Wildfire

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

Wildfire Survivors Receive $62M in Landmark Jury Award – A Glimmer of Hope for Those Devastated

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MILL CITY, Oregon – In a groundbreaking verdict, a jury has awarded a staggering $62 million to survivors of the devastating wildfires that ravaged this small Oregon town and surrounding areas. The verdict comes as a beacon of hope for the residents who have endured unimaginable loss and destruction. The wildfires, which occurred in 2021, left a trail of devastation in their wake, destroying homes, businesses, and natural habitats. They forced thousands of people to evacuate their homes and caused significant damage to the community’s infrastructure. The emotional and physical toll on the survivors has … Read more

Oregon Jury Awards $85 Million to Wildfire Victims, Holding Utility PacifiCorp Accountable

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PORTLAND, Ore. – An Oregon jury has awarded $85 million to nine victims of the devastating wildfires that swept through the state in 2020. This latest verdict is part of a series of legal proceedings that place utility company PacifiCorp in the spotlight for its liability in the deadly blazes. The verdict signifies a significant step toward holding the company accountable for the damages caused. “We are so proud of the strength and resilience of our clients, and thankful to the jury for holding PacifiCorp accountable for what happened on Labor Day 2020 – something … Read more