Recently, Rep. Sherrie Sprenger visited Santiam Canyon communities impacted by the Beachie Creek Fire.
“We just need to chat and figure out what we need to do to rebuild,” said Sprenger, who was in Gates to visit her friend, Dave White, who lost everything in the fire. “Because the last thing I want is for people to get discouraged and not rebuild in this town. I want this town to rebuild, and I will do anything I can to help people do that and not get bogged down in a bunch of red tape.”
Gates resident Virginia Pierce told Sprenger, “Yes, and we’re going to do it!”
Pierce lived in the house owned by Kelly Juhola, who is committed to rebuilding.
Looking over the rubble, Juhola said he plans to clean up what’s left of the home he lived in for the past 30 years.
“Then I’ll put down a foundation and put on a manufactured home,” he said. “The sewer system is all in place – pressurized and up-to-date – but the pipes burned out at the house. I had a guy come by today to look at it. He told me, ‘Don’t worry Kelly, we’ll fix you up.’”
On a lighter note, Juhola pointed to the front of his home and said, “That was a plant room with a bay window, and all the plants are gone.” Pausing, he smiled and added, “I guess I should have watered them.”
Sprenger recently held two community meetings, one in Mill City and the other in Stayton, to listen to Santiam Canyon residents talk about their experiences with the fire and post-fire needs.
Key points residents brought up included the need for a better emergency alert system, more effective information, and quicker response to shutting down powerlines due to high winds or other adverse conditions.
“Last night I was honored to hear the wildfire stories and struggles of the Canyon communities,” Sprenger said after the meetings. “It will be a long road to recovery and rebuilding, but it will be done. It is because of their great care for one another that so many were able to escape. It is communities and neighbors like these that make me proud to be an Oregonian.”
Wildfire recovery is available, and those who sustained uninsured losses or damage due to wildfires beginning Sept. 7 may be eligible for disaster aid. Federal funds are available to help eligible individuals recover from wildfire in Marion and Linn counties. To date, more than 3,300 people having applied for individual assistance from FEMA. To apply, call 1-800-621-FEMA or find local resources at www.fema.gov, www.disasterassistance.gov or wildfire.oregon.gov or call 211. If in need of shelter, call 1-800-REDCROSS or visit redcross.org. To volunteer or donate, visit oregonrecovers.communityos.org.
