Sierra Pacific Industries Settles for $200K Over Cold Fire Damages in El Dorado County

In a resolution to claims by the United States government, Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI) has agreed to pay over $200,000 for damages caused by a wildfire in El Dorado County, which torched part of the Eldorado National Forest in 2021. Named the "Cold Fire," the blaze began on SPI land on January 19, 2021, and was traced back to one of their timber slash piles that lost containment during windy conditions, as determined by the U.S. Forest Service investigators.

According to a statement from Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith, “Our office will continue to hold individuals and corporations responsible for damages caused by wildfires.” Beckwith underscored the importance of responding to all fires that affect federal lands, emphasizing that each is a priority, no matter their size. The claim, settled for $204,284.42, aims to fund the restoration of the damaged landscapes, as noted by the U.S. Attorney's Office.

U.S. Forest Service Pacific Southwest Acting Regional Forester, Jason Kuiken, remarked on the importance of settlements like these for environmental recovery efforts. "These settlements are essential in restoring our landscapes after wildfires,” Kuiken said. The payment by SPI covers damages to the National Forest System lands and is part of the broader strategy to manage and rehabilitate areas ravaged by fire, according to the same press release.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Amin handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, collaborating with the investigative efforts of the U.S. Forest Service. While agreement to a settlement is often seen as an admission of fault, the U.S. Attorney's Office clarifies that the claims resolved by this particular settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.