Companies sue Inland Power over Gray Fire

MEDICAL LAKE — Inland Power and Light is facing a lawsuit from 62 companies, accusing the utility of negligence related to the massive Gray Fire that burned more than 10,000 acres near Medical Lake this summer. The lawsuit, filed in Spokane County Superior Court last week, alleges Inland Power’s actions contributed to the fire’s rapid spread and the destruction it caused.

The case consolidates three previous lawsuits, including one filed in September 2023 and two others from January and February 2024, which covered claims of property damage and a residential unlawful detainer. The plaintiffs argue that Inland Power failed to properly maintain a security light that sparked the fire and did not shut down power lines despite a red flag warning for dangerous fire conditions.

According to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the fire started when sparks from a faulty light ignited brush below. Investigators revealed that residents had contacted Inland Power earlier in the summer, reporting that the light was “flickering.” Despite these warnings, Inland Power allegedly did not send anyone to fix the problem. On the day of the fire, the resident who reported the sparks was placed on hold for 10 minutes before power was eventually cut.

The DNR’s investigation confirmed the light’s loose connection at a junction box caused the sparks that ignited the brush, leading to the fast-moving Gray Fire. Damages from the Gray and Elk fires, which burned concurrently, are estimated to exceed $5 billion, according to Governor Jay Inslee.

In response to the lawsuit, Inland Power has denied responsibility, claiming the fire was the result of an unavoidable accident. However, the findings of the DNR have been forwarded to the State Attorney General’s Office for review.

Legal actions and efforts to recover the damages caused by the fires are still unfolding as more details come to light.

Author Bio

Clare McGraw, Reporter

Clare is an Eastern Washington University graduate and a reporter at Free Press Publishing.