Wildfire

PacifiCorp Ordered to Pay $42 Million to Wildfire Victims in Recent Landmark Verdict

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Mill City, Oregon – PacifiCorp, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, has been ordered by an Oregon jury to pay over $42 million to 10 victims of devastating wildfires that took place on Labor Day in 2020. This ruling is part of ongoing litigation in which the electric utility could potentially be liable for billions of dollars in damages. Last year, a jury found PacifiCorp negligent for failing to cut power to its 600,000 customers despite warnings from fire officials, making it liable for punitive and other damages. The recent decision marks the third verdict to … Read more

Canadian Woman Sues Xcel Energy, Alleging Power Pole Started Devastating Texas Wildfire

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CANADIAN, Texas — A Canadian woman has filed a lawsuit claiming that a power pole owned by Xcel Energy started the largest wildfire in Texas history. Melanie McQuiddy alleges that a splintered power pole fell and ignited the Springhouse Creek fire. According to Reuters, McQuiddy argues that Xcel had a duty to maintain safe electrical equipment but neglected to properly repair and inspect its power line poles. She is seeking compensation for the damages caused by the wildfire. The lawsuit also names Osmose Utilities Services as a defendant. McQuiddy asserts that the company was hired … Read more

Oregon Senate Passes Bill to Provide Tax Relief for Wildfire Survivors, Allowing Them to Keep More of Their Settlements

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SALEM, Oregon — The Oregon Senate unanimously passed a bill on Wednesday that aims to provide financial relief to survivors of wildfires in the state. Sponsored by Senator Brian Boquist, the bill, known as Senate Bill 1520, introduces a tax exemption for court awards and settlements related to wildfires. The legislation comes in response to several lawsuits filed against PacifiCorp, which a jury found responsible for sparking four Labor Day wildfires in 2020. Survivors of these wildfires have received millions of dollars in settlements and awards. However, due to federal tax laws, they have only … Read more

Inland Power Sparks Devastating Wildfire in Medical Lake, Lawsuits Mounting, Trial Set for 2025

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MEDICAL LAKE, Wash. — A recent report by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has confirmed that a devastating wildfire in Medical Lake last summer was caused by sparks from an Inland Power light. The fire destroyed hundreds of homes in the area. In response to the report, the attorneys behind the largest lawsuit related to the fire held a town hall for those affected. The law firm Singleton Schreiber had previously accused Inland Power of being responsible for the fire, and now their claims have been supported by an independent investigation conducted by the … Read more