This verdict adds to a string of legal proceedings that are expected to hold utility company PacifiCorp liable for billions of dollars in damages resulting from the deadly blazes.

The plaintiffs' attorneys expressed their satisfaction with the jury's decision and praised the strength and resilience of their clients in a statement. Nick Rosinia, one of the attorneys, stated, "We are so proud of the strength and resilience of our clients, and thankful to the jury for holding PacifiCorp accountable for what happened on Labor Day 2020 - something it will never do itself."

PacifiCorp expects its share of the verdict to be just under $80 million after post-verdict rulings and insurance payments, as stated by the company. In a written statement, PacifiCorp acknowledged the tragic nature of the wildfires and its commitment to settling reasonable claims for actual damages under Oregon law. The company also emphasized that the threat of wildfires to communities and businesses is a larger issue beyond any single company or industry.

The fires, categorized as one of the worst natural disasters in Oregon's history, resulted in the loss of nine lives, the destruction of over 1,875 square miles (4,856 square kilometers), and more than 5,000 homes and structures. Last June, a jury found PacifiCorp liable for damages due to its alleged negligence in failing to cut power to its 600,000 customers, despite warnings from fire officials, stating that the company's power lines were responsible for multiple blazes. PacifiCorp has appealed this decision.

The previous jury awarded approximately $90 million to 17 homeowners named as plaintiffs in the case, with additional damages to be determined for a broader class that could include around 2,500 property owners, as estimated by plaintiffs' attorneys. The $85 million awarded on Tuesday marked the first compensation granted to victims from the broader class. Subsequent trials are scheduled for February and April, with more legal actions expected.

In a separate case, PacifiCorp recently agreed to pay $299 million to settle a lawsuit brought by 463 plaintiffs who were impacted by other severe wildfires in southern Oregon during the Labor Day weekend of 2020.

The latest verdict intensifies the legal pressure on PacifiCorp and underscores the company's potential financial liability for the wildfires. As the legal battles continue, the outcomes of these cases could have significant implications for all parties involved and potentially reshape the accountability and responsibility of utilities in the face of growing wildfire risks.