PORTLAND, OR (March 19, 2025) — A newly-released Oregon Department of Forestry report supports PacifiCorp’s longstanding assertion that electrical equipment was not the cause of widespread property damage in the Santiam Canyon during the 2020 wildfires.
The ODF investigation, which began shortly after the 2020 wildfires, found no evidence that powerline ignitions significantly contributed to the spread of the fire in the Santiam Canyon. Instead, ODF investigators found the most probable explanation for these ignitions was spot fires from the lightning-caused Beachie Creek Fire, which was burning upwind of the ignitions in the Santiam Canyon.
“The report confirms PacifiCorp’s long-held position that any wildfire ignitions linked to the company’s electrical equipment in the Santiam Canyon did not contribute to the widespread devastation that occurred when the Beachie Creek fire tore through the canyon,” said Pacific Power president Ryan Flynn. “While we continue to recognize that the 2020 wildfires were undeniably tragic, the thorough investigation by ODF provides important context and details absent during the trial proceedings.”
According to the ODF’s findings, all identified ignitions potentially linked to electrical equipment were promptly suppressed by local residents and/or local municipal fire departments.
The company is committed to continued substantial investments to prevent wildfires from starting and to limit spread when they do occur, bolstering the safety of our communities.
Those interested in access to the full report can submit a request through the Oregon Department of Forestry.