The U.S. federal government has filed a lawsuit against Garrett John Gentry, founder of the Upland-based pipeline contracting company Garrett J. Gentry Engineering, alleging negligence that led to the South Fire in San Bernardino County in 2021.
The fire spanned 680 acres, destroyed nine structures, and took eight days to contain.
As reported by the LA Times, the government is seeking over $2.2 million in damages, holding Gentry and his company responsible for fire suppression costs and other expenses.
The South Fire started on August 25, 2021, and was fully contained by September 2. It burned 450 acres of the San Bernardino National Forest.
According to Cal Fire, the fire began near Glen Helen Parkway in Fontana after sparks from an excavator operated by Gentry ignited dry vegetation.
Gentry was working on a commercial development project at the time.
The lawsuit alleges that Gentry failed to exercise reasonable care by operating equipment on rocky terrain and that his actions caused the fire.
The federal government claims Gentry tried to suppress the fire but was unsuccessful, leading to the eight-day blaze.
The lawsuit alleges that Gentry was negligent in his handling of the equipment that sparked the fire.
According to the complaint, Gentry’s excavator struck a rock, causing sparks that ignited nearby dry vegetation.
The lawsuit argues that Gentry knew the area was too rocky for safe operation and failed to take necessary precautions.
Investigators claim Gentry attempted to leave the area after realizing the risk but noticed smoke behind him.
His efforts to suppress the fire were unsuccessful, and the fire quickly spread.
The federal government is holding Gentry and his company responsible for all damages, including firefighting costs and other administrative expenses.
The South Fire caused widespread destruction, burning a total of 680 acres, including 450 acres of the San Bernardino National Forest.
According to Cal Fire, the fire destroyed nine structures, damaged 28 more, and threatened several communities.
However, no injuries or fatalities were reported.
The lawsuit specifically notes that the fire began on a property at 4053 Lytle Creek Road in Fontana, where Gentry was working on a commercial development project.
The government alleges that Gentry’s actions directly led to the fire, which could have been avoided if reasonable care had been exercised.
Garrett J. Gentry Engineering, which serves both California and Arizona, generates approximately $35 million in revenue annually.
A call to the company for comment on the lawsuit was not immediately returned.
The federal government is seeking a jury trial in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles.
The lawsuit calls for more than $2.2 million in damages to cover the costs of fire suppression, investigation, and other related expenses.
The U.S. government has filed a lawsuit against Garrett John Gentry and his company, Garrett J. Gentry Engineering, seeking more than $2.2 million in damages for the 2021 South Fire in San Bernardino County.
The fire, which began on August 25, 2021, was ignited by sparks from an excavator operated by Gentry.
The fire burned 680 acres, including 450 acres of national forest land, and destroyed nine structures.
The federal government alleges that Gentry acted negligently by operating the equipment in rocky terrain and failing to prevent the fire.
The government is asking for a jury trial to resolve the case.
