SPI To Pay Damages Following El Dorado County Fire

Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI) has agreed to pay $204,284.42 to resolve the U.S.’ claim for damages resulting from a 2021 wildfire that burned about 29 acres, including National Forest System lands on the Eldorado National Forest in Sierra Nevada, Calif., Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

The wildfire, known as the “Cold Fire,” ignited on Jan. 19, 2021, on SPI land in El Dorado County, Calif. U.S. Forest Service fire investigators determined that the fire originated from one of SPI’s timber slash piles that escaped containment during a wind event.

The investigation was conducted with the U.S. Forest Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Amin handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.