The Phase III Hearing on DAO Docket Issues (24-035-04, RMP's Rate Case) took place in Utah on March 23, 2025, focusing on the investigation findings related to the Santiam Canyon fire and its connection to power lines. The meeting involved a detailed examination of the conclusions drawn from the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) investigation regarding the causes and propagation of the fire.

The session began with discussions on the findings of the ODF report, which stated that while seven reported ignitions in the Santiam Canyon were caused by power lines, these did not contribute to the overall spread of the fire. This point was contested, with participants debating the implications of the report's conclusions. A key focus was the role of wind in the fire's propagation, specifically the strong easterly winds that occurred during the fire event. It was noted that the wind was a significant factor in how quickly the fire spread, although it was clarified that wind itself was not the cause of the fire.

As the discussion progressed, participants highlighted the high fire danger level in the area and the timing of power de-energization in Gates, Oregon, which occurred shortly before the fire spread. The conversation also touched on the nature of fire brands—embers that can ignite new fires—and their potential role in the ignition of additional fires in the canyon.

The meeting concluded with a reflection on how the new information from the ODF report might influence previous assessments of negligence related to the Beachy Creek fire. One participant indicated that had they had access to the ODF findings at the time of their analysis, they would have reconsidered the categorization of negligence attributed to the company involved.

Overall, the hearing underscored the complexities of fire causation and the importance of thorough investigations in understanding the factors that contribute to wildfire incidents. The discussions highlighted the need for ongoing evaluation of fire management practices and the implications of utility operations in fire-prone areas.