More than 150 property owners to sue state after wildfire damage claims denied

BREWSTER, Wash. (AP) — More than 150 property owners are preparing to sue the state of Washington over wildfire damage claims that have been denied by the state Department of Natural Resources.

Brewster attorney Alex Thomason told the Capital Press he is preparing a lawsuit to be filed the spring. The suit will seek millions of dollars in damages.

He says because the Department of Natural Resources is considered a landowner and the department negligently allowed the massive Carlton Complex Fire to spread to private property, the state is liable.

So far, more than 150 people have filed claims against the state and more are being added. Under state law, people have three years to file a lawsuit.