Olivas Fire Lawsuit – March 2025 Update
The estimated 11-acre Olivas Fire in Ventura County, California, has been 100% contained. Individuals are filing personal injury lawsuits for the injuries suffered and the damages caused by the California Wildfires. Property owners, business owners, and visitors are among a list of people who may have been impacted by the wildfires and who have the potential to file a lawsuit. These lawsuits continue to evolve and may be filed against power/energy companies and other individuals deemed to be responsible for the fires.
If you or a loved one were in Ventura County at the time of the fire or impacted by the Olivas Fire, contact a personal injury attorney to assess what legal action you may be able to pursue.
Olivas Fire Lawsuit Updates – January 2025
January 10, 2025: Community begins clean-up efforts from the Olivas Fire
The Olivas Fire, which was contained within 3 hours of firefighter response, spanned an estimated 11 acres. The fire primarily damaged a homeless encampment and has resulted in at least one unidentified male deceased.
January 10, 2025: Man suspected to be trapped by Olvias fire was found deceased
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of an unidentified male body in the area where the fire broke out. The Olivas Fire was near the Santa Clara River bottom, which was an area often occupied by homeless individuals. The Homeless Liaison unit of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department urged individuals residing in the riverbed to evacuate from the scene.
January 8, 2025: Firefighters were able to contain the fire
Just 3 hours after firefighters responded to the Olivas Fire in Ventura County, they were able to restrain the flames. The first-responder response to the outburst of the ignited brush efficiently contained the reach of the fire.
January 8, 2025: Ventura County Fire Department responds to fire that breaks out at Olivas Park Dr & E Harbor Blvd
On the morning of Wednesday, January 8th, firefighters in Ventura County responded to reports of brush and trees immersed in flames near the Olivas Links Golf Course.
About the Olivas Fires:
About the Olivas Wildfires in Los Angeles County
The Olivas Fire and Its Impact on the Local Community
The Cause of the Olivas Wildfire
SoCal Edison and LADWP: Their Role in the Lawsuit
Who Qualifies to File An Olivas Fire Lawsuit?
How to File An Olivas Fire Lawsuit
Our Firm Is Accepting Olivas Wildfire Cases for Homeowners, Renters, and Businesses
About the Olivas Wildfires in Los Angeles County
The Olivas Wildfire began just before 8 a.m. on the morning of January 8, 2025. The initial reports of a brush on fire would spread over about 11 acres. Located at the bottom of Santa Clara River, the scene of the fire was reportedly seen from the Oliva Links Golf Course and was near a homeless encampment. Within three hours of responding to the initial reports, firefighters from Ventura City Fire and Ventura County Fire Departments were able to contain the fire, with no reports of structures damaged.
News reports at the time of the initial outburst of the fire suspected that it was the high winds that spread the beginning flames and led to the outburst. As of late morning on January 8, 2025, the fire had been 100% contained. The official mapping by the Ventura County Fire Department would change their initial estimate of 11 acres to 28 acres having been reported to be impacted by the fire. Official estimates from CalFire still estimate there were 11 acres burned.
Map of the Oliva Wildfires
The Olivas Fire and Its Impact on the Local Community
The Olivas Fire primarily had an impact on the homeless community who lived in the area near the Santa Clara River and across from the Olivas Links Golf Course. The fire, which burned the morning of January 8, 2025, resulted in one evacuation order. The cause remains under investigation. Additionally, there are reports of one man found deceased who was suspected to be trapped among the wreckage.
The fire itself, while smaller relative to the other California Wildfires that broke out in early January, is part of an increase in the number of wildfire outbursts that are becoming more intense in California.
Aside from the physical destruction of wildfires, these fires can prevent or block access to emergency services or routes, as well as block access to certain crucial utilities.
Acreage Burned From the Olivas Fire
Initial reports suspected that 11 acres were destroyed by the Olivas Fire. However, after further evaluation by the Ventura Fire Department, it was estimated that 28 acres might have been impacted by the fire.
Contributing factors that were suspected to have played a part in the rapid expansion of California Wildfires and Olivas Fire, include increased air temperature, decreased precipitation levels, and decreased overall humidity within an area. These geographical factors make regions more susceptible to risk for wildfire.
There continue to be ongoing investigations about what other factors and what role companies or individuals may have played in contributing to the start and spread of the California wildfires.
Local Evacuations Due to the Olivas Wildfire
At the time of the Olivas Wildfire, there was one evacuation order– Olivas Zone 1. This evacuation order affected many individuals, primarily members of a homeless community.
