Visuals of Federal Response to Oregon Wildfires Available
SALEM, OR – Federal staff and resources continue to assist Oregon, in person and working virtually, in support of the state’s response to the devastating wildfires. Photos and video documenting the federally supported, state managed, locally executed response continue to be captured and is available for download. The collection currently has more than 200 files for media use with new imagery added frequently. Each visual file includes the location, a caption, and the photographer’s name for photo credit. They are available at the following links:
A major disaster declaration was approved on Sept. 15 for the State of Oregon, triggering the release of federal funds for emergency protective measures under the Public Assistance program, Individual Assistance, as well as Hazard Mitigation statewide. Registration is open for those affected by wildfires in Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, and Marion counties. Apply by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov, calling 800-621-3362 or using the FEMA app. Those who use Video Relay Service can call 800-621-3362.
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 How has COVID19 changed the way state agencies respond to natural disasters and evacuation?
The 2020 wildfire event will enter the history books alongside the great fires of 1910 and the Tillamook Burn fires. This devastating weather and fire event came at a time when we are still in a recession and face one of our most challenging budget cycles.
Although busy fighting these massive fires, arranging for evacuations, temporary resettlement or accommodations and dealing with the consequences of homes and offices that were lost, our state agencies and their partners have been focused primarily on protecting the lives and safety of Oregonians in the path of the fires. They are coordinating with federal and local officials as well as organizations supporting impacted families.
Join Senator Roblan live during this full hour discussion on KXCR 90.7 with the latest information on our state agencies’ responses to COVID-19, the wildfires and recovery efforts being made around the state.
October 6th Speakers include:
Federal Emergency Management Agency fema.gov
Doug Grafe, Chief of Fire Protection, Oregon Department of Forestry
Lisa Sumption, Director of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
Fariborz Pakseresht, Director of the Oregon Department of Human Services
Alexis Taylor, Director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture
Kenny LaPoint, Director of Public Affairs at Oregon Housing & Community Services (OHCS)
What: KXCR 90.7 FM "Fireside (Weekly) Chats"
When: Tuesday, October 6
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Join us live on Twitter and Instagram or tune into on KXCR ttps://www.twitch.tv/kxcr_streaming or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kxcr90.7/
If you missed it, you can watch the discussion with Senators Arnie Roblan and Betsy Johnson on KXCR 90.7, on the government's responses to the wildfires and recovery efforts being made on Oregon’s north coast and information about Sen. Johnson talk on third party contracting with Andrew Stolfi, Director Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS), Jim McCauley, Legislative Director for the League of Oregon Cities and Greg Hinkelman, Clatskanie City. https://www.facebook.com/kxcr90.7/videos/779077252883628/
Senator Johnson is scheduled for a discussion on Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA) new paid leave mandate and possible expansion of existing Fed-OSHA program.
About the KXCR 90.7 Radio Fireside Chat:
When the coronavirus hit us back in March, it became obvious that this would present a challenge to our state unlike any we have ever faced. The impact of COVID-19 also cast a bright light on Oregon’s social, regional and racial divide. So we created the KXCR 90.7 Fireside Chats, which is designed to inform and educate our audience about issues faced by our state leaders in addressing the challenges faced by workers and businesses most impacted by the pandemic. We are now using this program to gather and disseminate the latest information on COVID19, the recent wildfires and the recovery efforts around the state.
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 Cleanup from the recent wildfires and wind damage is set to begin in eight Oregon counties as county officials, Oregon’s Debris Management Task Force, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have finalized plans to remove and dispose of hazardous materials from burned properties—free of charge to property owners. Removal of household hazardous waste and fire debris is required before property owners can rebuild from the fires.
Cleanup crews plan to begin operations in Jackson County the week of October 19 and will expand to the other counties shortly afterward, pending the completion by property owners of “Right of Entry” (ROE) access agreements that will allow cleanup crews onto their property. The ROE for a property must be signed before the county and state cleanup process can begin.
Hazardous waste cleanup is provided free of charge to property owners in Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn and Marion counties. FEMA and the State of Oregon are funding the work.
Affected Oregon counties are in varying stages of developing their ROE forms. Property owners are urged to check their county’s website (list below) or wildfire.oregon.gov/cleanup for more information about the ROE process in their county. In preparation for filling out the forms, property owners should identify their property parcel number from their county tax assessor’s office and collect insurance information.
Household hazardous waste can include but is not limited to: fuel and petroleum, car batteries, antifreeze, used oil filters, solvents, fertilizers, pesticides, propane tanks, high pressure cylinders, disinfectants, aerosols, paint, bleach, radiological sources or devices, pool chemicals and ammunition. Cleanup crews will also identify and dispose of bulk asbestos materials when possible.
How the process will work
STEP 1: Household hazardous waste removal – No cost to property owner
- Once a property owner completes an ROE form with their county, crews will evaluate the property for any overhead hazards (impacted trees) or other physical hazards and conduct air monitoring and visual observations to identify locations of household hazardous waste.
- Crews will then remove those items from the property for safe disposal.
STEP 2: Ash and debris removal
- Cleanup crews then will remove burned-out structures—possibly including building foundations—ash and other debris.
- When this step is complete, property owners will be able to begin the rebuilding process.
State, county and federal partners are actively working to develop funding and implementation options for Step 2: Ash and debris removal.
The State of Oregon’s Debris Management Task Force is overseeing a coordinated effort by federal, state and local government agencies to address hazardous waste and debris removal. The task force consists of the Office of Emergency Management, Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.
IMPORTANT LINKS FOR PROPERTY OWNERS
 Today, Gov. Brown announced an update to the county watch list. Which adds Benton County.
As the Census news remains in a seemingly endless back and forth, today a new judge said the deadline is 10/31. I continue to recommend, “as soon as you can” messaging around the Census.
You’ve all surely heard the news of the President and First Lady’s COVID-19 diagnosis. Please promote the need for COVID-19 safety measures, including mask use, limiting social situations/keeping them outdoors, physical distancing and diligent hygiene.
While Lane County did not make the watch list, they have seen an increase in infection rates, which have been tied to various gatherings.
Some of the long-term coverage of folks who have had COVID-19 includes the long-lasting symptoms. KPTV covered a local long-haul driver’s experience.
The new OSP superintendent is heading into her position early.
East of Eugene, the McKenzie school district is sticking to online learning following the wildfires. And remote-learning generally remains the expectation.
The AP talked somewhat about the potential of a quorum proof majority in Oregon.
Undocumented workers struggle more than most in the midst of the pandemic, the Oregon Worker Relief Fund has helped.
The youth correctional facility is facing a concerning lawsuit.
NPR spoke with Gov. Brown about the outlook for future fire seasons.
Congress approved funding for the drought relief in the Klamath Basin.
The coast continues to seek economic supports while protecting wildlife.
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