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January 26, 2022
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.
 As of this week, nearly all (99.7%) fire-impacted properties have been cleared of ash and debris to help make way for rebuilding Oregon homes, businesses and communities. Working to keep fire-impacted communities safe, a large majority of dead or dying hazard trees (90.8%) have also been cut or removed with tree work continuing into this year.
Track the latest status here and stay tuned at www.debriscleanupnews.com for the latest news as this critical first step in the recovery process wraps up. The Debris Management Task Force hotline remains active at 503-934-1700 for any further questions and coordination.
Task Force crews help retrieve treasured memento
Clayton Seaton, a mason by trade, had placed an almost perfectly symmetrical heart-shaped rock into the stone façade of his cabin’s fireplace for his wife Oleta. When the cabin burned in the 2020 Lionshead Fire, the rock was lost in the debris. Watch the video to see how the Debris Management Task Force helped the family find the treasured memento.
The Baalmans: Making a new house a home
After losing their home to the 2020 Almeda Fire, Judy and Tony Baalman began the several months-long process of having their home site cleared of ash and debris. Their enduring spirit of hope and tenacity is mirrored in fire-affected communities across Oregon. Read more about the Baalmans’ journey as they share what makes their newly built house a home.
 Snow-heavy tree nearly crushes ODOT incident responder traveling on I-5
Trees can pose a major risk to travelers, even along highways that aren't impacted by wildfire. Earlier this month, a snow-heavy tree nearly crushed an Oregon Department of Transportation incident responder traveling on Interstate 5 in southern Oregon. Watch the video from OregonLive to hear the worker’s account of what happened and see first-hand why post-fire hazard tree work is so important.
 A quick guide to insurance and debris removal costs
With debris removal work completed on more properties every day, property owners participating in the state-led program are asking about insurance details and costs associated with debris cleanup. The short answer: there are no upfront costs, but there are requirements that work to avoid duplication of insurance benefits. Read more about what the insurance process includes and how our work can help support your situation.
 Erosion control helps to keep highways safe
Almost immediately following the September 2020 wildfires, the State of Oregon and federal partners formed the Erosion Threat Assessment and Reduction Team (ETART) to assess the potential for landslides and to address erosion threats in all of the fire areas. Read more about how Task Force crews work to prevent erosion while working to keep Oregon communities safe and moving.
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