An estimated 12 individuals were required to evacuate at the time of the fire, but no permanent structures were damaged. The evacuation order has since been lifted as the fire is now reported to be 100% contained.
Neighborhoods and Other Local Areas Impacted by the Olivas Fire
Right before 8 a.m. on the morning of Wednesday, January 8, 2025, reports of initial brush fires broke out near the bottom of Santa Clara River in Ventura, California. Located between Harbor Boulevard and Olivas Park, the fire began to grow and nearby homeless communities were evacuated.
Officials found remains of a camper that showed evidence of occupancy. The Olivas Links golf course in Ventura closed for the day as a precaution.
Local Businesses Closures and Interruptions
While the Olivas Fire did not result in structural damage to businesses or commercial areas, the primary group impacted and displaced were the individuals who frequented a homeless encampment near the brush fires.
Most of those individuals were able to evacuate upon River Haven evacuation order and authorities only temporarily had to close Harbor Boulevard.
Injuries and Death Count Reported from the Olivas Fire
Currently, reports show one individual who was believed to be killed by the Olivas Fire. The fire encroached upon an area frequented by many homeless individuals, with one man suspected to have been trapped by the flames.
Individuals impacted by the fire may have experienced other injuries or harm from the smoke inhalation as a result of the brush fire. Additionally, the potential risk to first responders like firefighters and police who face potential harm and uncertainty in responding quickly to wildfire reports.
The Cause of the Olivas Wildfire
The Olivas Wildfire was deemed to be a vegetation fire, which then was exacerbated by the high winds in the area. The fire was mostly contained by firefighters who mitigated the potential for spread and additional damage of the fire.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but it is suspected that environmental conditions such as dry vegetation and high winds were the primary factors contributing to the wildfire.
Further investigation also explores the potential of other third-party contributors to the outburst or progression of the fire.
SoCal Edison and LADWP: Their Role in the Lawsuit
While the cause of most of the California Wildfires remain under investigation, lawsuits and claims are beginning to be filed for individuals who have been impacted. Groups suspected of having played a role in the wildfires remain uncertain. However, companies such as Southern California Edison (SCE) have previously settled in the past due to their negligent role in historic California Wildfires. SCE is being investigated for its role in other California wildfires.
CBS News reported in late January 2025 about a $1.6 billion settlement by Southern California Edison to be distributed to the victims of the Thomas Fire in 2017. The settlement was in response to claims filed by many people who suffered damages., SoCal Edison denied any liability for the fire. They maintain they paid the settlement to mitigate costly litigation.
Who Qualifies to File An Olivas Fire Lawsuit?
Individuals who may be eligible to file a lawsuit in relation to the California Wildfires are those who have experienced property damage (e.g., personal or business) or those who suffered physical injuries or emotional distress.
Factors such as expenses that were necessary to relocate or any lost income are important factors in a potential claim. As the litigation for the lawsuit progresses, it is important to discuss your situation and injuries with legal professionals in these environmental litigations. Attorneys may help you evaluate and work through your potential case.
How to File An Olivas Fire Lawsuit
To file a personal injury lawsuit for the California Wildfires, it is advised to work directly with expert attorneys in this field to evaluate the potential steps in taking legal action. Attorneys can assist in understanding your legal rights in regards to filing a lawsuit.
Documentation of property damage, lost income, incurred expenses, and medical records are some examples of important information that will help to strengthen your potential case. During the process of submitting a claim, documented evidence is a strong way to prove wrongdoing against parties responsible for the fires.
There are limitations to when individuals may file a personal injury lawsuit in California. The state’s statutes of limitations are typically two to three years from the date of discovery. Discovery date typically is when an individual has been informed or has discovered that they can file a lawsuit for personal injury or property damage claims. It is recommended to reach out to a legal professional who may guide you through the procedural steps when filing a lawsuit.
Our Firm Is Accepting Olivas Wildfire Cases for Homeowners, Renters, and Businesses
Our firm at King Law is currently investigating the Olivas Wildfire cases, as well as many other personal injury cases for a handful of the other California Wildfires. Our team takes pride in:
- Efficient response time
- Knowledgeable internal intake team
- In-house attorneys who may be able to assist on various topics
- Personable individuals who are there to speak with you on the phone
- Zero up-front or out-of-pocket costs
Contact An Olivas Wildfire Lawyer Today
Contact King Law today at (585) 496-2648 to discuss your potential case and see what compensation you may be entitled to.