The complaint, filed Oct. 2, names siblings Heidi, Brian and Brady Lloyd and their grandmother, Patricia Edmunds. Their attorneys are seeking $75,000 for each plaintiff.

The lawsuit alleges eyewitnesses saw the train release hot material that ignited fires along or near Union Pacific’s tracks in Umatilla County. It further claims the train continued operating and started additional fires until a firefighter requested that the tracks be shut down. The plaintiffs allege the railroad knew freight operations posed wildfire risks in dry conditions.

Union Pacific said it is reviewing the lawsuit and will respond. “We take fire prevention seriously and work closely with local emergency responders, public agencies and communities across our network,” the company said, adding that its thoughts are with those affected.

Edmunds lived in Texas, while her grandchildren rented rooms in the Hermiston-area home she owned, according to the complaint. The family says the property had been held by relatives for more than 50 years and three generations. One plaintiff was at home as the fire spread, the lawsuit says.

The blaze damaged more than two acres of the property, according to the filing. It also destroyed an 8,400-square-foot garden and trees Edmunds had planted in memory of her son, along with a vehicle and a farm one of the siblings was building. Multiple pets died, the plaintiffs allege.

The Umatilla County Fire District issued Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation orders as the fire spread. Estimates of its size varied during the day: it was reported at about 4,000 acres that afternoon and about 1,000 acres later that evening.