Fire from neighbor's land

[JeepHead]

I’ve had more encounters with the local FD than I’d like to admit although never involving forestry dozers. They’ve never sent me a bill for their service.

It's very common in my state to get billed for these services if you were negligent in not properly maintaining the fire.

 

[woody]

Just out of curiosity. Did you talk to these guys? What was their take on it?

ok guys thanks for the replies and I'll try to answer some of the questions that haven't already been answered.
Yes I talked to the forestry guys and they are not happy with him for burning during a no burn and a windy day, yes they said it was his fault.
My daughter is the one that called me first and after that I think everybody did.
the neighbor is the one that called 911.
there were 4 homes and several structures on my property and the one trailer that burned was the only one lost. I have a road/fire break that we keep clear and that trailer was the only one on that side of the fire break.

 

[nyone]

OP said that this is the second time in 1yr that this neighbor had a fire get away from him. I would talk to him fist and proceed with full compensation..if he dosnt agree then contact a lawyer.

 

[Silvic]

In my state you have to apply and have a burn permit. You have to check everyday before ignition if your area allows a burn to start. If you lose control and the fire department shows up then you pay for the cost of the fire suppression effort at a minimum.

 

[FullMetalBucket]

I’m surprised the forestry people aren’t filing some sort of negligence charge .. being upset with him is a nothing burger. But in the end you’re neighbors and hopefully he does the right thing and compensate you in some way for the damage. 15 acres is more than a little whoops. Hell in MA where my primary residence is that would be like 50 homes destroyed. Luckily no people got hurt.

 

[JeepHead]

Some people do not realize the value of select mature trees. It can easily be in the thousands...

 

[FullMetalBucket]

Some people do not realize the value of select mature trees. It can easily be in the thousands...

No kidding. Just look at the prices of saplings at the nurseries

 

[Drstrangeglove]

Some people do not realize the value of select mature trees. It can easily be in the thousands...

Just ask a logger who cut over the line. They are only worth a few dollars, maybe.

 

[etpm]

Just ask a logger who cut over the line. They are only worth a few dollars, maybe.

Instead ask how much it is to replace those trees. Same maturity, same height, in the ground. If my neighbor burned and killed several of my trees through negligence I would insist they be replaced with live trees equivalent to the trees killed. Logged trees aren't worth near what live trees in place are.

 

[ultrarunner]

Something similar happened and no one had insurance…

My friend sued for damages and put a lien on the neighbors property.

About 20 years later heirs went to sell and the lien plus statutory interest came off the top… in other words he was eventually made whole.

Had either party had insurance the insurance company(s) would have battled it out.

Friend did not want to force a sale because the owner had dementia and later passed away and he would have put the widow on the street… so he waited.