Wildfire Response and Recovery

The State of Oregon is working with federal, state and local partners to safely address ash and debris from the 2020 Oregon wildfires. Removing fire debris is a two-step cleanup process. Step 1 is clearing properties of household hazardous waste to minimize exposure of hazardous materials to the public. Step 2 is removal of ash and debris.

If you have questions about this process, call our Wildfire Debris Cleanup hotline: 503-934-1700. Or email questions to odot.wildfire@odot.state.or.us.

For 24/7 road conditions and traffic information visit TripCheck.com.

Wildfires Have a Major Effect on Our Transportation System

removing hazard trees

The 2020 Labor Day weekend wildfires affected so much of our lives including our transportation system. Most people know that roads close due to flames and smoke when fires are in the immediate area, but many people may not know that debris such as downed trees can create hazards long after the fire is out. Fire can damage the road surface, signs, guardrails, etc. too. There are four phases of re-opening highways - evaluation, critical services, partial opening and full restoration.

Reopening roads after wildfires infographic

Road Status

For the very latest road conditions call 5-1-1 or visit TripCheck.com. The following maps provide more detail on the road status post-fire.

Statewide closure status

Oregon 22

Oregon 211 and 224

Oregon 126

DMV Services

The wildfires devastating Oregon are leaving many without essential documents including things like a driver license, ID card or proof of vehicle ownership. DMV can help.

Sno-Parks

The U.S. Forest Service and other partners tell us that most Sno-Parks will be open this year. Permits can be purchased online.

Definitions

According to the U.S. Forest Service, a hazard tree is a tree that has a structural defect (burned, damaged or diseased) that makes it likely to fall or drop branches.

Rock scaling, according to the Federal Highway Administration, is the process of removing loose or potentially unstable material (or a small section of slope) that might dislodge and/or fall.

Road damage: wildfire can damage the asphalt on a road. It can cause cracking, potholes, melting and in very intense heat asphalt can burn.

News and Information

If you have questions about the wildfire debris cleanup process, call our Wildfire Debris Cleanup hotline: 503-934-1700. Or email questions to odot.wildfire@odot.state.or.us.

For the latest on Oregon wildfire recovery visit the state wildfire page.

FEMA assistance for those affected by fires

ODOT news releases

Pictures, Videos and More

See photos from during and after the wildfires.

See videos from during and after the wildfires.