Supporting communities impacted by wildfire

At this critical moment, we need to show up for our fellow Oregonians

By Mary Kyle McCurdy and Jenni Denekas | 3.5-minute read

This Wildfire Wednesday, we’ll get right to the point: Oregonians are facing severe wildfires of historic proportions. Over 2 million acres across the state are burning and air quality impacts are reaching well beyond the fire lines. (Here’s a summary of current conditions.)

So, we’re focusing on sharing resources you might need if you are facing direct impacts from wildfire and smoke, and ways to help impacted communities if you are able to contribute. In true Oregon spirit, let’s show up for our neighbors at this critical time.

 

Helpful resources for impacted communities and individuals

Wildfires can affect communities and individuals in so many ways, so we cannot possibly list everything, but we wanted to include a few resources that might be helpful for people who are experiencing direct impacts—from mental health to financial challenges. For urgent needs, please contact your local emergency services.

Crisis lines/mental health support

  • AgriStress Helpline: Built by and for agricultural communities, this 24-hour crisis line offers support geared towards the unique challenges that face our farmers, ranchers, forest land managers, farm workers, and other stewards of our land.
  • Disaster distress helpline: Call 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746.
  • Suicide and crisis lifeline: Call, text, or chat 988.

Funding and other material support

  • Agriculture resources (Oregon Department of Emergency Management’s agriculture resources): A list of programs, support, and funding available for our land stewards navigating the impacts of wildfire.
  • Disaster assistance programs (Oregon Department of Emergency Management): A portal to apply for OEM and FEMA grants to cover impacts from wildfire.
  • Oregon Wildfire Response and Recovery (State of Oregon): A wide array of resources related to wildfire—including ways to access funding and fulfill other basic needs.

 

How to support impacted communities right now

Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs

The situation

The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon (CTWS) are experiencing significant impacts due to multiple wildfires (particularly the Bench and Round Butte fires). Some people have lost their homes, many people have been evacuated, and other people who are currently staying in place are experiencing electricity shutoffs and, in some cases, issues with water access.

How to help

CTWS is accepting monetary and item donations as well as volunteers. Here are a few pathways to contribute:

 

Emergency supply drive for Warm Springs. Current drop off locations: Gresham area: Representative Ricky Ruiz district office. N PDX: Green anchors. NE PDX: Bison Coffee House, Parcera Vintage, Javelina Indigenous Dining, and Five Stride Skate Shop. Redmond Area: Pangaea Guild Hall. Beaverton Area: The 649. SE PDX: Native Arts + Cultures Foundation and Wool for the People Mill. Bend Area: Wonderland Chicken Co., Deschutes Land Trust, and The Haven Co-Working.

Eastern Oregon farmworkers

The situation

As detailed in this Oregon Public Broadcasting piece, farmworkers in Eastern Oregon are navigating dangerous levels of smoke and heat as they continue to work in the fields during severe wildfires affecting the region. Those who cannot continue to work in these conditions are facing a loss of income that can mean foregoing basic necessities.

How to help

Several organizations are supporting farmworkers in Eastern Oregon; a few that we recommend donating to are:

Wildland firefighters

The situation

Fire crews are hard at work across much of Oregon right now, helping to protect lives, homes, and livelihoods. This is dangerous work that can cause injuries, medical conditions, and fatalities. While fire crews typically have well-planned operations (so they don’t always have immediate needs that the general public can help with), what we can do is support wildland firefighters by donating to organizations that advocate for their needs at the local and federal level, and that provide financial support for injured firefighters and for the families of firefighters who die in the line of duty.

How to help

Here are a couple of great organizations to donate to:

  • Friends of Grassroots Wildland Firefighters: This organization advocates for wildland firefighters to receive fair pay, comprehensive health support, improved workers’ compensation benefits, and more.
  • Wildland Firefighter Foundation: This organization provides support for wildland firefighters and their families, including financial assistance and community care for families facing medical challenges or the loss of loved ones.

 

Community care should continue beyond today

Recovery from a significant disaster is a long-term process; impacted communities around Oregon will need our continued support in the coming months and years.

We will periodically share updates on how you can best contribute to Oregon wildfire recovery efforts, and we also recommend following the various communities and organizations mentioned in this article to keep up to date on the latest developments. 

Thank you for showing up for your fellow Oregonians.

Wildfire Wednesday is a weekly storytelling project that aims to increase wildfire resilience across Oregon.

See all Wildfire Wednesday content here