
As wildfires soared across parts of Oregon and Washington, thousands of people were forced to evacuate and seek shelter, many with only a few minutes notice. At United Way, we are working with nonprofit partners to provide immediate and longer-term relief assistance to families affected by the fires.
Below is a list of resources for those affected by the wildfires, as well as links for those who want to help.
- Governor Kate Brown's Oregon Wildfire Resources page (updated with cleanup, recovery, and assistance resources)
- oregon.gov's Oregon Wildfire Recovery announcements and updates
- oregon.gov's Returning to a Home that Survived a Wildfire - information and resources
- oregon.gov's Wildfire Cleanup and Debris Removal - information and resources
- oregon.gov's Safely Managing Ash and Debris From Burned Buildings - information and resources
- fema.gov's Plan Ahead Before Going Home advisory
- FEMA Region 10 press releases and communications
- EPA's Dealing with Debris and Damaged Buildings (valuable information about mold, bacteria, asbestos and lead dust)
- Asbestos and Natural Disasters Guide
- Public Alerts Emergency Info Hub for the Portland-Vancouver Region
- Wildfires dashboard
- For shelters and check-in locations please follow Red Cross Cascades Facebook and Twitter social media accounts
- American Red Cross Cascades Region emergency perpeardness planning guide
- American Red Cross Survival kit supplies list
Housing
- Wildfire Damage Housing Relief - The Oregon Housing and Community Services was directed by the 78th Oregon Legislative Assembly to develop, implement and administer the Wildfire Damage Housing Relief Account Program to assist households of lower income that suffer a loss of housing due to a wildfire. - Funds are limited -
Apply for assistance here. - Wildfire and insurance resources by the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation
- How to Protect Homes in Your Community With Firewise
Register with FEMA to apply for assistance if you're affected by wildfires in Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn and Marion Counties. Three ways to register:
- Call 1-800-621-3362
- Online through the FEMA website
- Through the FEMA mobile app
Evacuation levels explained:
Learn more about the three levels of evacuation below (credit: Clackamas County) or visit Multnomah County's evacuation levels website where you will find additional information such as safety household actionable items for each step (also available on pdf):
Level 1: BE READY for potential evacuation. You should be aware of the danger that exists in the area, monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. This is the time for preparation and precautionary movements of persons with special needs, mobile property and (under certain circumstances) pets and livestock. If conditions worsen, emergency services personnel may contact you via an emergency notification system.
Level 2: BE SET to evacuate. You must prepare to leave at a moment’s notice. This level indicates there is significant danger to your area, and residents should either voluntary relocate to a shelter or with family and friends outside of the affected area, or if choosing to remain, to be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice. Residents MAY have time to gather necessary items, but doing so is at their own risk. This may be the only notice you receive. Emergency services cannot guarantee that they will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate. Area media services will be asked to broadcast periodic updates.
Level 3: GO! Evacuate now! Leave immediately! Danger to your area is current or imminent, and you should evacuate immediately. If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand that emergency services may not be available to assist you further. DO NOT delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home. This will be the last notice you receive.
To help:
If you want to support the communities we serve (Clackamas County, Clark County WA, Washington County and Multnomah County), please donate to our Wildfire Response and Recovery Fund
If you would like to help other affected communities accross Oregon and Washington you can donate to each of the local United Ways:
- United Way of Jackson County (HQ in Medford, OR)
- United Way of Southwestern Oregon (HQ in Coos Bay, OR)
- United Way of Lane County (HQ in Eugene/ Springfield, OR)
- United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley (HQ in Salem, OR)
- United Way of Linn, Benton & Lincoln Counties (HQ in Albany, OR)
- United Way of Whitman County (HQ in Pullman, WA)
In-kind donation drop off locations:
Please keep in mind that things move fast during emergency situations and on top of that we are dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Some agencies may change their policies, no longer accept donations or re-open the call for them. We strongly encourage everyone to follow their social media channels and proceed with caution if donations are accepted.
- United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley
- Multnomah County Joint Office of Homeless Services
- Oregon Emergency Management agency
Other resources:
- Clackamas County's Wildfire website
- Clackamas County Public Alerts
- Clackamas County's Facebook and Twitter accounts
- Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Facebook and Twitter accounts
- Clackamas County Wildfire Evacuation Map
- Clackamas County - Returning to your home guide
- Washington County's Wildfire website
- Washington County Wildfire Joint Information Center (also available in Spanish)
- Washington County Public Alerts
- Washington County's Facebook and Twitter accounts
- Washington County Sheriff's Office Facebook and Twitter accounts
- Washington County Wildfire Evacuation Map
- Multnomah County's Wildfire website
- Multnomah County Public Alerts
- Multnomah County's Office of Emergency Management website
- Multnomah County's Facebook and Twitter accounts
- Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Facebook and Twitter accounts
- Multnomah County Wildfire Evacuation Map
- Clark County, WA website
- Clark County Public Alerts
- CRESA (Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency) website
- Clark County's Facebook and Twitter accounts
- Clark County Sheriff's Office Facebook and Twitter accounts
- Clark County Wildfire Evacuation Map
- Use the Red Cross's registry to list yourself safe OR search the registry to check the status of loved ones.
- tripcheck.com's Road Closures
- Maps
- InciWeb Fire Maps with detailed incident information
- Northwest Intragency Coordination Center Map
- State of Oregon Large Fire Interactive Map
- Wildfires Dashboard
- Air Quality Index
Oregon.gov's Air cleanliness reports & health risk informationDownload the OregonAir mobile app: