Gerald Singleton, Managing Partner at Singleton Schreiber in San Diego, was recently featured on Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) in their June 26, 2025 article, "Union Pacific Railroad Train Sparked the Rowena Fire, Lawsuit Alleges."
The article concerns a lawsuit filed against Union Pacific Railroad for allegedly starting the Rowena Fire, which destroyed over 50 homes outside The Dalles. The federal complaint, filed in district court, states that "several eyewitnesses" saw sparks from a Union Pacific locomotive ignite nearby brush. Singleton Schreiber is representing Ramon Garza Nino and Maria Carrera, a couple whose workshop and personal property were destroyed by the fire. Mr. Singleton confirmed his firm’s investigator visited the area, interviewed witnesses, and reviewed social media related to the blaze.
Speaking to OPB on the ongoing investigation, Mr. Singleton stated:
"We don’t have conclusive evidence, but the evidence we have points toward the railroads starting to fire. If it turns out that we’re wrong, then obviously the case will be dismissed. But based on everything we’ve seen, this does appear to have been caused by the train."
He also noted the potential for extensive wildfire litigation, adding, "My guess is you’re going to have probably somewhere between 100 and 150 cases that are filed. We may represent a significant number, we may represent a few dozen. Who knows? But we’re certainly prepared for that."
The Oregon Department of Forestry and Union Pacific are both investigating the fire's cause. Union Pacific denies responsibility, stating it has found no evidence linking its train to the fire and is cooperating with state investigators. The article further highlights Singleton Schreiber's experience in similar cases, including the 2020 Holiday Farm Fire in Oregon and the 2023 Tunnel 5 Fire in Washington, which a state investigation tied to train sparks.
