People who lost their homes and property in last summer's Tamarack Fire in northern Nevada and California have filed a claim against the U.S. Forest Service seeking more than $85 million. The filing by attorney William Jeanney of Reno on behalf of 27 claimants is the first step before filing a lawsuit. Under the Federal Tort Claims Act, the U.S. Forest Service has six months to either pay the claim or opt out, and face a potential lawsuit.
There's no chance the U.S. Forest Service will pay the claim outright, Jeanney said, "not unless you believe in the yellow brick road."
"The day after the six months, we'll be prepared to file the lawsuit," he added.
The U.S. Forest Service did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday evening.