Step 2: Debris Removal
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 will need to complete a
Right of Entry form to allow state and federal authorities temporary access to properties to remove ash and debris at no charge. If you haven't filled out a Right of Entry (ROE) form or if you opted out of Step 2, there's still time. Complete the ROE in just a few minutes.
Right of Entry Form
Read the Step 2 Ash and Debris Removal FAQ and the Tree Removal FAQ for more information about this stage of the cleanup.
See Step 2 press release.
Video: Oregon Wildfire Cleanup Update - Debris Management Task Force - Nov. 1, 2020
Additional Questions:
Step 1 questions:
Call EPA at 541-225-5549 or visit the EPA
website.
Step 2 questions:
Call ODOT at 503-934-1700 or visit ODOT
website.
Right-of-Entry permit questions:
Call Marion County at 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.
Additional Resources:
Wildfire Debris Information Sheet
Oregon Wildfire Rebuild - Construction Contractors Board
Oregon Wildfire - Wildfire Cleanup and Debris
Marion County Disposal and Erosion Information
Opting Out of Government Assistance for Wildfire Cleanup
Emergency Aid and Assistance
Additional Resources:
Replacing Lost or Missing Documents
FEMA - Reasons why FEMA may have found you Ineligible (Fact Sheet)
Local Emergency Aid
Santiam Service Integration Team
If you are in need of basic resources such as food, clothing, personal care items, pet supplies, etc. the Santiam SIT can help. The SIT was formed in partnership with Santiam Hospital, school districts, faith groups, non-profits, social service agencies, local clubs, government agencies, businesses, and community members to meet the needs of the community. Contact the SIT at 503-409-3652 or via email at sitmobile@saintiamhospital.org.
Santiam Canyon Wildfire Relief Fund
The Santiam Canyon Wildfire Relief Fund (SCWRF) was established by the Santiam Service Integration Team (SIT) to help in recovery efforts for those affected by the Beachie Creek Fire.
Funds are designated for assistance needed to rebuild and restore residency in the Santiam Canyon. Requests for immediate needs such as food, clothing and other assistance should be directed to the Santiam SIT.
United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley
Requests for basic living needs such as clothing, household items, personal care items, baby items, etc. can be emailed to
liveunited@unitedwaymwv.org. Please be as specific as possible with requests
If you have questions, please call 503-363-1651 or visit the
United Way website or
Facebook page.
Marion Polk Food Share
503-581-3855
Federal Emergency Aid (FEMA)
If you tried to get help from FEMA by applying for disaster assistance and were found to be ineligible, you can still appeal. Often, it's just a matter of supplying extra documentation or information. Find out how to appeal a FEMA decision. Meanwhile, if you have insurance, you should make a list of damaged or lost items and contact your insurance company if you haven't already.
Additional Resources:
Assistance for Paying for Prescriptions
Mental Health Resources
If you're struggling due to the impacts of the Beachie Creek Fire and other wildfires impacting our region, Marion County's Behavioral Health Team is available to help. We have teams on-site at Anthony Hall in Sublimity Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Additionally, our Psychiatric Crisis Center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help those experiencing a mental health crisis. Please call 503-585-4949 to speak with a team member.
This can be an especially stressful time for youth who are directly impacted by the fires. Marion County Youth & Family Crisis Services is available to support youth up to 24 years of age who are struggling. The program can be reached at 503-576-4673.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is also available to provide free and confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for people in distress. Connect with the lifeline by calling 1-800-273-8255.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
For people who are on SNAP and have lost their food due to the wildfires, they can have up to $200 of their SNAP benefits reloaded onto their cards. Please, if you are in that situation, please contact the local Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) office and fill out a short form stating the what food that was they lost and the impact from how they were impacted by the fires. You do not need to go to your local ODHS office, you can visit the office most convenient to you. go to the one closest, if you have been evacuated.
Returning to Your Property
Even if the EPA has completed
Step 1 Household Hazardous Waste removal on your property, there still may be safety issues so be aware of your surroundings. Hazardous materials as well as structural damage can pose serious threats. Follow basic safety measures when inspecting and cleaning up your home and property.
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.
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.
Be mindful of other potential hazards.
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:
Oregon Wildfire Recovery
Wildfire Cleanup and Debris Removal
Marion County Environmental Services - Disposal and Erosion
Hazardous Materials
While it’s recommended to work with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, there may be residents who decide to clean up their properties on their own. Exercise caution if going this route.
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
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.
