The Tyler Fire in California, which started in January 2025, has caused damage to the Riverside County area. The fire’s rapid spread, fueled by dry conditions and high winds, has led to significant property destruction and business interruptions.
If you sustained damages in the Tyler Fire in California, the legal team at Bernheim Law Firm is ready to help. We will investigate the cause of the fire, identify negligent parties like utility companies, and pursue legal action on your behalf. This may include compensation for property damage, lost income, and other financial setbacks, ensuring you seek full compensation for your hardships resulting from the fire.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable Tyler Fire attorney, please call us at (310) 975-4728 or contact us online today.
Why Choose Us for Your Legal Needs?

California wildfires, including the Tyler Fire, have caused property damage and damage to businesses. If you or your business have sustained damage in the Tyler Fire, the knowledgeable legal team at Bernheim Law Firm is ready to help. Unlike many wildfire attorneys, we will not merely file an insurance claim on your behalf. Rather, we will investigate the cause of the fire and pursue utility companies and other entities that may be responsible. That way, we can maximize your compensation 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.
Tyler Fire Overview
The Tyler Fire began in California on January 8, 2025. Originating in the dry, mountainous regions of Southern California, the fire quickly spread due to high winds and unusually warm temperatures for the winter season. The fire was first reported in the early morning hours near the town of Tyler, located in Riverside County, just east of Los Angeles.
California is no stranger to wildfires, and the Tyler Fire is just one of many that have occurred recently. However, this fire is especially concerning because of the factors that contributed to its rapid growth. Dry conditions and strong Santa Ana winds have created an environment where wildfires can ignite and spread more easily – even in winter. These conditions have made firefighting efforts more challenging, as the fire has been difficult to contain due to the area's unpredictable winds and lack of moisture.
According to the latest reports, the Tyler Fire has already burned many acres and prompted evacuation orders. Some residents in Riverside County, including those in Tyler and surrounding areas, have been forced to evacuate their homes. Emergency response teams, including local firefighters, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), and federal firefighting units, have worked tirelessly to control the blaze and prevent further destruction.
The Tyler Fire has also created significant concerns for air quality in the region. The smoke from the fire has drifted into nearby cities, including Los Angeles, resulting in poor air quality and health advisories. As of this writing, efforts to fight the Tyler Fire are ongoing, as it is only half contained.
What Compensation Will I Receive in my Tyler Fire Case?
If you’ve suffered property damage or business losses due to the Tyler Fire in California, you might seek compensation beyond what your wildfire insurance covers through other legal avenues.

First, if the fire resulted from negligence, you may be entitled to receive compensation for property damage beyond what insurance covers. For example, if the fire was caused by a utility company’s faulty equipment or poor maintenance of power lines, you can potentially file a claim against that company for the full cost of your property damage. This may include the value of your home, personal belongings, or any other structures on your property. Additionally, if your home was damaged but not destroyed, you can recover funds for repairs, cleaning, or restoring any essential utilities.
If you own a business affected by the Tyler Fire, you may have the right to recover compensation for lost income or business interruption. Even if your business wasn’t directly destroyed, the fire may have forced you to shut down temporarily due to evacuation orders, smoke damage, or safety concerns. In such cases, you may recover compensation for the lost revenue and operating costs your insurance doesn’t cover. This compensation can also include costs for moving your business, getting back on track, or reopening once the situation stabilizes.
Business owners may also be entitled to compensation for profits lost during the fire’s disruption. If the fire affected your ability to conduct business – whether by damaging property, destroying inventory, or forcing you to close temporarily – you can seek compensation for lost earnings. This may involve calculating what your business should have earned if the fire hadn’t disrupted your operations.
If the fire resulted from the negligence of a company or government entity, you may pursue a lawsuit for further compensation. For example, if the fire resulted from improperly maintained equipment or failure to take adequate fire-prevention measures, the responsible party can be liable for damages. In such cases, you may recover compensation for property damage and related business losses.
By pursuing these types of claims, you can potentially recover compensation for your losses not covered by insurance, helping you rebuild and recover from the fire’s impact.
What are the Most Common Ways Corporations and Other Entities are Responsible for Wildfires in California?
Corporations, such as utility companies, can be responsible for California wildfires in several ways. Often, these parties contribute to the ignition or spread of wildfires through negligence or failure to follow safety regulations. Here are the most common ways that they may be held liable for the recent wildfires:

