Wildfires Caused by Negligence

The Impact of Fire Negligence

Most wildfires are caused by humans, and the consequences can linger long after the flames are contained. It may take years to rebuild homes and businesses or restore access to natural resources.

Here’s what you should know about human-caused wildfires:

• People are responsible for 88% of wildfires nationwide, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.
• Negligence by utilities providers and other companies has led to some of the worst wildfires on record, such as the 2018 Camp Fire that burned more than 153,000 acres in California.
• Human-caused fires can lead to criminal charges including arson, as in the case of the man who started the 2026 Old Trails Fire that destroyed hundreds of homes in Washington state.
• Increasing temperatures and drier conditions make it easier for wildfires caused by negligence to burn hotter and spread faster than in the past.
• Wildfire lawsuits may help victims recover compensation after they’re harmed due to fire negligence. Some wildfire lawsuits have awarded millions of dollars in past cases.

Survivors of wildfires often experience injuries, health complications from smoke inhalation, and emotional distress in addition to the financial burden of rebuilding.

If you were harmed because of fire negligence, you may be eligible for a wildfire lawsuit settlement that can help you afford expenses and move forward.

Contact Fire Help Center today to explore your legal options.

How Negligence Leads to Wildfires

Wildfires caused by negligence can start in many ways. Some result from reckless behavior, while others stem from overlooked maintenance issues, equipment failures, or mistakes made under dangerous conditions.

The most common ways that fire negligence causes wildfires include:

• Accidents by children
• Arson
• Improperly discarded cigarettes or
  vapes
• Machinery and equipment misuse
• Poor power line maintenance
• Prescribed burns and debris fires
• Unattended campfires
• Use of fireworks, firearms, or explosives

Investigators examine the origins of wildfires to determine whether human activity was responsible. Understanding these forms of negligence can help to reduce risks and determine whether you may be able to work with a wildfire lawyer to pursue compensation.

Accidental Fires Started by Children

Children may accidentally start wildfires while playing with matches, lighters, fireworks, or other ignition sources. Kids under 18 years old caused about 1 in 20 U.S. wildfires between 1992 and 2012, USA Today reported.

In 2017, a 15-year-old setting off fireworks caused an Oregon wildfire that burned 48,000 acres. In addition to serving probation and public service, the boy was ordered by a court to pay more than $36 million in compensation, per CNN.

Age-appropriate wildfire preparedness education can play an important role in preventing wildfires. Teach children about fire risks and keep ignition sources out of reach to reduce the likelihood of a serious accident.

Arson

Not all human-caused wildfires are accidental. Some are intentionally set as an act of vandalism or for profit. Arson accounts for 20% of nationwide wildfires annually, the National Interagency Fire Center estimated.

In addition to criminal penalties, people responsible for intentionally starting wildfires may face civil lawsuits for property damage, injuries, firefighting costs, and other losses caused by the fire. For example, a man was arrested for starting the 2024 Watch Fire in Arizona, which burned more than 2,000 acres.

If arson or another form of negligence caused a wildfire that harmed you, call us at (866) 866-0753 to talk about seeking a wildfire settlement.

Campfire Misuse

Fire negligence has the potential to turn a classic outdoor tradition into a disaster waiting to happen. Unattended campfires can escape, as occurred in a 2016 Colorado wildfire.

Known as the Cold Springs fire, this blaze occurred when three people who had been camping on private land left behind a still-smoldering campfire.

Essential safety measures to take when setting a campfire include:

• Check weather conditions and pay attention to any warnings about wildfire danger from local authorities.
• Build the fire in a flat, open area that’s at least 15 feet away from any vegetation or flammable materials.
• Use or create a fire pit that’s about a foot below ground level and surrounded by a metal ring.
• Thoroughly and repeatedly drown and stir the embers before leaving the site.

Even after a campfire has been extinguished, it can still spark a wildfire. It’s vital to make certain there are no remaining embers that could ignite vegetation, especially on dry, windy days.

