Validity of lode claims vs invalidity

[CALIdigger]

I want to claim an area for placer that has a current active lode claims. I know you can't claim placer over a lode. My question is where I want to claim burnt two years ago. The original locator had an agent post and file the paperwork for him. He lives across the country and hasn't restaked discovery monuments or corner posts in the 2 years since the fire. Does that invalidate his claim even if he's paying his maintenance fees?

 

[IMAUDIGGER]

I bet If you posted this in the prospecting forum, at least one person that knows about this type of thing would chirp in.