LOS ANGELES
An Upland-based grading, concrete and pipeline contractor and its owner have agreed to pay $2.5 million to settle federal claims that their negligence sparked a 2021 wildfire in San Bernardino County that burned hundreds of acres of national forest land, authorities announced Tuesday.
Garrett John Gentry and Garrett J. Gentry General Engineering Inc. paid the settlement, prompting dismissal of the lawsuit Jan. 22, according to the United States Department of Justice.
The South Fire ignited Aug. 25, 2021, and ultimately burned more than 680 acres, including about 450 acres within the San Bernardino National Forest. The blaze destroyed homes and other structures and forced evacuations.
The U.S. Forest Service incurred more than $2.2 million in firefighting costs, according to court filings.
The settlement resolves all civil claims by the government and does not constitute an admission of liability.
Federal prosecutors alleged the fire started when steel treads on an excavator operated by the defendants struck rocks, creating sparks that ignited dry vegetation.