More than 140 new wildfires ignited across Oregon last week and state officials are asking Salem residents to channel their desire to help into actions that won't slow down emergency crews.
The Oregon Department of Emergency Management published guidance on July 19, outlining how community members can support wildfire-affected areas safely. The bottom line: send money, not stuff, and don't show up uninvited.
The scale of the crisis
Ted Pierce, manager of the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, reported on July 17, that the 140 new fires had burned more than 30,000 acres.
About 11,000 Oregonians were under evacuation warnings, with roughly 1,200 under the most urgent Level 3 order to leave immediately.
Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act on Saturday, July 18, for the Akawa Butte and Brewer fires in Deschutes and Jefferson counties.
State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said on July 16, that the state had resources assigned to four conflagrations and one Immediate Response incident. Five task forces from California and two from Washington were brought in to help protect communities.
"The Oregon fire service is doing extraordinary work across the state, but the number of active incidents is placing a significant demand on the system," Ruiz-Temple said on July 16 when announcing the out-of-state reinforcements.
No Marion County fires or evacuation orders have been reported. Salem residents are not under direct threat but are being asked to support communities elsewhere in the state.
Cash is king
Financial donations remain the single most effective form of help, according to OEM.
Money lets relief organizations buy exactly what's needed, where it's needed, without the storage headaches that come with truckloads of unsorted goods.
Salem residents looking for vetted nonprofits collecting donations can dial 211 or visit 211info.org. The American Red Cross is also accepting blood donations as part of the statewide response.
OEM warned that unrequested physical donations can create storage challenges, generate waste, and slow operations.
The agency asks people to donate goods only when specific needs are announced through official channels.
Volunteer the right way
State officials were blunt: do not self-deploy to fire zones. Unaffiliated volunteers showing up at evacuation sites can disrupt the very operations they intend to support, OEM said in its July 19 guidance.
Residents who want to volunteer can register through the Oregon Volunteers in Disasters platform at orvid.oregon.gov. Many volunteer roles open during long-term recovery, not during active firefighting. Those with medical training can join SERV-OR and the Medical Reserve Corps network.
Community fundraisers, yard sales, and local events that direct proceeds to recognized disaster relief organizations are also encouraged.
Take care of yourself, too
OEM reminded residents that wildfire stress affects people far from the flames.
The Disaster Distress Helpline is available 24/7 by calling or texting 1-800-985-5990. For Spanish, press 2.
Residents can sign up for emergency alerts at ORAlert.gov and track fire conditions at wildfire.oregon.gov.
OEM also encourages households to pack a go bag with at least two weeks of supplies.
