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Friends and Neighbors,
Wildfire Updates-Washington County
Chehalem Mountain-Bald Peak Wildfire Information
From Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue
TVF&R fire investigators have determined the cause of the Chehalem Mountain – Bald Peak Fire to be an improperly extinguished campfire on private property near the 20000 block of Neugebauer Road. As a result of dry fuels, low humidity, high winds as well as steep and rugged terrain, the fire spread very quickly and proved very challenging to fight.
Approximately 875 acres were impacted by the fire, though fire protection, suppression, and patrols have been conducted throughout 1,555 acres. In some cases, fire jumped over areas leaving unburned timber and dry fuels. Though the fire is considered contained, residents will need to remain vigilant and should call 911 to report any spot fires (see additional tips for residents below). Level 2 evacuation zones remain in place since conditions can change quickly. See map for address information. Firefighters will remain in the area to mop up hot spots and monitor for flare ups. An audit is being done in the area to verify the number of outbuildings impacted by fire. Firefighters were able to protect all homes.
Residents may notice smoldering stumps for weeks or months.
Residents are encouraged to:
- Check ground for hot spots on their property.
- Create a defensible space around your home and outbuildings. See tips at https://www.tvfr.com/192/Wildfire
- Wet down areas adjacent structures and landscape.
- Maintain access for firefighters working in the area.
- Contact 911 if any active fire is burning or any danger is perceived.
Air quality remains unhealthy and people are encouraged to remain indoors. To get real time air quality information, visit https://www.airnow.gov/.
For more information on prevention, please check out this website for more fire safety tips, straight from Smokey Bear: https://smokeybear.com/en/prevention-how-tos/campfire-safety. We all play a role.
Westside Commons
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to join other elected officials on a virtual tour of the Westside Commons (formerly the Washington County Fairgrounds) and witness the coordinated effort to provide a safe haven to so many animals in harms way. We heard from an animal owner, that was impacted by the fires, that was so appreciative of this service to protect her animals. Thank you to the countless volunteers in the community that showed up to help. Whether that was transporting the animals to safety, setting up and organizing stalls, feeding animals or cleaning up after them….it takes a village to make this happen.
Please consider a donation to the Washington County Sheriff’s Posse here. They were instrumental in the good work at Westside Commons. Thank you to Leah Perkins-Hagele for putting your fair knowledge to test and organizing this rescue effort.
Animal Care (as of 10 a.m. Sept. 15):
- The Washington County Fairgrounds/Fair Complex/Westside Commons continues to accept animals from evacuation areas. RV sites are available. To make arrangements call 503-314-3433.
- Currently there are 190 animals and one RV camper onsite. Capacity exists for additional animals, although the operation is focused on animals returning home. Plans are in place for most animals to be moved out by Friday.
- The Washington County Sheriff’s Posse, 4-H volunteers, PCC vet program students and Oregon Zoo volunteers are providing care for the animals. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has provided the Mobile Command Unit to Westside Commons for staff and volunteers. Contracted security officers will provide overnight care and security.
- Due to poor air quality, Animal Services and the Bonnie Hays Animal Shelter are closed to the public for anything other than emergency response. Staff will be on-site to care for animals, intake stray dogs and injured pets and reunite lost pets. Animal Services Officers will prioritize emergency calls.
- Other information and resources regarding pets and livestock at https://www.co.washington.or.us/EmergencyManagement/wildfireanimals.cfm and www.co.washington.or.us/HHS/animalservices/index.cfm.
- Keep pets indoors with short bathroom breaks outside as they are susceptible to the effects of the poor air quality. More info here.
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Our pets give us so much love and comfort during these difficult times. Please give them a little extra care during these smoky days. This is our sweet rescue pup, Annie
Washington County Resources
Business Resources
Per the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce: SERVPRO is offering to rent professional quality air scrubbers to area businesses.
Currently they have 21 HEPA 500 units and 10 Extra-large HEPA 2000 units in stock. These units will help remove gas and odors without the need for ozone or chemical deodorants.
These professional units are the same units SERVPRO uses to mitigate smoke and pollution damage in our professional restoration business.
If you are interested in renting one for your business call SERVPRO direct at 503-648-8513. They will deliver and set up these units for customers.
