A devastating wildfire allegedly caused by faulty powerlines has led to a massive lawsuit against an Oregon-based utility company. On July 29, 2024, Singleton Schreiber, LLP filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento, on behalf of numerous plaintiffs against PacifiCorp and its employee Richard Harris.
The case centers around the McKinney Fire that ignited on July 29, 2022, in Siskiyou County, California. According to the complaint, sparks from PacifiCorp’s electrical equipment ignited surrounding vegetation due to negligence in maintaining their infrastructure. The fire has since burned over 60,389 acres and destroyed more than 194 structures, causing multiple injuries and at least four fatalities. Plaintiffs include homeowners, renters, business owners, and other affected individuals who have suffered significant property damage and personal loss.
Plaintiffs allege that PacifiCorp's infrastructure was poorly maintained and that the company failed to ensure adequate clearance between powerlines and vegetation. "PacifiCorp negligently, recklessly, and willfully failed to properly inspect, repair, maintain, and operate the electrical equipment," states the complaint. Additionally, Richard Harris is accused of eliminating critical safety positions that could have prevented such disasters.
The plaintiffs are seeking various forms of relief including compensation for property damage, loss of income, medical expenses due to injuries sustained during the fire, emotional distress damages as well as punitive damages aimed at deterring future negligence by PacifiCorp. They argue that this incident is not isolated; similar fires were allegedly caused by PacifiCorp in previous years.
Representing the plaintiffs are attorneys John C. Lemon (SBN 175847), Mark F. Fleming (SBN 165770), Jon Cadieux (SBN 265155), and Gervilyn Cadimas (SBN 350706) from Singleton Schreiber LLP. The case has been assigned Case No.: “40 YVOTS 43049” with Judge MM Chapman presiding.