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DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - Residents of Idleyld Park will have the opportunity to access their properties on Thursday at noon until 7:00 pm.
Access will be granted to residents only, and individuals will be asked to provide proof of residency at the checkpoints. Members of the media and general public will not be permitted. Search and Rescue Volunteers, Deputies and OSP Troopers will be assisting in the process.
"This will be the first look most of these community members have had to see the damages to their homes. We want to provide a an opportunity for them to see their properties without the pressure of the media or other members of the public, while still maintaining control over the hazard area."
Sheriff Hanlin and County Commissioners have been working to facilitate this return for the past several days. Douglas County Public Works and the Oregon Department of Transportation have been working hard to remove immediate hazards from the roadways and on the right of ways in order to facilitate this effort.
"We recognize the need for individuals to have the opportunity to access their properties to assess damages, collect items or take pictures for insurance claims," Sgt. Brad O'Dell said. "It is critically important that residents wishing to return understand that there are inherent risks with returning to the area. There are hazard trees, falling debris and other hazards which have not been mitigated on private properties, which could cause serious injury or loss of life." O'Dell said.
When returning to the area, residents are asked to drive cautiously and watch for debris, firefighting efforts, utility work and other activities which may be taking place.
Because of the hazardous conditions, limited visibility with heavy smoke and other safety concerns, everyone visiting the area is asked to be out of the area by 7:00 pm.
Commissioner Tim Freeman said "On behalf myself and my family as well as Commissioners Boice and Kress, we express our deepest sympathies to those who have lost their homes and properties due to this devastating wildfire. Additionally, we are so grateful that residents were notified in a timely manner of the impending danger and that residents listened to the Sheriff's Office, Troopers and Search and Rescue members who issued the warnings. The fact that there has been no reported loss of life is remarkable."
To date, 109 homes have been lost to the Archie Creek Fire, the Sheriff's Office announced on Sunday evening.
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