A product marketed to consumers as an exterior coating capable of protecting homes from burning down in a wildfire is not as effective nor as safe as advertised, Santa Barbara County and Los Angeles City prosecutors said Monday, as they announced a $5 million civil suit against the company that sells and markets the product.
Flanked by personnel from local fire agencies, Santa Barbara County District Attorney Joyce Dudley announced a civil enforcement action against Sunseeker Enterprises — which does business as Sun FireDefense — for violations of the state's Business and Professions Code stemming from "false and misleading claims" regarding the effectiveness, environmental impact and non-toxicity of its "SPF 3000 Clear Spray."
In addition to the $5 million penalty, the suit seeks restitution for affected consumers and a permanent injunction barring the company from making any "untrue or misleading statements."