Archie Creek Recovery Update For November 18th

The Federal Emergency Management Agency released some updated numbers on the Douglas County wildfire recovery efforts and next steps in the recovery process. Eighty individuals and households have been approved for $543,744 in federal grants through FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program. $381,000 in U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loans have been approved for five homeowners and renters as of Nov. 13. There have been approximately $406,552 in grants approved for housing repairs or replacement for 59 homeowners. $137,192 in grants have been approved for personal property, transportation, and other disaster-related serious needs for 64 applicants. 1,552 home inspections have been issued with 99 percent completed. The FEMA External Outreach Site at the Old Glide Middle School Gym closed on Nov. 14 and assisted 47 visitors. The US Environmental Protection Agency has been tasked with Phase 1 of cleanup which involves surveying, removing, and disposing of household hazardous wastes remaining at burned or damaged properties and structures. All of this work must be completed before Phase 2 can begin and so far 102 Douglas County properties have completed this step with two needing assessment and others with no access. Phase 2 is ash and debris removal. Right of Entry forms need to be signed if people want FEMA/Oregon to remove the ash and trash from their property. That cleanup will likely start after Thanksgiving according to Carma Mornarich who is with Glide Revitalization. Debris removal will include concrete pads, burned vehicles, and hazard trees. The process will include soil testing after removal is complete with results included in a notice to the property owner about the removal activities. “Most everyone already signed Right of Entry forms to give access to them to remove Household Hazardous Waste,” Mornarich said. “That cleanup process is already started. Once the HHW is cleaned up from their properties, there will be a notice posted at their property. Property owners can bring that notice into Glide Revitalization to get a validation certificate for their personal records to show that their property was properly cleaned.” Home and property owners of property affected by the fire are encouraged to consider getting flood insurance. FEMA has made this recommendation with the possibility of soil instability in the area and the incoming winter rains. The FEMA deadline to apply for Individual Assistance has been extended to November 30, 2020. Individual Assistance (IA) is available to people impacted by fires in Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, and Marion counties. Oregon homeowners and renters who registered for FEMA disaster assistance for help after wildfires should stay in touch with FEMA to ensure the disaster assistance process stays on track. Survivors should update contact information as soon as possible as FEMA may need to reach them for additional information or virtual home inspections. Sign up for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362