Home / Disasters and Accidents / Contractor Pays $2.5M Over Deadly 2021 South Fire
Contractor Pays $2.5M Over Deadly 2021 South Fire
18 Feb
Summary
- Contractor pays $2.5 million to settle claims over the 2021 South Fire.
- The fire, sparked by an excavator, burned nearly 700 acres and destroyed nine structures.
- No injuries were reported, but suppression costs reached $2.2 million.
A contracting company based in Upland has agreed to a $2.5 million settlement regarding the destructive South Fire that occurred in 2021. The settlement was announced on February 17, 2026, and led to the dismissal of a federal lawsuit against Garrett John Gentry and his company.
Federal prosecutors had alleged that the South Fire, which began on August 25, 2021, was ignited by the negligent use of an excavator. The sparks from the excavator's treads striking rocks reportedly started the blaze in dry vegetation.
The fire burned for eight days, consuming nearly 700 acres, with approximately 450 acres within the San Bernardino National Forest. It resulted in the destruction of nine structures and damage to 28 others, while around 900 structures were threatened, necessitating evacuations.
The cost to suppress the wildfire was estimated at $2.2 million by U.S. Forest Service officials. No injuries were reported in connection with the South Fire.
