More Parties Added to Carlton Complex Fire Lawsuit – Now Over 150 Homeowners Involved

Over 150 parties have signed onto this suit,  claiming the government owes them compensation over lack of firefighting efforts.

The Carlton Complex fire, triggered by lightning strikes,  began July 14th in the Methow Valley in Okanogan County, as well as three other nearby areas,  was the largest wildfire burn in state history, covering over 400 square miles.   By July 17th,  the four fires merged, and quickly destroyed over 300 homes in and around Pateros and Malott WA.   Brewster, Carlton and Methow were also threatened.   One person died from a heart attack attributed to the fire and conditions.   Power was also lost in Twisp and Winthrop.

The suit came about after claims filed by land and homeowners against the State Department of Natural Resources were rejected. In September,  the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also rejected aid claims,  much to the anger of state officials.

The suit claims DNR failed to act quickly enough in the early hours of the fire, and didn't take enough precautions to prevent the four blazes from merging into the biggest burn in state history.  The suit claims by the time the proper resources were provided, the fire was out of control.   The suit says the DNR acts as a "private landowner" because it controls land just like private citizens.

Because private citizens homes, businesses and land were destroyed, DNR is liable.  The initial suit began with 65 homeowners, and the initial compensation was at least $15 million dollars.  Now that it's more than doubled, the costs are expected to exceed well over $35 million.