Electric Company Sued for California Firefighter’s Electrocution

Posted by: Curt Varone February 23, 2011 0

A California volunteer firefighter who was electrocuted last September while battling a wildland fire has filed suit against Pacific Gas & Electric.

Firefighter Ben Hakala, 36, of the Bodega Volunteer Fire Department was working in the area of a downed power line at a 100 acre fire on September 25, 2010. It is believed that the same 12,000 volt line started the fire and electrocuted Hakala. He was in critical condition following the incident, and continues to recover from extensive injuries.

The suit alleges that the high-tension line was known problem that PG&E should have taken extra precautions for. Property owners who suffered losses from the fire have also filed claims against PG&E seeking reimbursement.

For more on the story.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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