Just after midnight on June 19, 2025, a fast-moving fire broke out in the Ridgecrest Apartments in Hazel Dell, Washington.  The blaze quickly grew following a series of explosions, leaving one person dead, one hospitalized, and at least 10 families permanently displaced.  

The identities of the person killed and injured have not been identified, but reports indicate that a woman sustained second-degree burns and was taken to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center.

At this time, the Clark County Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire, and the Red Cross is offering temporary lodging to the families who were displaced by the fire.  However, these residents, whose homes have been destroyed, have likely lost everything.  

Get Help From Leading Apartment Fire Lawyers

Under these circumstances, those affected by the fire, whether they have lost their homes or their loved one, may benefit from speaking with an experienced fire lawyer.  

Singleton Schreiber has been helping victims of devastating fires since 2007.   Their attorneys understand the needs people have after a fire and can help connect them to essential resources and fight for compensation for their losses.  

According to founding partner Gerald Singleton, “ Losing your home in a fire is devastating, but the losses can go far beyond property damage.  People affected may have suffered serious injury, stress and mental anguish, lost income or irreplaceable keepsakes.” Singleton continued, “And, in the case of the Ridgecrest Apartment fire, a family has lost a loved one forever.  Unfortunately, in these situations, even those with insurance rarely recover what they are entitled to without the help of a law firm like ours.”

If you were affected by the Ridgecrest Apartment fire in Hazel Dell, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. This can include:

Housing and Living Expenses

This may include hotel stays, short-term rentals, compensation for the inability to live in or use your apartment, and increased cost of living expenses. In this case, as many as 10 families have been permanently displaced and are likely experiencing significant costs and disruption to their lives.

Medical Expenses and Pain and Suffering

While initial reports indicate that only one person was hospitalized, it may be the case that others suffered burns, inhalation injury, or physical injury during the evacuation.  It is important that those affected seek medical treatment. This may also include the psychological harm that the fire inflicted, potentially leaving residents with PTSD or severe anxiety.

Wrongful Death

For the family that lost their loved one, compensation may be available for funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support or companionship, and grief and suffering. Of course, no amount of money can replace a loved one, but it can help ease the financial burden of the loss.

Property Damage

This can include personal belongings such as electronics, furniture, clothing, appliances, documents, keepsakes, or other valuables.  It can also include vehicle damage if a resident’s car was damaged or destroyed by the fire.   

Who Is Responsible for the Ridgecrest Apartment Fire?

At this time, the cause of the fire on Northeast 104th Street is under investigation.  While liability cannot be determined until the investigation is complete, entities that are often responsible for such fires include:

• Landlords or property managers, when code violations, poor maintenance, or negligence are involved.
• Utility companies or contractors, if power transmission, installation, or servicing contributed to the blaze. 
• Product manufacturers, if a faulty appliance, product, or wiring caused the fire.

However, residents don’t have to wait for the investigation to be completed to seek legal assistance.  The sooner you talk to an attorney, the sooner you may be able to mitigate your losses, plan a path forward, and recover from this tragic incident.   

The Rowena Fire erupted Wednesday afternoon just outside The Dalles, Oregon, rapidly growing into a destructive blaze that has scorched more than 3,600 acres and destroyed at least 56 homes and 91 other structures. Fueled by dry brush and 30 mph winds, the fire remains 0% contained as of Thursday, prompting widespread evacuations and devastating losses across Wasco County. 

The most severely damaged areas lie along the fire’s northern and eastern perimeter, according to the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office. Interstate 84 reopened after a 10-hour closure, while Highway 30 remains closed west of The Dalles. Emergency shelters have been set up for displaced residents and their animals. 

State officials have declared this the beginning of what could be a particularly dangerous wildfire season. Chief Deputy Travis Medema with the Oregon State Fire Marshal noted, “This fire is occurring under unseasonable conditions and record-low fuel moistures – all of which signal a long and potentially dangerous fire season.” 

If you or a loved one has been affected by the Rowena Fire, contact Singleton Schreiber today to learn more about how we can help you. 

The Unique Dangers of Fires in Residential Areas

Wildfires near neighborhoods pose immediate and long-term dangers that go beyond scorched earth. Evacuations are often chaotic, with little or no warning. Many families return to find their homes, possessions, and treasured memories gone. Insurance may be insufficient or nonexistent. And for those without coverage, the financial devastation can feel insurmountable. 

Families are often left with nowhere to live, little access to essential belongings, and rising costs from temporary housing, food, and transportation. Rebuilding is made more difficult by material shortages, construction delays, and red tape. On top of all this, the emotional toll of losing a home can be profound. 

“Our team has helped wildfire victims across the country, and we’ve seen firsthand how overwhelming the aftermath can be,” says Gerald Singleton, a nationally recognized plaintiff utility fire attorney. Singleton has represented over 30,000 clients and recovered over $3B on their behalf. “If you or your family has been affected by the Rowena Fire, or another similar fire, you need a legal team that understands these types of cases inside and out, who will stand by your side and fight for everything you’ve lost. Our team does that.”

Singleton Schreiber is currently representing victims in several major wildfire cases, including a lawsuit that accuses BNSF Railway of triggering the Tunnel 5 Fire in the Columbia River Gorge in July 2023.  

The Impact of the Rowena Fire on the Community

Simonelli Road sustained some of the most extensive damage, with multiple homes and vehicles destroyed. Several residents have reported property and home loss such as:

• Floyd Barber Jr., a long time resident, has lost 4 rental properties (Source: msn.com)
• Kevin Wycherly, who evacuated without warning (Source: msn.com)
• Jenette Duarte, found her home that housed generations to rubble (Source: katu.com)
• Nick Grzych, a resident who also lost his home (Source: msn.com)

These losses are more than just buildings. These residents are now faced with the reality of losing their homes, memories, and sense of security. The affected families now face the difficult process of rebuilding their lives.

Legal Options for Victims of the Rowena Fire

While the exact cause of the Rowena Fire is still under investigation, officials believe it was likely human-caused. If that’s confirmed, fire victims may have legal grounds to seek compensation from those responsible.

Those affected may be eligible to recover damages for:

• Loss of homes and property
• Evacuation and relocation expenses
• Emotional distress
• Business losses or lost income
• Medical bills and health impacts related to smoke or fire
• Clean-up and rebuilding costs

If you’ve lost your home, your belongings, or your peace of mind in the Rowena Fire, contact Singleton Schreiber for a free consultation. We are here to help you rebuild – physically, emotionally, and financially.