Ranchers in Lower Valley, Washington have filed a lawsuit against the United States, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the U.S. Army for the repercussions of the Range 12 Fire of 2016. And they’re asking for $15 million.
The suit says the U.S. Army acted recklessly when they continued with a live ammunition field training exercise on July 30, 2016, despite the Red Flag Warning that day. After the ammo sparked the fire, the blaze spread, destroying more than 150,000 acres, including land and property belonging to the ranchers.
The ranchers are suing on eight different counts, including negligence and recklessness, strict liability, and trespassing.