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December 20, 2021
This monthly newsletter provides the latest information about Oregon's wildfire cleanup effort and what's underway to remove debris and hazard trees following the 2020 Labor Day wildfires.
 What a year it’s been. Just over a year after the unprecedented September 2020 wildfires so tragically ravaged Oregon communities, we are honored to report that the majority of wildfire cleanup is complete helping to clear the way for rebuilding homes, businesses and communities. As crews finish the final environmental and safety checks, ash and debris removal is 99% complete and hazard tree removal is 90% finished, providing Oregonians and out-of-state visitors with safer highways.
In this e-newsletter, we are taking a moment to reflect on where we started, the unprecedented and critical first steps undertaken, and what Oregonians have accomplished together.
September 2020: Evacuating the fires and the events that quickly followed
Declared one of the worst disasters in Oregon history, the September 2020 wildfires claimed the lives of nine Oregonians, more than 1 million acres, and nearly 5,000 homes and businesses. In Southern Oregon, Jocksana Corona received an alert about the Almeda Drive Fire with just enough time to warn her neighbors. Her harrowing story echoed throughout Oregon as thousands evacuated their homes, not knowing if they would be able to return.
Standing up an emergency response operation and getting started
Governor Brown and the Wildfire Economic Recovery Council created the ODOT-led Debris Management Task Force to begin the enormous task and critical first steps of helping wildfire survivors begin their next chapter. A massive operation consisting of a leadership team and more than 1,200 crew members was stood up within weeks, knowing they had started a race against time and that no pace would ever be fast enough. With an estimated timeline of 18 months, fire-affected families in Southern Oregon and throughout the state needed housing immediately. When Task Force staff learned that FEMA needed sites cleared to set up housing, they jumped into action.
 Working to safeguard Oregon’s natural and cultural resources
Oregon is a biologically diverse state, rich in both environmental and cultural resources. From historic structures and sacred tribal items to wildlife habitat and fisheries, the Task Force employed resource monitors to identify challenges and develop solutions as a reflection of our commitment to environmental and cultural stewardship. When Task Force crews discovered a nest of osprey chicks perched in a damaged tree leaning over the highway, they stepped up to the challenge of translocating and releasing the raptors.
In case you missed other stories highlighting our commitment to environmental stewardship, watch them here: From debris to finished steel, Powering homes with biofuel, Restoring fish habitat
Rebuilding communities and honoring memories
As work progressed, the impact of private property debris removal extended beyond home sites and businesses. For decades, the Vida McKenzie Community Center in Lane County was an anchor for the community and a hub for family gatherings, celebrations and community meetings. The main center, garage and storage building were all destroyed in the Holiday Farm Fire. When Task Force crews learned that a time capsule might be buried under the remains of the building, they swiftly made plans to unearth the historic keepsake.
In case you missed other stories about how important community is to us, read or watch them here: Reopening school doors, Preparing to welcome campers, Rebuilding a family park
 Reaching a major milestone
By April 2021, more than 1,800 home sites received letters from the state sharing that their properties had been cleared, passed environmental testing and were ready for rebuilding. Those letters marked the “halfway home” milestone of completing ash and debris removal from half of all home sites enrolled in the state-led program. The letters continue to help families and communities move one major step closer to rebuilding and recovery by providing confirmation that their properties are clean and safe again.
In case you missed other stories on progress and the work leading up to welcoming neighbors back home, watch them here: Joan’s Ringside Seat, A community recovering
 Hearing public concerns and responding to Oregon’s needs
The 2020 wildfires left nearly 100,000 dead or dying trees towering over some of Oregon’s busiest highways, rural communities and fire-affected home sites. Given the trauma of a changing post-wildfire landscape, when Oregonians expressed concern about the scope of the hazard tree removal operation, the Task Force hired an independent arborist to review the program and sought out additional reviews. The independent arborist and the Oregon Secretary of State found the operation adaptive and sound, noting the unprecedented and necessary work underway.
In case you missed other stories related to the hazard tree process, read or watch them here: No more lives lost, Hazard tree evaluation process, Returning to the canyon
 Reflecting and looking ahead
As we wrap up work from 2020, we want to sincerely thank Oregonians for their collaboration, grit and resilient spirit. Recovery does not happen overnight and there is still a massive lift ahead to rebuild our communities. Federal, state and local partners have all worked together in leading the way for long-term recovery. The tenacity and hope that we’ve seen from wildfire survivors this year is unmatched, and we were honored to play a part in helping fire-impacted communities begin their next chapter.
In case you missed other stories of recovery and hope, watch or read them here: Reflecting on recovery, Creating sustainable recovery, Baalman's journey home
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