- Faulty Power Lines and Equipment: One of California's leading causes of wildfires is equipment failure, particularly involving power lines. Utility companies like the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) have faced significant scrutiny for wildfires sparked by their power infrastructure. Power lines can become damaged during high winds or storms, causing sparks that ignite dry vegetation. If a utility company fails to properly maintain its equipment or does not take necessary precautions during extreme weather conditions, it can be held responsible for any resulting fires.
- Negligent Tree Maintenance: Another common cause of wildfires is improper tree trimming around power lines. Utility companies must clear trees and branches that may fall onto power lines and cause sparks. If a company neglects this responsibility or fails to maintain an adequate buffer zone, falling branches or trees can cause fires. In recent years, several wildfires in California have been traced back to trees or branches that came into contact with electrical wires.
- Inadequate Fire Prevention Measures: Corporations and other entities, such as developers, can also be held accountable if they fail to take necessary fire prevention measures. For example, if a company builds a structure or development in a fire-prone area and does not take appropriate steps to reduce fire risks—like using fire-resistant materials, creating defensible space, or following local fire codes—it may be liable for damages resulting from the fire.
- Industrial Accidents or Improper Waste Disposal: Sometimes, industrial activities can directly lead to wildfires. For instance, companies may improperly dispose of hazardous materials, such as chemicals or flammable substances, which can ignite under certain conditions. Additionally, mining or construction can create sparks that start fires if not properly managed.
- Poor Emergency Response or Risk Management: If a company or entity is responsible for managing fire risks in a certain area but fails to adequately prepare for or respond to fire danger, it may be held liable. This includes failing to set up early warning systems or neglecting to implement safety measures like fire breaks or controlled burns.
In these situations, corporations may face lawsuits or other legal actions for their role in causing or contributing to wildfires in California.
How We Can Take Action Against Negligent Entities in a Tyler Fire Case?
If you’ve suffered property or business losses due to the Tyler Fire in California, and your insurance doesn’t cover the full extent of your damages, our lawyers at Bernheim Law Firm can fight for your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Wildfire insurance policies often don’t fully compensate for the financial hardships these fires cause, especially when negligence is involved. In such cases, we can hold negligent entities accountable through legal action.

The first step in pursuing a claim is thoroughly investigating how the fire started. If the fire resulted from faulty equipment, such as power lines owned by a utility company or the negligence of another entity, we can gather evidence to support your case. Our team will work with experts, including fire investigators and engineers, to determine the source of the fire and identify the responsible parties.
Corporations like utility companies or construction firms may be legally responsible for starting or contributing to wildfires. If, for example, a utility company fails to maintain its equipment properly, it may be liable for the damages that the fire causes. Our lawyers will track down these responsible parties and hold them accountable.
We will then use the evidence gathered during our investigation to build a robust case. This may include photographs, expert testimony, witness statements, and official reports on the fire’s origin. If negligence is proven, we will pursue compensation for the full extent of your losses, which may include property damage, lost business revenue, and even pain and suffering in some cases.
While insurance may cover some of your damages, insurance companies often focus more on minimizing their payouts. We will work on your behalf to ensure you receive the maximum compensation available from the responsible entity or entities. If settlement negotiations don’t yield a fair settlement, we are prepared to litigate your case in court.
If an investigation reveals that a negligent party is responsible for the fire, we can file a lawsuit for damages. Our experienced litigators will work to recover compensation for lost property, business interruption, and other economic losses, ensuring that you’re fully compensated for what you’ve endured.
With our legal knowledge and skills, we will aggressively fight for your rights and hold negligent parties accountable, securing the full compensation you deserve.
Steps to Take After Incurring Damage in the Tyler Fire
If you have suffered individual property damage or business losses due to the Tyler Fire in California, it’s essential to take the right steps to protect your interests and ensure you can recover compensation.

First, you should ensure you and your loved ones are safe. If you haven’t already, follow evacuation orders and seek shelter. Once you’re safe, begin documenting the damage to your property or business. Take detailed photos and videos of the destruction, including buildings, personal belongings, and inventory. This documentation will be vital when filing claims or pursuing legal action.
As you begin to recover, keep a detailed record of any expenses related to the fire’s impact, such as temporary housing costs, business interruption losses, or repair costs. These records will be important for proving your losses, especially if you need to pursue legal action against responsible parties.
It’s also crucial to consult an experienced Tyler Fire lawyer right away. At Bernheim Law Firm, we will determine if there are grounds to pursue compensation beyond what your insurance provides. We can also identify responsible parties, such as utility companies or developers, and build your case. We will work hard to secure compensation for property damage, business losses, and any other damages you’ve incurred.
It’s also important to stay updated on the fire's progress, evacuation orders, and any developments related to the investigation. This information allows you to make informed decisions about the next steps in your recovery.
By following these steps, you can take control of your recovery process and ensure you’re well-positioned to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Call a Knowledgeable Tyler Fire Attorney Today
At Bernheim Law Firm, we are ready to maximize the compensation you receive for the damages you’ve suffered in the California Tyler Fire. For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a skilled California wildfire attorney, please call us at (310) 975-4728 or contact us online right away.