Rebuilding Together

The 2020 wildfires changed the Santiam Canyon forever.

In the days, months, and years that followed, neighbors helped neighbors. Volunteers stepped forward. Organizations worked together. Donors provided critical resources. Local, state, federal, nonprofit, faith-based, and community partners came together to help families navigate an extraordinarily complicated recovery.

The Santiam Long Term Recovery Group was created to help coordinate that effort.

Our work focused on connecting wildfire survivors with resources, identifying unmet needs, coordinating recovery partners, supporting rebuilding efforts, and helping residents navigate the long road from disaster to recovery.

What began as an emergency response became a years-long community effort.

Today, homes have been rebuilt. Properties have been restored. Families have returned. New residents have invested in the Canyon. Businesses and community organizations continue to grow.

There is still work ahead for some families and property owners, but there is also tremendous progress to recognize.

Group of firefighters and officials inspecting the burnt remains of a building after a fire, with mountains in the background.
Group of ten women and one young woman are gathered around a wooden ramp outside a building. Some are standing behind the ramp and some are leaning on it. They are smiling and looking at the camera. There is a sign on the building with the logo and text for SIT, emphasizing team service, integration, and embracing the community.
A man with glasses wearing a firefighter uniform and a red vest, standing indoors with wooden walls and glass doors.
Partial view of a stone building with two large rectangular openings, set against a backdrop of forested mountains. There are some construction materials and a metal railing visible.
Damaged burnt vehicle and trailer behind a chain-link fence with a torn sign that reads 'Oak P...'. Surrounding trees and mountains in the background.

Our Greatest Accomplishment

The legacy of the Santiam Long Term Recovery Group cannot be measured by one number.

It can be seen in the homes rebuilt, the families supported, the resources distributed, the partnerships created, and the people who chose to continue investing in the Santiam Canyon.

Recovery was a community effort, and this community showed what is possible when people work together.

Community Impact

721
Residential properties destroyed in the 2020 wildfires

372
Properties showing rebuilding activity

179
Fire-impacted residential properties that have changed ownership

Figures are approximate and reflect available recovery and property data.