The State of Oregon and Wasco County have jointly announced a new grant aimed at aiding the wildfire recovery efforts in Rowena. Governor Tina Kotek, in conjunction with the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), revealed a $3.5 million state grant designed to effectively assist with the cleanup and removal of debris on privately-owned properties ravaged by the 2025 Rowena Fire. This wildfire scorched around 3,700 acres and left a trail of damage in its wake, necessitating urgent support for the affected community members.
The grant announcement arrives as a sigh of relief for those who have yet to commence rebuilding their lives since the fire. According to a recent press release, eligibility criteria for the program include proof of property damage by the Rowena Fire, signing a Right-of-Entry form, and agreeing to assign any potential recovery rights from insurers or other liable entities. This support comes after the disaster did not meet the criteria for a federal declaration that would have otherwise provided federal assistance and debris removal services.
OEM Director Erin McMahon highlights the benefit that the partnership between the state and Wasco County brings, stating, "Debris removal is one of the most visible and emotionally difficult parts of disaster recovery." He explains in the press release that "This partnership allows Wasco County to lead local recovery efforts with the state backing them up with resources and expertise." The primary focus of the grant will be on removing hazardous wildfire ash, debris, and damaged structural materials from private properties.
Wasco County Commissioner Scott Hege responded to the announcement with sentiments of gratitude towards the state and especially to McMahon, who was crucial in securing the funds. He expressed the importance of this operation to "move from emergency response into visible recovery on the ground." Moreover, Hege emphasized the community's resilience and patience in the face of the disaster and detailed that this grant will contribute significantly to restoring normalcy and opening the door to rebuilding efforts. The cleanup program outlined by the state will also ensure environmental safeguards are in place, such as erosion control, proper waste disposal, and necessary soil testing to confirm the safety for residential use.
The state's financial assistance will be a reimbursement to Wasco County for contracted work rather than a direct payment to property owners. This agreement also allows the county to potentially request use of any remaining funds for further Rowena Fire recovery efforts or to aid a local long-term recovery group, pending approval from the OEM. The grant signifies a proactive step by state and county officials to ensure the Rowena community can start to rebuild and heal from the devastating effects of the fire.
