Gerald Singleton, Managing Partner at Singleton Schreiber in San Diego, was recently featured by Oregon Live in their article, "Lawsuit Claims Sparks from Freight Train Ignited Blaze That Ravaged Columbia Gorge Town," published on June 24, 2025.
The article summarizes the devastating Rowena Fire and details the federal lawsuit that Singleton Schreiber filed on behalf of wildfire victims against Union Pacific Railroad.
According to the lawsuit, Union Pacific was negligent in failing to clear brush near its tracks and continued to operate trains during National Weather Service “red flag warnings” for wildfire risk. The complaint alleges that a Union Pacific train hauling refrigerated boxcars between Portland and Hermiston braked near The Dalles, sending sparks into nearby brush and igniting the fire. Victims are seeking damages for property loss, evacuation expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress, as well as accountability and improved safety measures from Union Pacific.
Speaking on the case, Mr. Singleton said:
“This appears to be yet another tragic example of preventable wildfire destruction linked to railroad operations. Families have lost their homes, livelihoods, and sense of security all because of corporate irresponsibility. We are determined to ensure the Wasco County community receives the justice it deserves.”
“When you have red flag conditions, you have to be very cautious, because it's the kind of thing where a single spark can start one of these. Families have lost their homes, livelihoods and sense of security.”
“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.”
