During Monday's Lincoln County Board of Commissioners meeting there was an update given, now that the fires are contained about next steps and cleanup. County Council Wayne Belmont pointed out the challenges being faced with cleanup. Some areas where there were older mobile homes may have contained asbestos and this requires special removal procedures. He said they are continuing to work with Oregon Emergency Management (OEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to see how they can help homeowners.
Jessica Palma who works in the Emergency Operations Center said they are working to set up a Multi-Agency Resource Center or (MARC) available at the Lincoln City Outlet mall in suite 200, next to the distribution center across from the child support center. There are computers on hand with wifi to help those whose homes and/or businesses were affected by the Echo Mountain Fire or the straight-line wind event (wind damage beginning Sept. on the 7th); if you are a renter at one of the affected properties you are also encouraged to attend.
Commissioner Jacobson stated it is important to get some local, state and federal leaders on hand at the MARC so they can see and hear from people who are in need of help what barriers they are facing. Palma added that precautions will be taken for Covid 19 limiting the amount of people in the building at one time for social distancing and masks will also be available for those in need. She emphasized that privacy is very important.
Onno Husing Lincoln County planning director said they have been busy helping people to get the housing, and permit information they need to start rebuilding and recovering. They are creating a county wide database as many lost important records in the fire and they are digitizing that information for people. There are concerns about damages to underground septic tanks. "That is why we need to go slow so people can learn where their septic tanks are and where the drain fields are so they can be fenced off before reconstruction can begin."
The MARC will include representatives from several support services such as Planning Department, Solid Waste, Behavioral Health, Oregon Department of Forestry, Federal Emergency Management (FEMA). Donations can be given at the Lincoln County fairgrounds where they will be distributed to the distribution center in Lincoln City. Contributions can also be made to the United Way, and the Salvation Army is taking donations to help with food.
The MARC will be open this week at the Lincoln City Outlet Malls in Suite 200.
• Thursday: 8am – 1pm
Registration/Attendance:
No registration needed, free
Due to COVID conditions only a limited number of persons will be allowed in at one time. Face coverings and hand sanitizer will be made available.
A greeter will be at the main entrance to greet attendees, provide them with information on the MARC and if needed will make a list of the order the attendee's arrival so entrance will be based on first come first serve. (We estimate we can allow 20-25 families in at one time)
Computers with internet access will be available for those who need to file an application with FEMA or for the Small Business Administration (SBA).
Interpreters available on site to assist as needed
Confirmed Community Services Partners:
City of Lincoln City
DHS - Self Sufficiency
Federal Emergency Management (FEMA – financial assistance application)
Lincoln County Animal Shelter
Lincoln County Behavioral Health
Lincoln County School District
Lincoln County School District H.E.L.P.
Lincoln County Emergency Management (Small Business Administration Loan Assistance info)
Lincoln County Environmental Health Vital Records (birth and death certs)
Lincoln County Environmental Health (public water system monitoring)
Lincoln County Planning and Development (info on rebuilding, permits, process to rebuild)
Lincoln County Solid Waste
Ministerial Services
Northwest Septic Service
Oregon Department of Forestry
Pacific Power and Light
Red Cross - Clean Up Assistance Kits
Robertson Environmental
Additional resources near the MARC include:
The Donation Distribution Center is located in Suite 118 and is open from 10am to 6pm.
Trauma Center for Disaster Victims (Behavioral Health) is located in Suite 410 and is open from 10am to 5pm
Questions or Need More Information?
Contact the Lincoln County Call Center at 541-265-0621 between the hours of 8am and 6pm.
Check out more information on the Lincoln County Echo Mountain Fire website at www.co.lincoln.or.us/echomountainfire - go to the Disaster Damage and Recovery Page
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