November 17, 2020 3:15 a.m.

The State of Oregon will provide no-cost wildfire ash and debris cleanup for all homes and businesses in the eight counties, including Douglas, affected by the September wildfires.

A release from the Oregon Office of Emergency Management made that announcement on Monday. The cleanup includes mobile home parks, second homes, businesses and other structures.

The release said home and business owners that opt into this government-led wildfire cleanup program will pay no upfront costs for any cleanup work. In addition, no government agency – state, federal or contractor – will seek payment from any insurance policy unless it is specifically designated for debris removal or left over after the home or business is completely rebuilt.

Kris Strickler, director of the Oregon Department of Transportation, said their mission is to safely clear the ash and debris as quickly as possible, and leave Oregonians a clean site so they can rebuild.

The release said property owners need to sign a Right of Entry form to allow cleanup crews onto their property. To submit that form, go to: https://wildfire.oregon.gov/cleanup or call the debris cleanup hotline at 504-934-1700.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will reimburse the state for a portion of eligible costs. The State of Oregon will fund the remaining costs, regardless of FEMA reimbursement. Initial estimates put the debris tally at over $600 million, including over $326 million for ash and debris removal and $295 million to remove damaged trees.

Oregon’s Debris Management Task Force, which includes the Oregon Office of Emergency Management, Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, is coordinating federal, state, and local government agencies to clean up debris from this year’s wildfires.