Improperly Discarded Cigarettes or Vapes

Discarded cigarettes and other smoking materials can ignite a fire. Many people don’t realize that vapes are capable of starting a wildfire, but lithium-ion batteries may burst into flames if they become damaged after improper disposal.

The risk of these fires is especially high during drought conditions, when vegetation contains little moisture and can ignite more easily. For example, the 2026 Jumping Branch Fire in South Carolina started because of a cigarette discarded into dry brush, WSOC-TV reported.

Machinery or Equipment Misuse

Heavy equipment, vehicles, and power tools can generate heat or sparks that ignite dry vegetation. Metal striking pavement, overheated equipment, or mechanical failures can all create ignition sources that spread quickly into nearby grass, brush, or forests.

Equipment and machinery that can start wildfires include:

• Chainsaws
• Farm machinery
• Generators
• Lawn mowers
• Off-road vehicles
• Trailers with dragging chains
• Vehicles with damaged brakes or tires
• Welding equipment

Regular maintenance, equipment inspections, and safe operating practices are crucial wildfire prevention measures. Equipment owners could be found negligent if preventable mistakes lead to a wildfire.

In 2026, victims filed a lawsuit claiming that utility company equipment was a major factor in causing a Colorado wildfire that burned nearly 100,000 acres.

Poor Power Line Maintenance

Electrical equipment can spark fires when power lines come into contact with trees or vegetation, when aging equipment fails, or when electrical systems are not properly maintained. Strong winds may increase the risk by causing lines to sway, break, or come into contact with nearby objects.

Power line failures have been linked to some of the most destructive wildfires in recent history, including the deadliest of the 2025 LA wildfires and the 2023 Maui wildfires.

Major wildfire investigations have focused on utility companies like Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) and Southern California Edison. Investigators have determined that their equipment caused several wildfires.

Prescribed Burns and Debris Fires

Property owners and park officials often burn leaves, brush, tree limbs, and other yard waste to clear land or dispose of debris. While these burns may be controlled at first, they can quickly become dangerous when weather conditions change or proper precautions are not taken.

Many jurisdictions require permits, burn restrictions, or specific safety measures for open burning activities. Failing to follow these requirements may increase a community’s risk and lead to wildfire lawsuits if a fire escapes a property and causes damage.

The 2022 Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak Fire in New Mexico started with two prescribed burns that escaped and  merged into a massive inferno. The flames burned more than 341,000 acres, and the federal government paid the survivors billions in compensation for fire negligence.

Use of Fireworks, Firearms, or Explosives

Fireworks, guns, and explosive devices are a frequent cause of preventable wildfires, particularly during holidays and community celebrations. In fact, the 4th of July is the single day with the highest number of human-caused fires in the U.S., per Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The risk from fire negligence is especially high during drought conditions and in areas of dry vegetation. Sparks, embers, and burning debris from fireworks or explosives can travel significant distances and ignite dry grass, brush, or trees. Bullets also create sparks if they strike rocks or metal surfaces.

The Human and Environmental Cost of Wildfire Negligence

Beyond the immediate destruction caused by wildfires, communities may spend years or even decades recovering from the environmental, economic, and personal consequences of a major fire.

For example, it took nearly 20 years before Georgia’s Okefenokee Swamp Park received funding to rebuild a boardwalk destroyed in the 2007 Bugaboo Fire.

The harm from wildfires caused by negligence may include:

• Business interruption
• Displacement and housing instability
• Emotional distress
• Habitat destruction
• Loss of biodiversity
• Lost income
• Mental health conditions
• Property damage
• Smoke inhalation injuries
• Soil erosion and mudslides
• Water contamination
• Wildfire smoke exposure
• Wrongful death

Homeowners insurance can help with some rebuilding costs, but for many victims, it  may not be enough. Wildfires can affect physical health, mental well-being, local economies, and the surrounding environment in ways that span generations.

When there is evidence of negligence, survivors may be able to recover legal compensation to support their recovery from a wildfire. Fire Help Center can help determine whether you’re eligible to file a wildfire lawsuit.

Who Is Responsible for Wildfires Caused by Negligence?

