Monetary compensation claims will be filed this week by at least 21 Corral Fire victims alleging the state’s indifference to years of reports about partying at parkland on top of Corral Canyon led to the November blaze. The state will have 45 days to respond to the claims, which will be for at least $30 million. If the state rejects them, which is likely what will happen, the homeowners can file a lawsuit.
The Corral Fire, Malibu’s worst since 1993, started after an illegal campfire in an area at the top of Corral Canyon known as The Cave got out of control.
“They [State Parks officials] were aware for years that the park on top of Corral Canyon was a problem spot and did nothing about it,” said Brooke Halpin, spokesperson for the homeowners. His home was damaged in the fire, but the claims are only being made by those whose homes were destroyed.
Halpin said local attorney Jay Devitt and two law firms, which he did not identify, are representing the plaintiffs.
State Parks spokesperson Roy Stearns said he had not heard about the plan to file the claims.
“Until I read it [the suit], it would probably not be smart for me to comment on it,” Stearns said.
The Corral Fire, started on Nov. 24, burned 4,900 acres and destroyed 86 structures, including 53 homes. Five suspects have been charged with two felonies related to the fire. Although they have not denied being at the campfire, their attorneys have said any wrongdoing committed was not a crime. Three suspects—Brian David Franks, 27, Brian Alan Anderson, 22, and William Thomas Coppock, 23—have pleaded not guilty. The other two—Eric Matthew Ullman, 18, and Dean Allen Lavorante, 19—appeared in court for the first time last month, but did not make formal pleas.
In December, Devitt alerted The Malibu Times he was trying to gather clients for a potential suit against the state because state officials had failed to secure the area. At the time, Stearns said, “Our feeling is that with the shortage of rangers that we have, our people did all they could under the circumstances to address these issues.”
A press conference to formally announce this week’s actions will take place on Thursday at 2 p.m. at the top of Corral Canyon Road.