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United States of America v. Garrett John Gentry, et al.
Date: 02-18-2026
Case Number: 24-cv-07136
Judge: Christina A. Snyder
Court: United States District Court for the Central District of California (Los Angeles County)
Plaintiff's Attorney: United States District Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles
Defendant's Attorney: Jeremy Beal
Description:
Los Angeles, California, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendants accused of starting a wild fire by negligently operating an excavator.
The South Fire ignited on August 25, 2021, in San Bernardino County. The United States alleged that the fire was caused by the negligent operation of an excavator by an employee of Garrett J. Gentry General Engineering Inc. According to the complaint, the steel treads of the excavator struck rocks in a rocky area, generating sparks that ignited dry vegetation.
The wildfire destroyed residences and other structures, resulted in evacuations, and ultimately burned more than 680 acres, including approximately 450 acres of National Forest System land within the San Bernardino National Forest.
The United States Forest Service sustained fire suppression costs exceeding $2.2 million, the complaint alleges.
“Gentry Engineering and Gentry were aware of the danger of a rock strike by the excavator and failed to take action to prevent a fire,” the lawsuit alleges.
The settlement resolves all civil claims asserted by the United States and does not constitute an admission of liability.
The South Fire ignited on August 25, 2021, in San Bernardino County. The United States alleged that the fire was caused by the negligent operation of an excavator by an employee of Garrett J. Gentry General Engineering Inc. According to the complaint, the steel treads of the excavator struck rocks in a rocky area, generating sparks that ignited dry vegetation.
The wildfire destroyed residences and other structures, resulted in evacuations, and ultimately burned more than 680 acres, including approximately 450 acres of National Forest System land within the San Bernardino National Forest.
The United States Forest Service sustained fire suppression costs exceeding $2.2 million, the complaint alleges.
“Gentry Engineering and Gentry were aware of the danger of a rock strike by the excavator and failed to take action to prevent a fire,” the lawsuit alleges.
The settlement resolves all civil claims asserted by the United States and does not constitute an admission of liability.
Outcome:
Settled for $2.5 million.
Plaintiff's Experts:
Defendant's Experts:
Comments:
About This Case
What was the outcome of United States of America v. Garrett John Gentry, et al.?
The outcome was: Settled for $2.5 million.
Which court heard United States of America v. Garrett John Gentry, et al.?
This case was heard in United States District Court for the Central District of California (Los Angeles County), CA. The presiding judge was Christina A. Snyder.
Who were the attorneys in United States of America v. Garrett John Gentry, et al.?
Plaintiff's attorney: United States District Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles. Defendant's attorney: Jeremy Beal.
When was United States of America v. Garrett John Gentry, et al. decided?
This case was decided on February 18, 2026.