PacifiCorp Faces Next Damages Trial in Labor Day Fire Litigation

The utility company will go to trial again over its role in the devastating 2020 wildfire.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

PacifiCorp, a major utility company, is set to face its next damages trial related to the Labor Day Fire that devastated parts of Oregon in 2020. This will be the 17th trial in the ongoing litigation over the utility's alleged role in the catastrophic wildfire.

Why it matters

The Labor Day Fire caused widespread destruction, claiming several lives and burning over 170,000 acres. PacifiCorp has faced numerous lawsuits from individuals, businesses, and government entities seeking compensation for the damage caused by the fire, which investigators believe may have been sparked by the utility's equipment.

The details

The upcoming trial will focus on determining the appropriate level of damages PacifiCorp should pay to affected parties. Previous trials have already resulted in significant judgments against the company, underscoring the scale of the devastation caused by the Labor Day Fire.

  • The Labor Day Fire occurred in September 2020.
  • The next damages trial in the PacifiCorp litigation is scheduled to begin on March 2, 2026.

The players

PacifiCorp

A major utility company that provides electricity to customers in several western U.S. states, including Oregon, where the Labor Day Fire occurred.

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What’s next

The outcome of this upcoming trial will likely have significant financial implications for PacifiCorp and could set the stage for further legal proceedings related to the Labor Day Fire.

The takeaway

The PacifiCorp litigation highlights the ongoing legal and financial consequences for utility companies whose infrastructure may have contributed to devastating wildfires, underscoring the importance of grid modernization and fire prevention efforts.