MEDICAL LAKE, Wash. — A report from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirmed the devastating wildfire that destroyed hundreds of homes in Medical Lake last summer was caused by sparks from an Inland Power light.
Less than 24 hours after the report's release, the attorneys behind the largest lawsuit to date held a town hall for those impacted by the Gray Fire.
"This appears to be a slam dunk, hopefully it will expedite the litigation but it's still a big case, it's still going to take some time," attorney John Lemon said.
Attorneys with Singleton Schreiber pointed the finger at Inland Power months ago. Their assumptions are now backed by an independent DNR investigation. Lawsuits against Inland Power are moving forward.
"The utility always tries to delay, and they usually try to mount some sort of defense," Lemon said.
During a virtual town hall meeting with Gray Fire victims, attorneys laid out the next steps. A trial is set for November 2025. However, attorneys John Lemon and Steve Hill think Inland Power could settle to avoid trial.
"It should be negotiated as an individual case and it should be settled as an individual case, that's something that we feel really strongly about," Lemon said.
Fire victims could receive economic damages, recovering anything not covered by insurance. Emotional damages could also be included in settlements.
Lemon said insurance companies will likely sue Inland Power to recoup money they paid fire victims.
"We want to get in line ahead of the insurance companies if there's limited resources," Lemon said. "From this point forward, our objective is to make you whole to the best of our ability."
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