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DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - In conjunction with fire officials, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office is announcing a reduction in the evacuation levels due to the Archie Creek Fire.
Beginning at 5:00 PM on, Monday, September 14, 2020, the following evacuation levels apply:
An interactive evacuation map can be found at www.dcso.com/evacuations. On the site, users will find an interactive map where they may enter a specific address to determine their evacuation level, if applicable. The maps are updated as quickly as possible following the announcement of changes.
Residents returning to their homes must be aware that risks may still exist and firefighting operations may still be in the area. Please drive cautiously and watch for falling hazards such as trees and debris. Residents may also observe small fires at night which were previously not visible during the day. If you feel unsafe, evacuate on your own and do not wait for notification from the Sheriff's Office.
LEVEL 1 "BE READY" NOTICE means: Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. This is the time for preparation and precautionary movement 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. ALL RESIDENTS SHOULD BE IN THIS LEVEL OF READINESS AT ALL TIMES!
LEVEL 2 "BE SET" means: YOU MUST PREPARE TO LEAVE AT A MOMENTS NOTICE. This level indicates there is significant danger to your area, and residents should either voluntarily relocate to a shelter or with family/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.
LEVEL 3 "GO!" means: 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 able to assist you further. DO NOT delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home or any structure. THIS WILL BE THE LAST NOTICE YOU RECEIVE.
"The reduction in these areas does not mean that the danger is gone. Residents, if deciding to return, must continue to monitor official sources of information and be prepared to leave at a moment's notice if the situation changes," said Sgt. Brad O'Dell. "Something residents should also be aware of is the current hazardous air quality in the area. Those with heart or lung health conditions, young children and those who are elderly should really take caution with the smoke."
DOUGLAS COUNTY WILDFIRE UPDATE:
The following agencies are managing the local wildfires. Please log onto their websites, Facebook pages or call their offices for more information.
The Archie Creek Fire: managed by Northwest Interagency Incident Management - Team 9.
Website: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7176/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Archie-Creek-Fire-Information-120244459815292/
The Thielsen Fire, near Diamond Lake is being managed by the USFS.
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/umpqua
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/UmpquaNationalForest/
Local Updates: At this time, please continue to monitor the Douglas Forest Protective Association Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DouglasForestProtectiveAssociation/ for a complete list of local wildfire updates.
Additional fire information is also available on Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/
Please call 911 to report any signs of new fires.
RESOURCES FOR EMOTIONAL AND OTHER SUPPORT
Shared from OHA. During this incredibly challenging time, as many of us continue to deal with the devastating effects of wildfires, as well as the COVID-19 public health crisis, they wanted to remind you of some valuable resources to help with your mental health and wellbeing during crisis. It is important to take care of the mental you, so if you need support, please know that help is available for you.
PROPERTY TAX RELIEF AVAILABLE FOR WILDFIRE VICTIMS
The Douglas County Commissioners announced that the Douglas County Assessor’s Office and the Douglas County Tax Office have applications available for tax relief for any residents that have lost their homes or any structures due to the wildfires in Douglas County. Residents can fill out an application that will allow our offices to pro-rate your taxes and remove any value associated with lost structures. The application will need to be submitted no later than June 30, 2021. Applications for the proration are available online on the Douglas County Assessor’s website at: https://www.co.douglas.or.us/puboaa/default.asp or from their office in the Douglas County Courthouse, Room 206, located at 1036 SE Douglas Avenue, Roseburg, Oregon or by calling (541) 440-4222.
OREGON WILDFIRE DAMAGE HOUSING RELIEF
Shared from the Oregon Housing and Community Services Department. Oregon Wildfire Damage Housing Relief program. Has your home been damaged or lost due to a wildfire? Up to $7,000 may be available to you. OHCS 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.
To apply for up to $7,000 in assistance, applicants must have had damage or loss to their primary residence due to a wildfire and residence is considered uninhabitable unless repaired or replaced. Applicants must have an income that is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Applicants must provide documentation of loss, proof of homeownership and proof of household income.
Funding for this program is limited and is dependent upon state budget allocation. If valid claims for assistance exceed the amount available, OHCS may make a pro rata reduction in grant amounts to increase the number of recipients who receive assistance. If the program depletes of all funds before receipt of any new allocation, applicants will be notified in writing and applications will be held by OHCS. If new funds become available, applications will be processed in the order that they were received. There is no guarantee that new funds will be made available.
Find out if you qualify. Visit the Housing Assistance page on the Oregon Housing and Community Services website or email: wildfire.relief@oregon.gov
GREATER DOUGLAS UNITED WAY ANNOUNCES THAT THE FORD FAMILY FOUNDATION PLEDGES $25,000 AND CADDOCK ELECTRONICS PLEDGES $20,000 TO FIRE RELIEF FUND
Greater Douglas United Way (GDUW) announced today, Monday, September 14, 2020, that The Ford Family Foundation pledged $25,000 and Caddock Electronics pledged $20,000 to Greater Douglas United Way’s Fire Relief Fund. The fund has been established to help our local community with urgent needs as a result of the fires ravaging Douglas County. 100% of all funds raised will stay local and will go to provide support for our community’s organizations and individuals in need as a result of this tragedy. If you are interested in being a part of this effort, donations can be made online at www.gduway.org, checks can be mailed to our address at 702 SE Jackson St., Roseburg, OR 97470 or you can go to any Cascade Community Credit Union branch in Douglas County to make a deposit directly. GDUW will focus any funding on basic needs through local nonprofits for people impacted by the fires. All funds raised will be used to help those in need. GDUW will not charge any administrative expense on the fund. To date, GDUW has raised over $73,000. GDUW is focused on helping make Douglas County a better and safer place to live, work and play by focusing on education, income and health – the building blocks for a good life. For more information, contact the GDUW at (541) 672-1734