Local Plumas County attorney, Bret D. Cook, and partner Potter, Handy, Parkinson & Benson^TM filed a lawsuit “Case No. CV21-00187” on Thursday, September 30, 2021, against Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) for its role in causing the catastrophic Dixie Fire in Northern California. The law firms represent more than 500 victims of the fire that burned nearly 1,000,000 acres, destroyed over 1300 structures and leveled the historic Northern California community of Greenville and neighboring communities. The fire is the largest single wildfire in California history

According to the complaint filed in Plumas County, California, the Dixie Fire started on July 13 when a tree came into contact with PG&E’s power lines located near Cresta Dam in Feather River Canyon. Although PG&E was on notice of a power outage near the Cresta Dam early that morning, the utility company did not consider the event urgent, failed to send a repairman to the scene for many hours, and failed to shut off power in the area. The lawsuit alleges that PG&E’s negligence in maintaining the vegetation around the power line, along with the power company’s failure to properly respond to the situation in a timely fashion, led to the massive fire that could have otherwise been avoided.

Mark Potter and Brett Parkinson signed the complaint on behalf of Potter, Handy, Parkinson & Benson^TM. Mr. Parkinson stated: “Unfortunately, this appears to be another example of PG&E starting a massive fire in California that could have been avoided if the company had taken proper preventive measures and acted appropriately.” Mr. Parkinson seeks justice for those affected by the wildfire, saying: “I am honored to represent so many good people of Plumas County. I understand the suffering they are going through and want to get them the compensation they deserve for their devastating losses.”

Mr. Parkinson has previously represented victims of wildfires throughout the state for the past 10 years. He is honored to be partnered with local attorney, Bret Cook, who brings his diverse legal practice and intimate knowledge of Plumas County to the case. Mr. Cook has lived in Greenville and practiced law in Plumas County for the past 18 years and is excited to be working with Potter, Handy, Parkinson & Benson^TM to bring justice to his community.

Mr. Cook is a fire victim himself. The Dixie Fire destroyed his family’s home and his law office. Mr. Cook stated, “The fire not only destroyed homes, buildings and trees, it devastated my community. I am committed to holding PG&E accountable and bringing some measure of justice to my friends and neighbors.” Mr. Cook hopes the lawsuit will help the community start the rebuilding process: “We are resilient. This event has been painful for so many. But there is a desire in the community to rebuild and come back stronger than ever. My goal is to help everyone have that opportunity.”

Together, the Law Office of Bret D. Cook, P.C. and Potter, Handy, Parkinson & Benson^TM have the local knowledge, wildfire litigation experience, and resources to bring justice to those devastated by this terrible situation.

For more information, please visit wildfirelegalcenter.com or call 530-631-3379.

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