Overview:
The most destructive wildfires in Oregon’s history spread across the state in September 2020, burning more than 1 million acres and 4,000 homes. At least 11 people died, 40,000 were evacuated, and about 500,000 were in evacuation warning areas. Air quality was so hazardous that it exceeded the state’s Air Quality Index, pushing the state to declare a Public Health Emergency.
Local, state, and federal emergency management and relief organizations responded to the devastation. Those impacted needed food, shelter, and clean air to breathe.
All those who needed assistance were in a similar position — they were without homes and needed respite from the smoky conditions. When providing services, however, some relief efforts distinguished between those who were housed before the fires, and those who were unhoused.
At least one shelter denied relief to those they identified as “homeless” or “transients.” Some experiencing homelessness were left out altogether -- never hearing about any relief efforts.
Key Findings:
- Half said smoke impacted their health
- 37% reported difficulty breathing
- 15% went to the hospital (trouble breathing, seizures, asthma, and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- One respondent went to the hospital four times
- Half rated the level of stress at 8 or higher on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being extremely stressful.
- 75% did not receive any information about support during the wildfire event
- 68.5% did not receive any help during the wildfire event