The Phase III Hearing on DAO Docket Issues regarding RMP's Rate Case took place on March 23, 2025, in Utah, focusing on the investigation of the Beachy Creek Fire and its implications for fire management and liability.

The meeting began with a review of a 2020 press release from the U.S. Forest Service, which indicated that the Beachy Creek Fire had been renamed the Santiam Fire. This change acknowledged that the rapid growth of the fire was not primarily due to the Beachy Creek Fire itself but rather a series of smaller fires, many ignited by downed power lines. The discussion highlighted the findings of the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), which stated that while multiple fires were reported as caused by power lines, there was no evidence that these ignitions contributed to the overall spread of the fire in the Santiam Canyon.

As the dialogue progressed, a key point of contention arose regarding the causation of the fire. One participant noted that the ODF's investigation concluded that the spread of the fire was significantly influenced by a strong easterly wind event occurring on September 7 and 8, 2020. This wind event was identified as a major factor in the fire's rapid propagation, although it was clarified that the wind itself was not the cause of the fire.

The conversation also addressed the implications of the ODF's findings on the attribution of negligence to the company involved. A representative indicated that had they been aware of the ODF's conclusions at the time of their analysis, they might have reconsidered their assessment of the company's liability regarding the Beachy Creek Fire.

The meeting concluded with discussions about the admission of the ODF report as evidence, emphasizing its importance in providing a comprehensive understanding of the fire's causation and the responsibilities of the involved parties. The ongoing examination of these findings is expected to influence future fire management policies and liability assessments in the region.