PacifiCorp to pay feds $3.4 million in settlement over 2018 S. Oregon wildfire
Utility doesn't admit transmission line connector failure sparked blaze
PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams announced Tuesday that Portland-based utility PacifiCorp has agreed to pay $3.4 million to settle federal allegations related to a 2018 Southern Oregon wildfire officials claim was caused by a failed transmission line connector
The Ramsey Canyon Fire ignited on August 22, 2018 near the base of a PacifiCorp transmission line 12 miles northwest of Eagle Point. It burned nearly 1,900 acres of federal, state and private land, including 930 acres of land managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
The blaze, which burned in steep terrain and dense vegetation, prompted evacuations in the area.
The federal government sought more than $4.8 million in suppression costs and resource damages.
PacifiCorp has a utility right-of-way on BLM land in Jackson and Douglas counties on which it owns and operates the Dixonville-to-Meridian 500-kilovolt transmission line.
Federal prosecutors contend the fire was caused by the failure of a connector on a transmission structure that PacifiCorp failed to properly install, inspect and maintain.
They noted the settlement is not an admission of liability of by PacifiCorp, which denied the allegation it was at fault.
“Each year, countless Oregonians live with the recurring threat of wildfires jeopardizing their safety and personal property," Williams said. "Sadly, thousands of acres of public and private land are burned by preventable fires. Our office is committed to protecting these lands.”
William Perry Pendley, BLM's deputy director for policy and programs, added, “Oregon’s forest resources are important to the well-being and economy of dozens of small communities, and the BLM manages these resources for the benefit of all Americans.
"The loss of these lands and the cost of fighting this fire represent a significant loss to taxpayers, and we’re pleased this settlement will help recoup those costs,” Pendley added. “Congratulations to the career BLM employees who provided the expertise to assess the damage done to the public's lands and to recover these costs for the benefit of the American taxpayer.”
The Oregon Department of Forestry assisted the BLM and the U.S. Forest Service in investigating the case. The U.S. was represented in the matter by Carla McClurg, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