Determining responsibility for a wildfire often involves a detailed investigation into how the fire started and whether reasonable precautions were taken. Depending on where the fire happened, local, state, or federal personnel may lead that investigation.

Parties found liable for past wildfires include:

• Businesses
• Contractors
• Equipment operators
• Government agencies
• Individual property users
• Property owners
• Utility companies

Establishing liability for fire negligence requires evidence showing that a person, company, or organization failed to take appropriate steps to prevent foreseeable fire risks. When that happens, victims may be eligible to pursue wildfire settlements.

Legal Options for Wildfire Negligence Victims

Victims of preventable wildfires may have legal options to recover financial losses and hold responsible parties accountable.

Depending on the circumstances, wildfire claims can seek compensation for:

• Property damage
• Property loss
• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Business interruption losses
• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Wrongful death damages

Wildfire lawsuits may involve individuals, businesses, utility companies, contractors, or other parties whose negligence contributed to the fire. A wildfire attorney can identify liable parties, gather evidence, and help pursue compensation.

Notable Settlements and Verdicts from Wildfires Caused by Negligence

When there’s evidence that fire negligence by humans was involved, a wildfire lawsuit may award compensation to survivors.

Compensation from a wildfire settlement or a trial verdict can be used for funeral costs, hospital bills, rebuilding expenses, and more.

Here are the most notable U.S. wildfire settlements and verdicts:

• Pacific Gas & Electric paid $24.5 billion in combined settlements to California wildfire victims, insurers, and public entities harmed by the Camp Fire and Tubbs Fire.
• Hawaiian Electric agreed to pay half of a $4 billion global settlement after it was found responsible for the 2023 Maui wildfires.
• PacificCorp paid a $575 million settlement to the federal government after its power lines negligently started four Oregon wildfires and two California wildfires between 2020 and 2022.
• Xcel Energy agreed to a $640 million settlement with victims of a 2021 Colorado wildfire. Investigators found that the company’s unmoored power line contributed to igniting the Marshall Fire.

A wildfire lawsuit can hold negligent companies and individuals accountable while recovering compensation. Wildfire settlements may help with medical bills, rebuilding costs, replacing property, and more.

Contact Fire Help Center to find out whether you’re eligible to pursue a case.

How to Prepare for a Wildfire Caused by Negligence

Many human-caused wildfires can be prevented through greater awareness and responsible behavior. Read our Wildfire Preparedness Guide for tips on preventing wildfires and the steps you can take to ensure you’re ready for a disaster when it happens.

Helpful wildfire prevention measures include:

• Fully extinguish campfires before leaving, including drowning fires with water and stirring ashes until cool.
• Always dispose of cigarettes and other smoking materials properly. Never throw them onto the ground.
• When burning debris, always follow local regulations, avoid windy or dry conditions, and keep water and firefighting tools nearby.
• Prevent hazardous sparks by maintaining all vehicles and equipment, securing trailer chains, and regularly inspecting brakes, tires, and exhaust systems.
• Support vegetation management efforts such as removing hazardous trees and controlling brush growth.
• Report any damaged power lines and other equipment issues that could cause fires.
• Follow local restrictions on firework use, and don’t set them off when there’s a higher risk of wildfires.
• Follow all fire safety guidance when shooting firearms outdoors, avoiding any sparks near dry vegetation.

To protect yourself from wildfires, stay alert for active fires and hazardous weather conditions. Check our wildfire map to find out if there are currently any fires in your area.

By understanding common wildfire causes and taking reasonable precautions, individuals and organizations can help reduce wildfire risk and protect communities.

Get Legal Help After a Negligence-Caused Wildfire

Recovering from a wildfire can be overwhelming. Many victims are left facing property damage, insurance disputes, medical expenses, lost income, and uncertainty about what comes next.

When a wildfire is caused by negligence, understanding your legal options may help you recover compensation and hold responsible parties accountable for the harm they caused.

At Fire Help Center, we help wildfire victims learn more about their rights and connect with experienced legal professionals who can evaluate their situation.

Get a free case review or call us at (866) 866-0753 to learn more about your options after a preventable wildfire.