Nevada Attorney General Recommends $25M Wildfire Settlement

Nevada’s attorney general is recommending approval of a $25 million settlement with homeowners and insurance companies who sought more than $300 million in damages from the state after a fire destroyed 24 homes south of Reno when strong winds reignited a smoldering prescribed burn that escaped in 2016.

Lawyers for 105 plaintiffs who sued the Nevada Division of Forestry told a judge last month they had reached a tentative settlement that would require approval by the three-member state Board of Examiners.

A trial to determine the amount of damages had been scheduled for December after a jury found the state guilty of gross negligence and liable for losses last year.

Gov. Steve Sisolak, Attorney General Aaron Ford and Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske (suh-GAV’-skee) are expected to approve the $25 million settlement agreement Thursday in Carson City.