Debris Removal
Right of Entry Form
The right of entry permit allows access for agencies (and associated contractors) to remove debris from private property.
For specifics about debris removal and timeline, please call EPA at (541) 225-5549.
If you have questions about the right of entry form, please call (503) 365-3140 or email wildfirerightofentry@co.marion.or.us.
If you have signed up and would like to withdraw your right of entry form, removing access for agencies to remove debris, please go to https://www.tfaforms.com/4860484.
EPA Fire Recovery MapOregon Wildfire - Wildfire Cleanup and Debris
Right of Entry FAQ - Oct. 15, 2020
Marion County Disposal and Erosion Information
Many are anxious to return to properties damaged or destroyed by fires; however, it's important to follow the process carefully to protect your health, the environment, and the community's ability to rebuild as quickly as possible. Marion County is coordinating with state and federal partners to ensure timely removal of hazardous material and debris from properties damaged by the wildfires.
Property owners interested in having household hazardous waste and other debris removed from their properties at no charge will need to complete a
Right of Entry form to allow state and federal authorities temporary access to properties.
The process will be completed in two steps:
- Step 1: Clearing properties of household hazardous waste (this includes batteries, chemicals, and fuels that can negatively impact human health, waterways and drinking water resources, and soil). This is being offered free of charge to property owners. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will assess and remove household hazardous waste from burned properties. This work is being funded by FEMA and the State of Oregon. Using this service is optional but highly recommended to ensure debris is properly removed and disposed of to protect the health of soil, waterways, and the community.
- Step 2: Removal of ash, debris, and burned-out structures. State, county, and federal partners are actively working to develop options for ash and debris removal. We will notify you when more information becomes available for this step of the process.
Wildfire Debris Information Sheet
Debris Removal FAQFederal Emergency Aid
Funds are available for individuals affected by wildfires in Marion County, as well as in Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, and Marion Counties. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. Affected Oregonians are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Steps to Take for Getting Assistance
1. If you have insurance, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to file a claim.
2. Assess damage and take photos of your home and belongings. (See "Returning to Fire Zone" and "Returning to Your Home" sections)
3. Make a list of damaged or lost items.
4. Apply for FEMA in one of three ways:
- Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
- Through the FEMA app
- Call: (800) 621-3362
TTY: (800) 242-7585
Documents you will need to provide to FEMA:
- Proof of identification
- Insurance determination letter
- Proof of occupancy or ownership
Additional Resources
Replacing Lost or Missing Documents
4 Steps to Start the FEMA Recovery Process
Quick Tips in English and Spanish from FEMA
Oregonians Affected by Wildfires
FEMA - Reasons why FEMA may have found you Ineligible (Fact Sheet)
Local Emergency Aid
Santiam Hospital's Service Integration Team (SIT) established the Santiam Canyon Wildfire Relief Fund to aid in the immediate relief efforts of those living in the Santiam Canyon who are affected by the 2020 Santiam Fire. All monies contributed to the Fund will be distributed specifically to meet the needs of Santiam Canyon residents until fund exhaustion.
Returning to the Fire Zone
We know you may be anxious to return to the fire zone to inspect your property and survey damages. When it’s safe to return please keep these safety points in mind:
- Use caution and exercise good judgment when re-entering a burned area.
- Immediately report electrical damage to authorities.
- Be careful around burned trees and power poles.
- Watch for ash pits and mark them for safety.
- Visually check the stability of the trees and check for stumps that may be smoldering.
Additional Resources and Tips
State Wildfire Resources
Wildfire Cleanup FAQs
Wildfire Resources
Wildfire Debris Removal
Erosion Control
Returning to Your Home
Residents returning to fire damaged homes and structures need to take precautions. Hazardous materials as well as structural damage pose serious threats to your health and safety. It is strongly advised you contact your insurance company first and follow basic safety measures when inspecting and cleaning up your home and property.
- If your home was damaged, check with your local utilities company.
- Wear personal protection
- Take precautions while cleaning your property. You may be exposed to potential health risks from hazardous material, debris, and ash.
- Watch for hazardous materials and report to the appropriate agency as noted below.
- Use a flashlight.
- Check for gas leaks starting at the water heater.
- If there is no power and if safe to do so, check to make sure the main breaker is on.
- If safe to do so check the roof and extinguish any sparks or embers.
- Recheck for smoke and sparks throughout the home, including the attic for several hours.
- Be mindful of other potential hazards.
Protecting Septic Systems
Property owners may be concerned about potential damage that could occur to septic and drain fields during the cleanup process, Marion County is strongly recommending marking them off.
Kits with wooden stakes and ribbon are available at Anthony Hall in Sublimity and Gates Community Church.
Please use caution when entering your property. There could be unstable soils, especially if septic systems have been damaged or compromised in the wildfires.
Additional Resources and Tips
Returning to a Home that Survived a Wildfire
Disposal of Ash and Erosion Control
Assistance for Paying for Prescriptions
Coffin Butte Landfill Information and Asbestos Abatement Resources
Post-Fire Septic System Information
Start your Recovery Process (FEMA) flyer
Filing a Homeowner Claim
Filing a Commercial / Agriculture Claim
Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials such as household cleaning products, paint, batteries, gasoline, contaminated fuel, and damaged fuel containers need to be safely handled to protect the environment and human health.
Properly dispose of hazardous waste at the
Marion County Household Hazardous Waste Facility, located at 3250 Deer Park Drive in Salem. If you have questions about hazardous waste, please contact Marion County Environmental Services at (503) 588-5169 or
environmentalservices@co.marion.or.us.
Community Resource Centers
Marion County FEMA External Outreach Center
Meet with representatives from FEMA’s Individual Assistance program.
The center offers in-person visits, for residents to get information about their application, ask questions about letters they receive from FEMA, and have their documents scanned to be part of their application.
- Stayton Community Center
- 400 W Virginia St., Stayton, OR
- Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Disaster Resource Centers
Disaster Resource Center: Sublimity at Anthony Hall
11758 Sublimity Rd SE, Sublimity, OR
Disaster Resource Center: Mill City at Mill City Christian Church
233 SW 3rd Ave, Mill City, OR
Disaster Resource Center: Gates at Gates Community Church of Christ
40070 Gates School Rd, Gates, OR
Disaster Resource Center: Detroit at Detroit Mini Storage
315 Front St., South, Detroit, OR
Volunteer to help Santiam Canyon residents affected by the wildfires. Sign up here; select the tab for your preferred location.
