For immediate release: July 29, 2005
Insurers file Writ as Precautionary measure
Vernon, BC - The legal firm representing insurers who received
claims relating to the McLure-Barriere forest fire have filed a
Writ of Summons naming Michael William Barre, the individual allegedly
responsible for starting the fire, and the Provincial Government
as defendants.
Tolko did not file this Writ, although the Company is named as
plaintiff. Legal firm Lindsay Kenny LLP is acting on behalf of
the insurers of Tolko and others who incurred losses and damages
from the forest fire that occurred north of Kamloops , BC , in
August 2003. Some current press coverage alleges that Tolko is
suing the parties; again, it is the insurance company, not Tolko,
initiating this process.
The insurers' lawyers took this action as a precautionary measure
to protect their rights to possibly pursue the issue in the future.
Without the Writ, the option to proceed would expire at the end
of the month. The Writ is not being served to the government at
this time.
Further investigation is ongoing. Tolko will not
be part of the deciding whether or not the suit proceeds.
