PORTLAND, Ore.— Idaho Power Company, a Boise, Idaho-based utility, has agreed to pay $1.5 million to settle allegations of causing two devastating wildfires in Baker County, Oregon.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon announced the settlement today, stating that the Powerline Fire ignited on May 31, 2014, and burned approximately 5 acres of federal land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The Lime Hill Fire, which ignited on August 5, 2015, burned approximately 2,592 acres of federal land managed by BLM and 9,337 acres of privately-owned land.
The United States contended that the Powerline and Lime Hill fires were caused by the failure of structures on Idaho Power Company’s 138kV Ontario-to-Quartz transmission line. The settlement does not constitute an admission of liability by Idaho Power Company.
Idaho Power Company has a utility right-of-way on BLM land in Baker County. In a statement, the company denied the United States’ contentions.
The case was investigated by BLM with assistance from the U.S. Forest Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carla McClurg and Alexis Lien represented the United States in this matter.
Idaho Power Company must pay $1.5 million to settle the allegations. The company denies any wrongdoing.
The settlement is a result of a civil action filed by the United States. Idaho Power Company’s liability for the fires remains disputed.
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Key Facts
- State: Oregon
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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