Wildfire Resources for Eastern and Central Oregon

Posted on August 27, 2024 by Cassie Allen
Tags, Oregon Utilities 101, Energy, General Interest

Family watching fire outline in black on orange background

Fire season is a dangerous time for all Oregonians. But it can be devastating for our neighbors in the Eastern and Central parts of the state. Wildfires in Eastern and Central Oregon have currently burned over 1.4 million acres of land this year, more than any other year since reliable recording began.

Wildfires leave a lingering path of destruction in their wake that no one should have to experience. At CUB, our hearts go out to the families and households dealing with the aftermath of wildfires. To support our neighbors, we’ve gathered a list of resources to help survivors of wildfires access resources from state and federal agencies.

Get Help with Unmet Needs After Oregon Wildfires

Oregon’s Office of Resilience and Emergency Management (OREM) within the Department of Human Services Office (ODHS) works with partners across the state to help people experiencing emergencies in Oregon. You can take the following steps to access support if you have been impacted by Oregon Wildfires:

Sign up online at uniteus.com/oregonwildfires.
Call 1-833-669-0554. The line is open every day, 24/7. Interpreters are available.
For urgent needs please dial 211.

Once you’ve contacted the support centers, you’ll be assigned a disaster case manager. Case managers work with you and your family to identify specific barriers to recovery and support you on your journey.

Resources can range from assisting you in replacing lost documentation, connecting you to available local resources, creating customized plans, and navigating more complex long-term recovery needs. These may include securing financial assistance, rebuilding or replacing homes, and accessing medical and mental health services.

Oregon Wildlife Response & Recovery

The state of Oregon provides resources and guidance for survivors of wildfires on its Oregon Wildfire Response & Recovery website. Their resources include the following topics:

For additional resources, call the Oregon Wildfire Transition Assistance Hotline at (833) 669-0554 or visit wildfire.oregon.gov.

Rebuilding from Wildfires

The Energy Trust of Oregon provides programs and services for people needing to rebuild their homes after a wildfire. Their programs support rebuilding homes and commercial buildings with energy efficiency and solar in mind.

New Single-Family Homes

Energy Trust offers enhanced cash incentives to help construct new homes that are efficient and resilient. These homes can help homeowners save on utility costs for years to come. Incentives are performance-based, meaning the more efficient the home, the higher the incentive.

To get started, you can call Energy Trust at 1.877.283.0698 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Manufactured Homes

If you live in a manufactured home, Energy Trust has resources for your recovery. Income-qualified manufactured homeowners who lost their home to wildfire may qualify for cash incentives. These incentives are for a newly built, energy-efficient manufactured home through Energy Trust’s Manufactured Home Replacement offer. To learn more about Energy Trust cash incentives, read their manufactured homes fact sheet in English and Spanish.

Support for Fire Survivors in Jackson County

Jackson County fire survivors can find support through the Center for Community Resilience. The center helps transition fire survivors from living in hotels and other short-term housing to stable, suitable housing options.

If you are a resident of Jackson County, you can contact the ACCESS Center for Community Resilience (CCR) for assistance at (541) 414-0318 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Oregon State University Wildfire Resources for Agriculture and Livestock Producers

Agriculture and livestock producers can access support for fire recovery through Oregon State University. Wildfire survivors in Eastern Oregon can use this form to indicate hay or other livestock feed needs as they recover from this summer’s wildfires. As donation pledges are received, staff will match identified needs with available donations.

Livestock and agricultural producers in Eastern Oregon can also access post-fire resources by downloading this PDF.

USDA Disaster Assistance Programs

The USDA offers a variety of programs to help farmers, ranchers, communities, and businesses recover from natural disasters. You can visit farmers.gov or use the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool to access USDA programs that can help agricultural producers recover.

You can also download the USDA’s Program Flyer to access information about their programs.

USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service

For longer-term management needs, contact the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) field office in your county to explore current funding/technical support available and inform future program offerings in your county. Click here or call your local service center: View County Contacts.

Stay Up to Date on Oregon Utility Issues

CUB will continue to advocate for people in Oregon on major utility issues. Sign up for the CUB email list for the latest updates, action alerts, and news on policies that affect the utilities your home relies on.

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