Phase 1 cleanup - the removal of household hazardous wastes from wildfire-impacted properties - has been completed. The recovery effort is now entering an interim period that will enable impacted residents to return and survey their properties before Phase 2 cleanup operations begin.
Phase 1 Accomplishments
The initial phase of the debris removal program has been completed across fire-impacted areas. During Phase 1, crews focused on:
● Initial debris assessment and removal
● Hazardous material identification and cleanup
● Safety evaluations of affected properties
● Infrastructure damage assessment
Interim Period Activities
The interim period provides a critical opportunity for property owners to:
● Survey their properties for any personal belongings or items they wish to preserve before Phase 2 begins
● Document remaining debris
● Coordinate with insurance adjusters if needed
● Prepare for Phase 2 operations
State and local partners are also coordinating a hazardous waste collection event that will be held on Friday, August 16, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at The Dalles Disposal Transfer Station, 1317 West 1st Street. While residents are unlikely to encounter hazardous materials during the interim period, they are encouraged to properly collect and deliver any hazardous materials they find to the collection event. Households and small businesses must pre-register at least one week in advance at tricountyrecycle.com or call (541) 506-2632. If you miss the registration deadline or have questions about hazardous materials, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) can provide guidance and coordinate alternative disposal options.
Critical Safety Information for Property Access
Residents who return to the wildfire-affected area during this interim period are strongly encouraged to wear Tyvek coveralls and N95 masks, available for pickup from:
● North Central Public Health District: 419 E 7th St, The Dalles (during normal business hours)
● Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue: 1400 W 8th St, The Dalles (during normal business hours)
If you cannot wear proper protective clothing, wear long sleeves, pants, and sturdy shoes, then immediately dispose of all clothing worn while reentering your fire-damaged property. Children should not be involved in cleanup activities.
Right of Entry Forms
Property owners who have not yet submitted their Right of Entry forms can still email them to pio@co.wasco.or.us or drop them off at any Wasco County office. These forms authorize government contractors to enter your property for cleanup purposes and are required for the no-cost cleanup program.
Looking Ahead to Phase 2
Phase 2 operations will focus on:
● Final debris removal and site cleanup
● Soil remediation where necessary
● Final safety clearances
● Preparation for rebuilding efforts
The start of Phase 2 is contingent on funding approval. Wasco County is actively advocating for these resources. Phase 2 will begin as soon as funding is secured and we will update the public as soon as we know more.
Additional Cleanup Resources:
The Debris Management Task Force is providing technical assistance and coordinating with subject matter experts to support safe debris management. Guidance on proper cleanup procedures and disposal of fire debris can be found at: https://www.oregon.gov/deq.
Local recovery and safety resources are also available through Wasco County Emergency Management Long-term Recovery page.
Residents are encouraged to sign up for Wasco County Citizen Alert for the latest updates on recovery, road access, and support services.
For more information on state-led wildfire recovery and preparedness efforts, visit: wildfire.oregon.gov.
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