Thousands Evacuated as Fires Spread to Solano County
In the early morning of Wednesday, August 19, 2020, several homes burned to the ground and urgent evacuations were conducted as a major wildfire spread to Solano County. Later in the day, county authorities ordered evacuations for large parts of the city of Vacaville as well as for certain areas of Fairfield. While no fatalities or injuries had occurred at the time of reporting, CalFire issued a statement warning areas residents of an “immediate threat to life and property” while urging evacuations.
Fires Across Northern CA
The wildfire, named the LNU Lightning Complex, is one of multiple large fire complexes believed to have been caused by summer lightning storms that stretched as far south as Santa Cruz and as far north as Lake County. Altogether, officials have reported over 90 separate fires across the state and have told citizens to be prepared to evacuate.
The LNU Complex fire alone is reportedly made up of at least eight separate fires that have spread over 46,000 acres and destroyed around 50 structures, according to CalFire. These fires included the Hennesy fire (the fire spreading into Solano County) as well as the Gamble, Spanish, Markley, Green, Wallbridge, and Myers wildfires that continue to affect the greater region. Additionally, recent reports indicated that the fire had jumped Highway Interstate 80, prompting freeway closures between Cherry Glen Road and Air Base Parkway.
Firefighting Efforts
CalFire Incident Commander Sean Kavanaugh reported that the last 24 hours have been “dynamic” for the LNU Lightning Complex, remarking that the fire has grown and behaved in unpredictable ways. Kavanaugh added that CalFire resources have been spread thin and that hot, dry winds expected on Wednesday afternoon were expected to “hamper (…) control efforts.”
CalFire has also reported that firefighters are facing numerous challenges, including rugged terrain as well as an intense heatwave. In response to these challenges, CalFire has asked for assistance from other states, calling for an additional 1,000 personnel and 125 fire engines to help combat the fires.
The Impact of a Wildfire
Wildfires can have a huge impact on people’s lives. Tragically, such dynamic and aggressive fires are likely to burn down homes as well as leave people with serious or even fatal injuries. Furthermore, burn injuries can be very painful and often require extensive medical care that can include multiple surgeries. Affording medical care can be difficult or impossible for people who have just lost their homes or have been left unable to work.
Because these issues are so serious, it’s important to reach out to a California wildfire lawyer for help. Often, people who’ve been affected by a major fire are able to obtain compensation for the damages they’ve suffered either through insurance companies or from at-fault parties. To learn more about claiming wildfire compensation, it’s best to speak personally to an experienced and trustworthy lawyer in your area.
Other Content by Ed Smith, Fairfield Personal Injury Lawyer
- Vehicle Accident in Fairfield Injures Two People
- What is a Fairfield Personal Injury Lawyer?
- DUI Collisions Across Solano
Fairfield Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Fairfield personal injury lawyer. People affected by wildfires can be left in a difficult situation. If a fire has affected your life, please call me at (800) 404-5400 or (707) 564-1900 to receive my free, friendly advice about your case.
My law firm has been working with people in Fairfield and nearby cities for 38 years and have achieved many excellent settlements and verdicts. To read about us and our practice, you can visit these websites and find reviews from our past clientele:
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