Airport Fire victims file claims against Orange County

Airport Fire victims filed claims against Orange County after investigators determined that a public works crew unintentionally started the blaze.

The destructive disaster destroyed 160 buildings, damaged 34 others and injured 22 people, firefighters and civilians, before crews stemmed its growth.

Firefighters believe 119 of the destroyed buildings were people's homes — 82 in Orange County and 37 in Riverside County. 

"Our general advice is individuals do not fill these claims on their own," attorney Emily Pincin said.

Pincin is part of several law firms representing victims of this fire against Orange County. 

"While OCFA classified the fire as unintentional — operating heavy machinery while in triple-digit temperatures and dry conditions can be considered nothing less than avoidable and egregious negligence," Pincin said. 

Since this is a claim against a government agency, the deadlines for filing are different. Victims have just six months to file a claim for damages. The county said two have already been filed, with more expected to come. 

"All of these claims will go to one judge in a complex court to manage the sands of claims and how to get them all resolved," Pincin said. 

While a class action lawsuit has not been filed, attorneys who are involved in the case said hundreds of clients have shown interest. 

"We have well over 500 if not a thousand clients at this point," Pincin said.