SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On February 15, 2021, the PG&E Fire Victim Trust (FVT) will start sending Claims Determination Notices to people who have submitted claims for losses suffered in the 2015 Butte Fire, the 2017 North Bay Fires and the 2018 Camp Fire. Each Notice will indicate a total monetary value that covers all claims the individual or household asserted in their Claims Questionnaire. The Claims Determination Notices are sent to Fire Victims' attorneys or to claimants directly if they are not represented by legal counsel.
“The extent of the disruption and devastation the fires caused to communities, families, individuals and businesses cannot be overstated,” said FVT Claims Administrator Cathy Yanni. “Getting the Claims Determination Notices out is an important step toward getting the Fire Victims paid and bringing some closure to what has been a horrific experience for so many.”
The Butte Fire, North Bay Fires and Camp Fire burned 400,000 acres, destroying tens of thousands of homes and other structures. In the aftermath of each fire, thousands of people sought refuge in their vehicles, emergency tent communities or FEMA camps. Many remain displaced.
“People lost family members, beautiful homes, irreplaceable belongings, and successful businesses. Many lost hope, too,” said FVT Trustee Justice John K. Trotter (ret.). “It’s difficult to imagine the degree of uncertainty with which Fire Victims have had to live. We are hopeful that having their Determination Notices in hand will at least provide them with the certainty that their claims have been thoroughly and accurately reviewed, and that the Trust is prepared to begin making payments.”
Determination Notices will be sent on a rolling basis as Fire Victims’ Claims Questionnaires are processed and evaluated. In order to receive a Determination Notice, attorneys and unrepresented claimants must submit Claims Questionnaires signed under penalty of perjury, along with all of the documentation necessary to substantiate the types of claims they have asserted. To date, the FVT has received 30,000 Claims Questionnaires representing a total of 54,400 Fire Victims, most of whom have multiple claims. Ultimately, the FVT expects to make payouts to as many as 80,000 Fire Victims.
The deadline for filing Claims Questionnaires is February 26, reflecting a two-month extension of the original deadline set by the FVT. Anyone who is having difficulty completing the questionnaire, or has questions about the process, should contact the Fire Victim Trust immediately at 1-888-664-1152 or info@firevictimtrust.com. This information can also be found online here.
About the Fire Victim Trust
Under the direction of the Trustee, the Honorable John K. Trotter (Ret.) and the Claims Administrator Cathy Yanni, the Fire Victim Trust provides an efficient and equitable process to compensate Fire Victims for both economic and non-economic damages caused by these fires, including destruction or damage to real estate and personal property, additional living expenses, lost wages, business losses, emotional distress, personal injury and death. For more information, visit FireVictimTrust.com
Important resources
- Claims Questionnaire via Fire Victim Trust Portal
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact the Fire Victim Trust by phone at 1-888-664-1152 or email at info@FireVictimTrust.com
