SAN DIEGO -- The family of a fire victim filed Thursday a negligence and wrongful death lawsuit against Harrah's Casino. The same family filed a formal complaint with the Rincon Indian tribe claiming the tribe should have been more prepared to fight the Paradise Fire.

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Roach Family Speaks Out About Lawsuit

In October 2003, the Paradise Fire started near the casino and swept across the countryside. Everything in the path of the fire was destroyed and eventually it claimed the life of 16-year-old Ashleigh Roach, (pictured, right). Her sister, Allyson, (pictured, left), survived, but suffers from burns on over 85 percent of her body.

According to the lawsuit, casino officials and tribal leaders were warned several times about a need to increase fire services. The family said the warnings went unanswered and that Harrah's and the tribe should be held responsible.

The lawsuit, which was filed in San Diego County Superior Court, blames Harrah's Casino for the Roach's loss. Another claim has asked Rincon tribal leaders to give up their sovereign immunity from lawsuits and accept responsibility.

"Nothing will bring back my little sister, but if this changes no other little sisters will have to die," Allyson Roach said.

Attorney Dean Broyles is representing the Roach family.

"They were given many opportunities to beef up the resources and they refused to. We feel that is reckless, which led to the endangering of lives and the loss of life," Broyles said about the casino and the tribe. "We're holding the tribe responsible, because they were warned over several years by (California Department of Forestry) and other sources that there were serious fire protection problems."

In January 2001, Valley Center Fire Protection District asked the tribal leaders to build a fire station or increase fire funding, according to Broyles. In February 2001, the district's fire chief asked Harrah's Casino officials for added fire services. Neither the tribe nor the casino took action. Then, in August 2002, the fire district warned the Rincon tribe about inadequate fire services.

Attorneys added that neither the Rincon tribe nor Harrah's Entertainment have remarked about the repeated requests for increased fire services or funding.

According to 10News, the Rincon tribe plans to build a fire station on an empty lot located just down the hill from where the Paradise Fire started. But, the Roach family said it is "too little, too late."

"My grandfather always said it doesn't do any good to close the barn door after the horse is already out. We look forward to them stepping up and building that station, but that's not going to bring my daughter back," said John Roach, the father of Ashleigh and Allyson.

The family feels that Harrah's and the Rincon tribe were negligent.

"Somebody needs to do something about this. Please help us affect change," Allyson Roach pleaded.

Tribal chairman Jon Courier is out of town and was not able to respond to the lawsuit, and calls to Rincon Fire Chief Jared Rodriguez were not returned.