Idaho Sues Loggers Who Caused LODD Steep Corner Fire

The State of Idaho has filed suit against the parties it contends were responsible for causing the Steep Corner Fire in 2012 that claimed the life of a US Forest Service firefighter.

Anne Veseth, 20, was killed on August 12, 2012, when she was struck by a falling tree. OSHA later cited the Forest Service for two safety violations in connection with her death

On Monday, Idaho sued Potlatch Land and Lumber, Potlatch Forest Holdings, Clearwater Paper Corp., Potlatch Corp., and DABCO Inc. in an effort to recoup its costs in fighting the 43 acre blaze. The suit contends that DABCO employees caused the fire by using non-approved devices that produced sparks.

More on the suit.

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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