Filing a Wildfire Claim in California: What You Need to Know

November 3, 2025

Filing a Wildfire Claim in California: What You Need to Know

Wildfires in California cause devastating losses every year, leaving families, renters, and business owners struggling to rebuild their lives. When these disasters strike, filing a wildfire claim is often the only way to recover the compensation you need. But the claims process can be complex, especially when insurance companies undervalue losses or deny parts of a claim.


At Pacific Wildfire Attorneys, we help victims of California wildfires file strong claims and fight for the recovery they are legally owed. Here’s what you should know if you’ve suffered losses from a wildfire.


What Is a Wildfire Claim?

A wildfire claim in California is a legal request for compensation for damages caused by a wildfire. These claims can cover a wide range of losses, including:


  • Property damage – destruction to your home, land, or belongings
  • Personal injury – burns, smoke inhalation, or other physical harm
  • Medical expenses – treatment for fire-related injuries or health issues
  • Lost income – if you are unable to work due to injuries or displacement
  • Business interruption – closure of operations, lost profits, or damages to business property
  • Evacuation or relocation expenses – costs of temporary housing and living away from your home
  • Emotional distress – trauma, anxiety, and mental health impacts from the disaster


Challenges in Filing a Wildfire Claim

Many people assume insurance will cover all wildfire losses, but this is often not the case. Insurance companies may:


  • Offer low settlement amounts that don’t reflect the true cost of recovery
  • Deny certain parts of a claim, such as smoke-related health issues
  • Delay payments, leaving victims without immediate relief
  • Refuse coverage altogether if policies are limited or exclusions apply


That’s why having experienced legal support can make a significant difference.


Claims Against Utility Companies

In California, many wildfires are linked to the negligence of utility companies like Southern California Edison (SCE). If utility equipment sparked the fire, victims may be entitled to pursue compensation directly from the utility, in addition to insurance.


At PWA, we file claims against negligent utility companies to ensure victims are fully compensated. These claims are often worth thousands—or even millions—of dollars, depending on the scale of the losses.


How Pacific Wildfire Attorneys Can Help

Filing a wildfire claim isn’t just paperwork—it’s a fight for your future. At PWA, we:


  • Evaluate your insurance coverage and settlement offers
  • Document property, health, and financial losses
  • File claims against insurance companies and utilities
  • Advocate aggressively for maximum compensation


With years of experience helping wildfire victims across California, our team knows how to navigate complex claims and push back against insurers and utility companies.


Take Action Today

If you’ve suffered losses in a California wildfire, don’t face the claims process alone. Pacific Wildfire Attorneys is here to fight for you, protect your rights, and secure the compensation you deserve.

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