Lawsuit alleges Rowena Fire started by train

PORTLAND – A lawsuit has been filed against Union Pacific by two residents whose property was destroyed in the Rowena Fire that started on June 11 in Wasco County near The Dalles. Ramon Garza Nino and Maria Carrera, a married couple, claim a Union Pacific train in the area started the blaze.

The lawsuit claims that the fire was ignited by a train that operated between Hermiston and Portland and was believed to be hauling refrigerated boxcars. It says the train emitted sparks that ignited dry brush near the tracks. It says Union Pacific’s familiarity with the Columbia Gorge area means that they were aware of the fire risk because of the weather conditions at the time, referencing Red Flag Warnings issued by the National Weather Service prior to and on June 11 in the Columbia Gorge.

They accuse Union Pacific of being negligent, failing to comply with federal railroad safety and inspection laws. As well as failing to properly inspect and maintain their train, manage vegetation around the tracks and implement appropriate fire prevention measures.

The lawsuit says several eyewitnesses reported observing the fire start when, “Sparks, hot debris, particles, emissions, and/or other materials from the Defendant’s Train ignited the overgrown vegetation on or near the Defendant’s tracks.”

The plaintiffs are seeking damages on an individual basis in an amount to be proven at trial. They are also seeking damages equal to twice the amount of their property, and economic damages to the extent allowed under Oregon’s law that addresses wildfire property damage.

The Oregon Department of Forestry says the Rowena Fire is still an active investigation.

Photo courtesy of the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office

---

• 
• 

---

• 
• 
• 
• 

---

Elkhorn Media Group