Construction Suit Filed Against California Fire District

A construction dispute between a California fire district and a contractor over refurbishing a fire station has ended up in court. Sonoma County Builders filed suit against Southern Marin Fire Protection District claiming the district failed to pay $156,014.94 of the agreed upon $300,474 for the installation of a new roof, windows and skylights on Station 9.

Fire Chief Jim Irving claims the contractor owes the district over $150,000 for damage that occurred when Sonoma failed to cover the roof during a rain storm. According to the chief the interior of the station was so badly damaged that crews had to relocate for six months.

The case is being heard in Marin County Superior Court. According to the chief, both sides have been threatening to sue the other for a while now. 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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