SPFD, VC Firefighters file lawsuit
over SCWW explosion injuries

Four firefighters — three of them Santa Paula personnel — filed a lawsuit November 16 over injuries they sustained a year ago at the Santa Clara Waste Water Co. chemical explosions and fire.

Santa Paula Firefighter Matt May, Engineer Matt Lindsey and Captain Milo Bustillos along with Ventura County Firefighter Lucas Beller filed the suit alleging negligence and misrepresentation that led to serious pulmonary and other injuries after SCWW personnel assured them that the site was safe to enter.

The SPFD Firefighters, the first on the scene of the explosion that occurred November 18, 2014 at about 3:45 a.m. have been off work and on disability since the incident. Beller has reportedly returned to work.

The suit, filed by attorney Tal Rubin of Calabasas, seeks general and punitive damages of an unspecified amount plus payments for loss of earnings and medical costs.