WILDFIRE ASSISTANCE

I know that the last couple of months have been extremely difficult for Oregonians: evacuations, loss of homes, and unhealthy air quality. all through a pandemic. Despite the devastation, I am continually inspired by the kindness of others and how everyday Oregonians have stepped up to help their neighbors during this tough time. I hope you will find the following information helpful if you have been affected by the wildfires. As always, please feel free to call my office with any additional questions at 202-225-5711, extensive information is also available at wildfire.oregon.gov. 

If you have lost your home or property because of wildfires:

•  First, reach out to your insurance carrier - you can learn more about the process HERE.
• Then, register with FEMA to see what federal disaster aid you may qualify for. You can call FEMA at 800-621-3362 or file a claim online HERE. If you are unable to get through or get a response in a timely manner, you can call their 411 hotline.
  • Information that will be required when you apply includes:
    • Address of the damaged primary dwelling where damage occurred
    • Current mailing address
    • Current telephone number
    • Social Security number
    • Your insurance information
    • Total household annual income
    • Routing and account numbers for checking or savings accounts so FEMA may directly transfer disaster assistance funds
    • A description of wildfire or wind damage and losses
      
      

Once you have spoken with your insurer and registered with FEMA, the cleanup process will look something like this:

1.  Household hazardous waste removal – No cost to property owners

   Before you can rebuild, your property must be cleared of household hazardous waste or other hazardous substances. Crews that specialize in identifying and removing hazardous substances will visit properties, determine what hazardous materials need to be removed, and remove them for safe disposal. This service is funded by federal and state government and provided free of charge to property owners in Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn and Marion counties.
   
   Household hazardous waste includes fuel and petroleum, pool chemicals, car batteries, antifreeze, used oil filters, solvents, fertilizers, pesticides, propane tanks, disinfectants, aerosols, paint, bleach, and ammunition. Crews will also safely identify and dispose of large pieces of asbestos materials.

   If you have questions or concerns, you may call EPA’s hazardous waste removal hotline, available in English and Spanish 8 a.m.-8 p.m., 7 days a week: 541-225-5549

   IMPORTANT: Residents can still submit Right of Entry forms after the original Oct. 16 deadline. Contact your county to find more information about how to submit your access agreement.

   • Clackamas
   • Douglas
   • Jackson
   • Klamath
   • Lane
   • Lincoln
   • Linn
   • Marion

2. Ash and debris removal

   Ash and debris removal (Step 2) cannot begin until household hazardous waste removal (Step 1) is complete. In Step 2, cleanup crews hired by the state will remove ash and debris from burned properties to get them ready for rebuilding. The work is available to all property owners that opt into Step 2 and includes homes, mobile home parks, businesses, second residences, and other structures.
   
   Cleanup crews will also coordinate with property owners on potential removal of hazard trees, concrete foundations, and burned vehicles.
   
   Home and business owners that opt into Step 2 will pay no upfront costs for any cleanup work. Additionally, no government agency – state, federal or contractor - will seek payment from any insurance policy unless it is specifically designated for debris removal or left over after the home or business is completely rebuilt.
   
   Step 2 cleanup work will start when Step 1 completes; the State expects Step 2 work to begin early December 2020 and take 6 - 18 months to complete depending on weather, property access limitations and the large area to be covered.
   
   For home and business owners, the best thing you can do is sign a Right of Entry form through your county; see links above. There is no Step 2 only form. If you want Step 2 cleanup on your property, you must sign the All Wildfire Debris Right of Entry form. 

   If you have questions about this process, you may call the Wildfire Debris Cleanup hotline: 503-934-1700, or email questions to odot.wildfire@odot.state.or.us.

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