responsible parties fail or an appropriate settlement offer is not made, we can file a lawsuit against the negligent entities. This lawsuit will outline your damages, such as property destruction, business interruption, medical expenses, and emotional distress. We will also establish the legal basis for the claim, showing how the responsible party’s actions or lack of action directly caused the fire and your losses.
Litigating the Case in Court
If the case goes to court, we will represent you in litigation. This includes presenting evidence, questioning witnesses, and making legal arguments to prove your case. This can be particularly challenging in wildfire cases, as it often involves complex technical evidence. However, our experienced attorneys will use their knowledge and resources to present your case effectively. The goal is to secure a fair judgment or settlement that fully compensates you for your losses.
Achieving a Resolution
Throughout the litigation process, we will work toward a resolution. This may involve reaching a settlement with the at-fault party before trial, negotiating a settlement during the trial, or winning the case in court. In any case, the aim is to ensure you receive full compensation for all damages from the fire.
Essential Steps to Take After Incurring Damage in the Close Fire
If you or your business has suffered damage from the ongoing Close Fire in California, taking certain steps to protect your rights and recover compensation is important. Here are the most important actions to take after the fire:
- Ensure Safety First: Before anything else, ensure you and your loved ones or employees are safe. Follow any evacuation orders and stay away from affected areas until it is safe to return. If you or anyone is injured, seek medical help immediately. Personal safety should always be the priority in situations like this.
- Document the Damage: Once it’s safe to return, begin documenting all of the damage to your property or business. Take clear photos and videos of damaged structures, vehicles, equipment, and anything else affected by the fire. This documentation will be essential for claims and legal action if you pursue compensation from an at-fault party. Also, make a list of damaged or destroyed items, including their value, to help with any future claims or lawsuits.
- Call an Experienced Close Fire Lawyer: At Bernheim Law Firm, we can investigate the cause of the fire, determine liability, and handle any legal action you may need to take. We can guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit, which can result in compensation for property damage, business interruption, and other losses.
- Keep Records of Expenses: As you begin to deal with the aftermath of the fire, keep track of all expenses related to the damage. This includes repair costs, temporary housing, business interruption, and even mental health counseling if needed. These records will be important when seeking compensation through legal claims.
Taking these important steps can help you recover from the devastation of the Close Fire and ensure that you recover the financial support you need.
Speak to a Knowledgeable Close Fire Attorney Today

If you sustained personal property damage or damage to your business as a result of the Close Fire, you need an experienced California wildfire attorney on your side as quickly as possible.
At Bernheim Law Firm, our team will thoroughly investigate your circumstances and set you on course to recover the financial compensation you or your business need.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Close Fire lawyer, please call (310) 975-4728 or contact us online right away.