Did SCE cause the Mountain Fire near Camarillo?

During today’s Red Flag wind event, a large fire spread rapidly in Ventura County’s Camarillo/Santa Paula area. The Mountain Fire started near the intersection of Balcom Canyon Road and Bradley Road. We are investigating whether Southern California Edison was involved in starting the Mountain Fire. SoCal Edison was found to have violated General Order 95, Rule 38 in relation to the start of the Thomas Fire. 

We’ve represented hundreds of victims of utility-sparked wildfires. We have gathered some of the top tips that our past clients have told us they wish they had front-of-mind as their fire approached.  

Essential Wildfire Preparedness Tips 

1. Utility shutoffs: Electricity can be turned off in response to, or because of, a wildfire. Plan for it. Water pressure, even in the municipal water supply can drop because of a lack of power, so fill up extra water bottles early.  
2. Vehicle readiness: Get your car ready to evacuate. It is best to have a full tank of gas and park outside your garage with the car facing towards the road for a quick exit.  
3. Grab your essential items: Grab things like your important documents, medicines, valuables, cash, and sentimental items and put them into a bag that you can grab at a moment’s notice.  
4. Get your pets ready: Animals can be harder to control and contain during an emergency, especially cats and birds.  
5. Alert the neighborhood: If safe, keep in mind your neighbors who may need help evacuating.  
6. Take a video of your belongings: If you end up needing to file an insurance claim, it is very helpful to have a video of you walking through the house.  
7. Keep your cool: Emergency situations are a stressful event. Keeping your cool allows you to make the best decisions for you and your family’s safety during stressful events.  
8. Listen to evacuation orders: Evacuation instructions from emergency responders should always be followed. Ignoring them can endanger your life AND the lives of first responders. 

Wildfires can change direction rapidly due to wind or weather. Being prepared ensures that when an evacuation order comes, you are ready to leave without delay.  

Several shelters have been activated in the area. You can reach out to coordinate donations, or if you need assistance, you can go directly to the shelter: 

Temporary Evacuation Point  

• Padre Serra Parish, 5205 Upland Road, Camarillo  

Large Animal Evacuation Center  

• Ventura County Fairgrounds. 10 E. Harbor Blvd. Ventura, CA 93001  

Small Animal Evacuation Center  

• Ventura County Animal Services (Camarillo Airport) 600 Aviation Drive, Camarillo, 93010  

Bring your identification and medications or necessities for your animals if you plan to drop them off at an evacuation center. 

With over 30 years of experience holding utility companies accountable for their actions, the team at Danko Meredith has represented thousands of people who have lost their homes to a utility caused fire. As California-based Fire Attorneys, we have represented clients all over the state, including those who were affected by the 2017 Thomas Fire. We have also represented clients in Contra Costa County, Mendocino County, Butte County, Napa County, Sonoma County, Calaveras County, and Lake County. We have experience working with homeowners, renters, condominium owners, agricultural landowners, employees, and business owners.  

Contact us for updates on whether SCE sparked the Mountain Fire. Please stay safe.