Below is a breakdown of the rental rates:
• HEPA 500 Units rental rate: $60.00 per day or $240.00 per week
• HEPA 2000 Extra Large Unit (best for large indoor areas): $300.00 per day or $1,500.00 per week.
Additional Resources
- Wildfire Resources
- Current conditions:
- Mental Health Resources:
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Disaster Distress Helpline offers 24/7 free and confidential disaster crisis counseling to anyone in the United States at 1-800-985-5990
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Oregon Behavioral Health Support Line offers free confidential support to Oregonians at 1-800-923-HELP (4357)
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Lines for Life offers 24-hour crisis support for drug addiction, alcohol abuse, and thoughts of suicide to youth, military personnel and their families, and those affected by substance abuse at 1-800-273-8255
- Air Quality and Health
 Ways To Help
2020 Community Rebuilding Fund
The 2020 Community Rebuilding Fund, established at the request of Governor Kate Brown and launched in partnership with Meyer Memorial Trust, Oregon Community Foundation and The Ford Family Foundation, is a place to bring private and philanthropic donations together to work collectively for Oregonians whose communities have been leveled by wildfires this season.
Oregon Volunteer Firefighters Association (OVFA) Firefighter Relief Fund
Many of the firefighters across the state that have responded to the recent emergency are volunteers. Especially in rural areas that do not have large fire departments, these firefighters are essential front line workers that answer the call to emergency action. My Dad was a founding member and volunteer firefighter in our town of Gales Creek, Oregon. These communities rely on the men and women who volunteer. Visit here to donate now.
Office of Emergency Management-Donations and Volunteers
Visit here to go to Oregon's Office of Emergency Management Volunteers and Donation Portal. The current situation is rapidly evolving across our state. At this time needs are still being identified. Right now, consider making a financial donation to a verified disaster relief organization, a donation offer as the situation evolves, and/or volunteering. Organizations will be in contact if there is a match between an offer and a need.
COVID-19 Updates
COVID-19 Temporary Paid Leave Program
Working Oregonians at the frontlines of this pandemic should not have to worry about how they will pay their bills if they are forced to quarantine. I was proud to support the COVID-19 Temporary Paid Leave Program, and I am glad to report it is now taking applications for eligible workers. If you have been exposed to COVID-19 and have to quarantine but do not have access to COVID-19-related paid sick leave, you might be eligible for up to $120 per day. Learn more about the program and eligibility at Oregon.gov/CovidPaidLeave
The COVID-19 Temporary Paid Leave Program is available to people who need to quarantine or isolate because of COVID-19 exposure or are experiencing symptoms and need a medical diagnosis, but do not qualify for COVID-19-related paid sick leave (or do not have access to COVID-19-related paid time off).
If you meet all of the eligibility requirements, you will get a $120 per-day payment, up to 10 working days ($1,200 total) for the time you need to quarantine or isolate.
To see if you are eligible, take this quiz.
Read the instructions for help completing the application.
COVID-19 Mortgage Relief Program
From the Oregon Homeownership Stabilization Initiative
We are opening our COVID-19 Mortgage Relief program to help Oregon homeowners who have fallen behind on their mortgage during the pandemic. Funding is limited, so apply today.
If you have suffered a financial hardship and have fallen behind on your mortgage, we may be able to help in the form of a five-year forgivable loan recorded as a lien/mortgage on your property. Find out about our program requirements.
The COVID-19 Mortgage Relief program is funded through the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Hardest Hit Fund. We provide financial relief to help homeowners catch up on mortgage payments and stay secure in their homes.
If you qualify, these funds are available at no cost to you as long as you don’t sell your home or refinance it for cash for at least five years.
To learn more or to apply, visit here.
Additional Resources
House District 30 Links
Federal Delegation Links
Education Links
Utilities Assistance
Food and Housing Assistance
Due to the ongoing and rapidly changing information of current and emergent situations, we will be resuming twice weekly newsletters at our normal schedule of every Tuesday and Friday, beginning this Friday.
Be good to yourself and each other. ❤
Onward & Upward,
 Capitol Phone: 503-986-1430
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-487, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/sollman
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