Overview

Dozens of Homes Destroyed and Damaged, Nearly 1,000 Evacuated in Laguna Niguel Coastal Fire

A brush fire in Aliso Canyon has destroyed at least 20 homes, and nearly 1,000 more were evacuated in the Laguna Niguel area of Orange County, after the wildfire spread quickly up the coastal hillsides on Wednesday, May 11.

After six days, the fire is currently 90% contained.

The Coastal Fire began around 2:45 p.m. on May 11 and grew to about 200 acres before crews could respond. As it tore through residences of Laguna Niguel and Laguna Beach along the Orange County coast, it damaged and destroyed dozens of mansions in one of California’s wealthiest neighborhoods.

Coastal Fire Laguna

Two Orange County Firefighters Injured in Seaside Blaze

Two firefighters were hospitalized with injuries and later released, according to the Orange County Fire Authority. About 900 homes were under evacuation orders.

For current evacuation information, visit ​the official Coastal Fire information pages from the ​City of Laguna Niguel or the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

Six days after the fire started, 30 homes on Coronado Pointe remain under mandatory evacuation.

Compensation For the Coastal Fire

If you or a loved one has experienced property damage or injuries as a result of the Coastal Fire, an experienced Southern California wildfire attorney is essential to getting you the compensation you deserve, so that you can rebuild and carry on with your life.

The award-winning Orange County fire lawyers at Singleton Schreiber can help you understand your legal options, no matter what you situation may be. You shouldn’t pay the price for damage inflicted by the reckless actions of negligent utility companies.

If you’ve been affected by the Coastal Fire in Laguna Niguel, our expert fire litigation team will fight for you.

Southern California Edison’s Role in Coastal Fire Cause Under Investigation

Southern California Edison (SCE) disclosed to state utility regulators that unspecified electrical “circuit activity” occurred near Laguna Niguel at the time the wildfire sparked.

The blaze broke out in Aliso Canyon, near the South Orange County Wastewater Authority treatment plant. SCE said they notified the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) “out of an abundance of caution” in the e-mailed letter to the agency, due to the fact that the incident could meet reporting requirements.

In the e-mail to the PUC, the utility company said “Our information reflects circuit activity occurring close in time to the reported time of the fire. Our investigation is ongoing.”

A potential Coastal Fire lawsuit against SCE could hinge on the results of pending investigations into the cause of the Orange County fire.

Laguna Niguel Fire Fueled by Strong Coastal Winds

While the fire was burning the National Weather Service reported strong winds ranging from 34-38 mph. during the late afternoon and early evening on the day the blaze was sparked.

Damage inspections and investigations into exactly what caused the Coastal Fire are still underway.

Our Southern California Fire Lawyers Can Get You Compensation for Damages From the Coastal Fire

If you or a loved one have experienced a Coastal Fire evacuation, property damage or loss, or any injury, hospitalization, wrongful death, psychological trauma, or other long-term health issue caused by the Coastal Fire or other recent California wildfires caused by utility companies, the competent fire attorneys at Singleton Schreiber can help you recover the fair and full compensation you need to move forward with your life.

If You Have Experienced Any of the Following, You May Be Eligible for Coastal Fire Compensation:

  • Expensive Evacuation
  • Wrongful Death from Fire or Smoke
  • Hospitalization
  • Serious Burns
  • Other Serious Personal Injury
  • Long-Term Health Effects
  • Psychological Impact
  • Home Loss
  • Structure Loss
  • Damage to Animals/Pets
  • Damage to Timber/Trees
  • Erosion
  • Vegetation Loss
  • Damage to Landscaping
  • Significant Property Damage
  • Economic Loss
  • Agriculture Loss
  • Damage to Infrastructure
  • Business Loss
  • Business Interruption
  • Smoke Damage
  • Damage from Soot & Ash
  • Underinsured Property
  • FEMA Assistance
  • Utility & Other Service Interruptions
  • Housing Market Impacts

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How many acres did the Coastal Fire burn?
    The Coastal Fire burned 200 acres in Laguna Niguel and Laguna Beach on May 11, tearing up coastal hillsides in Aliso Canyon before crews could respond. Less than a week later, the fire was 90% contained and the total acres burned remained at 200.

    Two firefighters were briefly hospitalized with injuries sustained fighting the blaze but released the same day. The fire destroyed and damaged dozens of coastal mansions in one of the most expensive neighborhoods in California and forced the evacuation of about 900 homes.

    Six days after the fire started, 30 homes on Coronado Pointe remain under mandatory evacuation.
  • How many homes has the Coastal Fire destroyed or damaged?
    At least 20 homes were destroyed and 11 more damaged in the Coastal Fire in Laguna Niguel and Laguna Beach. The neighborhood that was affected includes some of the priciest residential real estate in California.
  • What caused the Coastal Fire?
    The official cause of the Coastal Fire is under investigation, but Southern California Edison (SCE) disclosed to state utility regulators that unspecified electrical “circuit activity” occurred near Laguna Niguel at the time the wildfire sparked.
  • Has Southern California Edison (SCE) claimed responsibility for the Coastal Fire?
    Southern California Edison (SCE) disclosed to state utility regulators that unspecified electrical “circuit activity” occurred near Laguna Niguel at the time the wildfire sparked.

    SCE said they notified the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) “out of an abundance of caution” in the e-mailed letter to the agency, due to the fact that the incident could meet reporting requirements.

    In the e-mail to the PUC, the utility company said “Our information reflects circuit activity occurring close in time to the reported time of the fire. Our investigation is ongoing.”

    The blaze broke out in Aliso Canyon, near the South Orange County Wastewater Authority treatment plant.
  • Is the Coastal Fire contained?
    Six days after the Coastal Fire started, it was 90% contained and remained at 200 acres burned.
  • How can Coastal Fire victims seek compensation for damages? 
    A potential Coastal Fire lawsuit against SCE could hinge on the results of pending investigations into the cause of the Orange County fire, but If you or a loved one were affected by the Coastal Fire, an experienced wildfire attorney is essential to understand your legal options.

    Homeowners may have valid legal claims to substantial compensation for property damage and property loss caused by the Coastal Fire in Laguna Niguel and Laguna Beach.

    Even with insurance, you should contact Singleton Schreiber to make sure you receive the maximum compensation from this incident so that you can rebuild your life.
  • How much compensation will Coastal Fire victims receive from SCE?
    Although there will be dozens of individuals who suffer damages, as a firm we handle each case individually. Our goal is to recover the maximum amount of legal damages for each individual based on their unique losses. That can range from tens of thousands of dollars to tens of millions.

    SCE has millions available in insurance funds and can borrow more money in order to pay all damages caused if their equipment is responsible for this fire. 

If you have experienced injuries, property damage, or property loss caused by the Coastal Fire, the experienced wildfire attorneys at Singleton Schreiber will help you recover the fair and full compensation you need to move forward with your life.

Schedule your free claim evaluation and find your Coastal Fire lawyer today.

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