The legal reckoning from last summer's devastating Cram Fire has begun. A Jefferson County ranching couple, Ronald and Deborah Dees, filed a lawsuit earlier this year against Central Electric Cooperative (CEC), alleging the utility's negligent infrastructure management caused the fire that scorched approximately 95,000 acres across Jefferson and Wasco counties in July 2025.
What the Lawsuit Alleges
The lawsuit, filed in early 2026 and reported by KTVZ and Central Oregon Daily News, seeks more than $10 million in damages. According to the complaint, eyewitnesses observed power outages in the area where the fire ignited, followed almost immediately by a downed CEC powerline from which sparks or burning materials ignited the blaze.
"Eyewitnesses observed power outages in the area where the fire ignited and almost immediately thereafter observed a downed CEC powerline from which sparks and/or other materials ignited the Cram fire," the lawsuit states.
The Dees are represented by attorneys at Singleton Schreiber LLP, a firm that has handled multiple wildfire utility-liability cases nationally. Partner Vanessa Waldref is among those representing the plaintiffs.
The Cram Fire's Toll
The Cram Fire ignited in mid-July 2025 and exploded rapidly amid extreme heat and dry conditions. At its peak, it had grown to nearly 96,000 acres. Evacuation orders and warnings swept through communities in Jefferson and Wasco counties. Multiple homes and structures were destroyed, and residents in the Ashwood community suffered significant losses. The fire was eventually brought to 77 percent containment before evacuation zones began to lift.
The lawsuit is the first major civil action arising from the fire to reach public attention, but it likely won't be the last. Large utility-caused wildfires in Oregon and California have spawned waves of litigation as landowners and communities seek accountability.
CEC's Response
Central Electric Cooperative, the local utility serving much of Jefferson, Crook, and Lake counties, has not publicly commented on the specific allegations. The cooperative serves thousands of customers across a vast rural territory.
Looking Ahead
The lawsuit is in early stages, and no trial date has been set. As Jefferson County enters its second consecutive high-risk fire season — this time under a state drought emergency and with statewide fire restrictions in place — the Cram Fire remains a fresh wound for many families. The outcome of the Dees' case may determine whether and how the cooperative changes its infrastructure management going forward.