Berkshire Hathaway's PacifiCorp settles US wildfire claims for $575 million

PacifiCorp, a unit of Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A), agreed to pay $575 million to resolve U.S. government damages claims related to six wildfires in Oregon and California. The settlement, announced on February 20, 2026, addresses negligence allegations that the utility's electrical lines sparked fires that burned nearly 290,000 acres of federal land. The fires occurred between 2020 and 2022. The payment will cover firefighting costs and land restoration efforts by the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. PacifiCorp denied liability. This agreement follows the utility’s recent announcement to sell $1.9 billion in Washington state assets to bolster liquidity amid ongoing litigation.