Rachelle McMaster

Testimony of Rachelle McMaster, Otis, OR — No on HB 3917

Chair Kropf and members of the Committee, my name is Rachelle McMaster and I am one of the many who survived the 2020 Oregon wildfires. I lived in Otis and never would have imagined our little town would be devastated by a destructive fire that wreaked havoc on so many lives. I can still remember the fear of that day of having to evacuate and not knowing if I would survive.
Even to this day if I see or hear about a fire anywhere in proximity to me, I go on high alert. I still have nightmares about not being able to escape the fire that are so real, I wake up in a cold sweat. Five years later, the impact of the fire is still a very active part of my life and my family’s life. We are far from alone in these feelings. There are so many stories similar to mine. So much heartbreaking loss and devastation. Precious items, property, memories – destroyed by the fire that can never be replaced. Pictures and family heirlooms passed down through generations that no longer exist.
PacifiCorp was told to shut off the power during the fire and they chose not to. How much property could have been saved had they just done the right thing? Now they are looking for ways to shirk their responsibility if, God forbid, this happens again. A jury heard the facts of my case and offered some justice so we could start rebuilding our lives. Yet we’ve seen no relief or resolution five years later. Instead, I’m reliving the most terrifying and devastating day of my life to testify and plead for justice for the survivors of the 2020 fires and for the survivors of the future.
Nothing can replace those precious heirlooms and photos. As a family, our favorite time of year has always been Christmas, our tradition was to decorate our tree and home with many beloved items passed down through the generations. In September 2020 that tradition was destroyed. Glass beads from Grandma, handmade ornaments by my children. All destroyed. I know none of that means much to a giant corporation like PacifiCorp, but it means everything to our family.
There’s no one-sized-fits-all price you can put on an individual’s trauma or loss. That’s what a jury is for. We ask that you hold the utility companies accountable if they don’t act responsibly. Protect future victims of wildfires, but not on the backs of rate payers. Oregon families are depending on you to stand with us.

I urge you to vote NO on HB 3917

Watch Rachel McMaster talk more about the impact of the Echo Mountain Fire