Michele Beckwith Acting U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of California
Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI) has reached an agreement to pay $204,284.42 in a settlement with the United States regarding damages from a 2021 wildfire. The fire, named the "Cold Fire," affected approximately 29 acres of land, including areas within the Eldorado National Forest.
The Cold Fire began on January 19, 2021, on property owned by SPI in El Dorado County. Investigations conducted by U.S. Forest Service officials found that the fire started from one of SPI's timber slash piles which had escaped containment during a wind event.
Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith stated, "Our office will continue to hold individuals and corporations responsible for damages caused by wildfires." She emphasized that addressing fires affecting federal lands remains a priority regardless of their size.
Jason Kuiken, Acting Regional Forester for the U.S. Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region, remarked on the importance of such settlements: “These settlements are essential in restoring our landscapes after wildfires.”
The investigation into the incident was carried out alongside the U.S. Forest Service, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Amin representing the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
It is important to note that while this settlement resolves certain claims related to the incident, it involves allegations only and does not constitute an admission of liability by Sierra Pacific Industries.
