City of Talent
Almeda Fire Resources
Last updated November 30, 2020

TALENT COUNCIL VIRTUAL TOWN HALL RECORDINGS
The Talent City Council held a virtual town hall meeting on Thursday, November 12^th, 2020 for residents and others to discuss post-Almeda Fire debris removal, rebuilding, and other efforts.
Audio (meeting commences at timestamp 25.35)
Audio (Espanol) 
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DRINKING WATER SAMPLING POST ALMEDA FIRE
Please see the results of water quality sampling conducted post Almeda Fire:
7 samples taken September 15, 2020
23 samples taken September 15, 2020
7 samples taken October 5, 2020
7 samples taken October 15, 2020
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ROGUE VALLEY REBUILDS
A website for official wildfire recovery information is now available at RogueValleyRebuilds.org.  Aimed at those affected by the Almeda and Obenchain fires, it brings together information from multiple organizations involved in the rebuilding effort.  Spanish translation is available by clicking on Google Translate at the top right of the screen.  Many key documents are also available in Spanish.  
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2020 Oregon Wildfire Recovery / Recuperacion de los incendios forestales de Oregon 2020 - a bilingual summary by the Department of Environmental Quality that outlines what's next for people whose homes or businesses burned.  
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TALENT COUNCIL HOLDS VIRTUAL TOWN HALL TO DISCUSS ALMEDA FIRE
The Talent City Council held a virtual town hall meeting on Thursday, September 24, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. for residents and others to discuss the Almeda Fire and its aftermath. In addition to the Council, city employees and representatives from Pacific Power, Avista, Recology, Rogue Valley Sewer Services and others were available to answer questions. 

To hear an audio recording of the meeting, click here.  The meeting begins at timestamp 25:00.  
 
REUNIÓN MUNICIPAL DE TALENT
Marque su calendario para el jueves 24 de septiembre a las 6 p.m. para una reunión municipal a través de Zoom. Esta será una gran oportunidad para que TODOS los residentes de Talent hagan preguntas, sean escuchados, compartan sus opiniones y ayuden 
a platicar sobre posible soluciones en el futuro. Busque el enlace en línea en cityoftalent.org, una vez que esté publicado. ¡Espero que nos pueda acompañar! 
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JACKSON COUNTY MULTI-AGENCY RESOURCE CENTERS OPEN
The Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARC) are now open in Medford and smaller satellite offices in Talent, Phoenix, and Shady Cove.  All four MARC locations will be available from 8am-8pm seven days a week.

There will be representatives from FEMA, the Red Cross, local insurance agencies, and City representatives to offer assistance in the fire relief process.  FEMA  assists with the registration process for FEMA assistance.  Other agencies will assist with additional resources, including housing, food and clothing vouchers, assistance filing insurance claims, and cash assistance.  The satellite offices generally only have FEMA representatives.  There are Spanish speaking representatives at all four locations.  
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FIRE AND DISASTER ASSISTANCE INFORMATION

City of Talent Fire News – City specific news.

Jackson County Emergency Services – Comprehensive list of resources to help, support and guide wildfire victims. 

Jackson County Essential Services (bilingual)

2020 Oregon Wildfire Recovery / Recuperacion de los incendios forestales de Oregon 2020 - a bilingual summary by the Department of Environmental Quality that outlines what's next for people whose homes or businesses burned.  

FEMA Disaster Assistance Registration - Or call the hotline available 7 days a week (800) 621-3362

Rogue Valley Preparedness and Recovery Hub - a comprehensive site of wildfire and community updates for Jackson and Josephine Counties.  
 
FIRE CLEANUP AND DEBRIS MANAGEMENT

Important Information Regarding Debris Removal

Fire Debris and Disposal Information 

Transfer Station/Construction and Demolition Debris

How to Safely Manage Ash and Debris from Burned Buildings – information from the Department of Environmental Quality on how to cleanup following the fires, along with helpful safety information when returning to survey property.

Hazardous Waste/Toxics Reduction Policy – from the Department of Environmental Quality that clarifies the requirements for management of building demolition waste. 
 
BUSINESS RESOURCES

SBA press release announcing relief for businesses affected by fire from the federal Small Business Administration in English and Spanish. 

CLEANUP

Important Information for Talent Residents and Business Owners with Properties that were Destroyed in the Almeda Fire.   
 

HOUSING AND SHELTER

Refugio / Shelter; Cruz Roja Americana / American Red Cross, Cascades Region.  A new shelter opened September 22 in Phoenix.  It is focused on Latino families but any and everyone is welcome.  No government agencies are there:
Phoenix Elementary School
215 N. Rose St.

The American Red Cross opened an emergency shelter at the Phoenix Elementary School.  The other shelter is at the Jackson County Expo in Medford.  Staff are providing bilingual resources and support 24 hours a day.  

Where can I find/offer a room to rent in Talent?
Rogue Valley Homes and Shelter Releif
Home Share Oregon
Rogue Valley Fires Mutual Aid Housing
Access Housing Connection Portal

SERVICES

TALENT RECOVERS - works to provide recovery support and resources for those affected by the Almeda Firs.  TALENT RECOVERS was initiated by the Board of the Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Talent.  For more information go to TalentRecovers.com 

Oregon is officially a disaster area and able to receive FEMA assistance.  How do I apply?
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden's office supplied this information from FEMA - First contact your insurance agency, then register on the FEMA website at http://www.disasterassistance.gov/ and select APPLY.  Also, you can call 1-800-621-3362

Here is a link to their FAQs:  http://www.disasterassistance.gov/help/faqs and FEMA Individual Assistance Program Fact Sheet.

Are there resources for filing insurance claims, finding a counselor, finding shelter and essentials in Talent?
The Jackson County website has excellent information on immediate assistance.

La Clinica is a health care provider assisting low-income families.  They have a mobile unit that also tends to house unhoused populations.  La Clinica will be at the Jackson County Expo and shelters for the next few days.  Click here to see the calendar.  Information is also available on Facebook at La Clinica Home.

If my home burned, will I still pay property tax?
Contact the Jackson County Tax Assessor's office.  The rolls are confirmed in October of each year.  Homes that were destroyed will not automatically be removed from the tax rolls.  Contact them to discuss proration of annual property taxes.        

Is there someone I can talk to for emotional support?
Contact the Rogue Valley Emotional Wellness Hotline, a hotline for anyone in the Southern Oregon area experiencing grief and loss associated with the recent fires.   

Peer Fire Support Groups on Zoom facilitated by Rogue Valley mental health professionals and sponsored by Nando Raynolds, LPC and the Community Counseling Center of Ashland. 

How can I volunteer?

Where can I donate to help?
Give to the Rogue Valley Relief Fund.  Funds for short and long term response and rebuilding will be distributed by local Rogue Valley organizations that know our communities well.