David Pettinato

California Wildfire 2026: Insurance Claims, Evacuation Rights, and When to Call a Lawyer

With the Sandy and Bain fires forcing 43,000 California residents to evacuate, wildfire victims have just 60 days to file proof of loss and may qualify for 24 months of additional living expenses under state law. Here is what California Insurance Code §§ 2051.5 and 2071, Civil Code § 1942, and Penal Code § 396 require — and when bad faith becomes a separate claim.