Anaheim : EPA Sues to Recover Fire Cleanup Costs
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has filed a lawsuit seeking to recover $241,000 spent cleaning up after a disastrous 1985 fire at an Anaheim agricultural supply warehouse.
The June 22, 1985, fire at the Larry Fricker Co. Inc. warehouse forced the evacuation of 7,500 people in three cities and was considered the county’s all-time worst hazardous materials accident by local fire officials.
The EPA is suing the Fricker Co. to collect the money spent from its Hazardous Substance Response Fund. The suit was filed late Tuesday in Los Angeles.
Fricker Co. co-owner Paul L. Etzold and his wife, Mary, were named in the suit along with the company.
Etzold said he turned over the papers to his attorney and would not comment on the government’s bill.
“They (a government team) came out, but it wasn’t as bad as they thought it was,” said Etzold.
The fire, believed to be the work of an arsonist, released more than 80 chemicals into the air. About 20 residents and firefighters were treated after breathing toxic fumes. Chemicals involved in the fire smoldered for three days, according to county fire officials. About 40 surrounding businesses and nearby streets were off-limits for four days after the fire.
The county Board of Supervisors declared a state of emergency to enable businesses to apply for state or federal aid.
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