The blaze destroyed livestock and ranch machinery, as well as more than 82 miles of fencing and multiple structures, including a pump house, a shed, and a barn, the ranchers said.
The BIA argued that the agreements cited in the ranch’s complaint did not cover the government’s liability for the wildfire. The bureau said the agreements deal only with forest management and firefighting and fire protection services for the town of Nespelem.
The ranch’s counsel, Richard C. Eymann of Eymann Allison Jones PS, said that these types of Federal Tort Claims Act cases are always difficult “getting past the jurisdictional defenses protecting federal governmental agencies.”
“The court decision is disappointing given the very substantial losses suffered by the Townsends,” Eymann said, adding that the ranch was considering an appeal.
Representatives of the BIA did not immediately respond Wednesday to a request for comment.
Townsend Ranch and its owners are represented by Richard C. Eymann of Eymann Allison Jones PS.
