Document: 352 U.S. 315 77 S.Ct. 374 1 L.Ed.2d 354 RAYONIER INCORPORATED, a Corporation, Petitioner,v.UNITED STATES of America. Arthur A. ARNHOLD et al., Petitioners, v. UNITED Nos. 45, 47. Argued Dec. 4, 1956. Decided Jan. 28, 1957. Mr. Lucien F. Marion, Seattle, Wash., for petitioner Rayonier inc. William H. Ferguson, petitioners Arnhold and others. George Cochran Doub, Washington, D.C., the United States. Justice BLACK delivered opinion Court. In both these cases brought suit in States District Court State Washington seeking to recover damages under Federal Tort Claims Act, 28 U.S.C. §§ 1346(b) 2671—2680, U.S.C.A. 1346(b), losses which they allege were caused by negligence employees allowing forest fire be started on Government land failing act with due care put this out. The complaints two are substantially same summary make following allegations. owned certain Washington. It permitted railroad run trains over right way passing through land. On August 6, 1951, sparks from engine ignited six fires adjoining These areas where highly inflammable dry grasses, brush, other materials had been negligently allowed accumulate Government. Shortly after Forest Service personnel appeared took exclusive direction control all suppression activities. entered into an agreement protect against suppress any area included public lands petitioners' lands. Petitioners aware contract relied out involved case. But as result Service's improper firefighting spread until became single covering 1,600 acres. By 11, however, blaze was except spots that continued burn smolder September 20. During period between 11 20 there men, equipment plentiful supply water available if resources properly utilized could have completely extinguished. For several days immediately preceding decreasing humidity accompanied strong winds. kept only few men guarding despite fact it smoldering close tinder-dry accumulation debris, down logs dead undergrowth. winds blew embers exploded spreading much twenty miles one direction. As fanned destroyed timber, buildings property some belonged petitioners. 2 consequences (1) permitting thereby start spread; (2) not preventing starting original spot fires; (3) suppressing (4) quench prevent when acre area. district judge dismissed holding failed state claim upon relief granted. He indicated facts alleged sufficient show actionable part private person laws but nevertheless felt compelled dismiss because statements Dalehite States, 346 15, 43, 73 956, 972, 97 L.Ed. 1427. 3 'As failure fighting fire, we think too without (Tort Claims) Act. Act did create new causes action none existed before. '* * Its effect is waive immunity recognized visit novel unprecedented liabilities.' change normal rule or carelessness firemen does rights.' 4 Appeals affirmed trial judge's disposal complaints. 9 Cir., 225 F.2d 642 650. agreeing sued also exclusively rejected claims ground law would impose no liability misconduct alleged. We hold courts below erred deciding immune fire. 5 makes liable (with exceptions relevant here) its 6 manner extent individual like circumstances *.' § 2674, 2674. 7 gives Courts jurisdiction 8 negligent wrongful omission employee while acting within scope his office employment, person, claimant accordance place occurred.' 1346(b). provisions, given their plain natural meaning, if, complaints, persons corporations similar circumstances. 10 Nevertheless Government, relying primarily case, contends Congress States' firemen. argues imposes governmental bodies traditionally responsible neither common nor municipal local governments agents 'uniquely governmental' capacity recently held Indian Towing Co. 350 61, 76 122, test established determining whether acts occurred. expressly decided restricted corporation body injured party cannot deprived rights resort distinction, imported corporations, Government's 'proprietary' capacity.1 To anything contrary case necessarily Towing.2 may 'novel unprecedented' accountable fire-fighters, very purpose traditional all-encompassing tort actions establish liability. warns heavy burden imposed treasury. points possibility destroy hundreds square forests even entire communities. long consideration, Congress, believing best interest nation, saw fit such charged treasury among those who contribute financially support resulting each taxpayer relatively slight. falls leave him destitute grievously harmed. could, apparently did, decide unfair whole benefits services performed employees. And obvious reasons equated municipality, conceivably might rendered bankrupt subject There justification read exemptions beyond provided Congress.3 If altered function adopted it. 12 record shows entirety solely basis While uphold dismissal allegations than controlling say court's interpretation wholly free erroneous acceptance about Furthermore has strongly contended here improperly interpreted misinterpretation incorrectly applied sufficiency view circumstances, proper vacate judgments so consider anew, present form amended, determine supporting material offered explain clarify them Washington.4 vacated remanded consideration cordance opinion. 13 ordered. 14 Judgments remanded. 15 REED, whom CLARK joins, dissenting. 16 my correctly fighters. assumed 'as circumstances.' injuries then well settled. 971, Private organizations, community volunteers, hardly known. situation military forces. Cf. Feres 340 135, 142, 71 153, 157, 95 152. presents different situation. see Yellow Cab Co., 543, 548 550, 399, 403, 404, 523. See Eastern Air Lines Union Trust U.S.App.D.C. 189, 221 62, per curiam sub nom. 907, 192; Transport Associates 467. Praylou, 208 291, 294—295. Aetna Casualty & Surety 338 366, 383, 70 207, 216, 94 171. Minnesota National Tea 309 551, 555, 60 676, 678, 84 920; Tax Commission Utah Van Cott, 306 511, 514—515, 59 605, 606, 607, 83 950; Patterson Alabama, 294 600, 55 575, 578, 79 1082.

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