First hearing for Black Forest lawsuit in Denver

Fifty-eight people have filed a lawsuit alleging that state and local authorities were negligent in fighting Colorado’s most destructive wildfire.

The homeowners are seeking $1 million for each of the homes affected.

They claim the state and El Paso County failed to use resources available to them, and that that former Black Forest fire chief delayed turning over command of the fire.

“If it has to take a lawsuit, let’s do it and find out what the truth is, no more fighting amongst ourselves. Let’s let the scar heal,” said Bryan Montoya, a Black Forest resident who supports the lawsuit.

“Today is a big day for us, the judge is going to decide whether to join us as a class action, the Black Forest law suit,” said Darrell Dortner, the leader of the lawsuit.

The lawsuit has a list of accusations ranging from abuse of power, to emotional distress and the wrongful death of two people.

“Wait and see what this lawsuit comes to and the end result. They’ll see the brighter picture on the other end. There is a way to change things,” said Fortner.