Oregon - Singleton Schreiber has filed a lawsuit against Delaware-based Union Pacific Corporation (“Union Pacific”), on behalf of plaintiffs who were harmed by two catastrophic wildfires that ignited in the Columbia River Gorge and Basin during the summer of 2025. The lawsuit alleges that the railroad’s operations started the catastrophic Rowena Fire and Cold Springs Fires which occurred just three weeks apart and burned thousands of acres, displacing residents and destroying homes and businesses.
The Rowena Fire started on June 11, 2025, in Wasco County, Oregon, when a Union Pacific train emitted superheated particles that ignited dry vegetation along the Portland Subdivision tracks about three miles northwest of The Dalles. The fire spread rapidly, burning over 3,600 acres, displacing more than 1,500 residents, and destroying 56 homes, 91 commercial properties, and 18 minor structures. Witnesses reported at least three separate wildfire starts in the Rowena area as Union Pacific trains passed through the Columbia River Gorge.
Just 21 days later, on July 2, 2025, a similar incident occurred in Umatilla County, Oregon. A Union Pacific train operating on the Ayer Subdivision tracks ignited the Cold Springs Fire approximately seven miles from Hermiston. The fire consumed over 2,400
acres, displaced numerous residents, and destroyed at least one residence along with additional structures and property. Witnesses reported at least six separate fire starts in the Cold Springs area, and video captured a Union Pacific train sparking multiple wildfires just ¼ mile from the victims’ property at the time of ignition.
Plaintiffs include homeowners and property owners affected by both fires, including Ramon Garza Nino and Maria Carrera in Wasco County, and Patricia Edmunds and the Lloyd family in Umatilla County, whose homes, family legacies, and personal property were destroyed or severely damaged. In total, the lawsuit names 49 plaintiffs, including individuals, businesses, homeowners, and renters impacted by the fires.
The complaint alleges that Union Pacific was aware of the heightened wildfire risk in the Columbia River Gorge and surrounding areas, particularly during periods of high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds. Historical incidents, including the 2014 Rowena Fire, the 2016 Mosier oil train derailment, the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire, and the 2023 Tunnel 5 Fire, demonstrate a documented pattern of fire risk along Union Pacific tracks. Plaintiffs allege that Union Pacific’s reduction in operations at the Hinkle Rail Yard and insufficient maintenance of trains and tracks contributed directly to these devastating fires. The lawsuit also alleges several intentional torts, including battery, intentional trespass, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, given that the Union Pacific continued to operate trains they knew were sparking fires.
“Union Pacific’s repeated failure to operate safely in a high-risk wildfire area has resulted in devastating destruction for countless families and businesses,” said Gerald Singleton, Managing Partner of Singleton Schreiber. “Our clients have suffered immeasurable losses, and we are committed to holding Union Pacific accountable for the harm caused by their preventable negligence.”
This lawsuit seeks to hold Union Pacific accountable for the destruction of property, displacement of residents, and the severe emotional, physical, and financial impacts caused by these preventable wildfires.
Singleton Schreiber is a client-centered law firm, focusing on mass torts and multi-district litigation, fire litigation, personal injury/wrongful death, civil rights, environmental law, insurance bad faith, tribal law, and sex abuse/trafficking. Home to the nation’s largest fire litigation practice, the firm has represented more than 30,000 wildfire and explosion victims and played leading roles in cases such as the 2025 Eaton Fire, Moss Landing Battery Fire, Esparto Fireworks Explosion, and the 2023 Maui Fires. Singleton Schreiber is also pursuing groundbreaking cases against Tesla for its misrepresented autopilot system and serving in leadership in the national hair relaxer litigation, as well as advocating for survivors of abuse involving major hotel chains. With deep experience in complex claims, the firm is committed to holding corporations accountable and helping individuals, families, and communities recover.
