September 8, 2025 10:00 a.m.   

On the five-year anniversary of the 2020 Labor Day wildfires, Governor Tina Kotek released a statement:

“The 2020 Labor Day fires were an unprecedented disaster that changed how Oregon prepares for wildfire and recovery. Survivors have shown remarkable resilience, and the state remains committed to supporting their path to stability. We’ve learned hard lessons and must continue improving our preparedness to protect lives and the environment we all depend on”.

A release from the Governor’s office said the Labor Day 2020 windstorm triggered five simultaneous megafires and 12 smaller blazes across Oregon beginning on September 7th and 8th. Within days, the fires burned more than 1 million acres, destroyed more than 4,000 homes, displaced tens of thousands of residents and killed 11 people. The five megafires rank among Oregon’s 20 largest wildfires since 1900.

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management coordinated with state agencies, local recovery groups, and the American Red Cross to shelter and feed thousands of wildfire survivors.

Acknowledging there are survivors of the 2020 Labor Day disasters who have not yet recovered, Oregon Housing and Community Services and its resilient community partners have continued to work to ensure that every survivor who still needs it, has a permanent housing solution. OHCS is working with partners to build over 2,600 homes to own or rent and provide supportive services. Find more wildfire recovery updates on the OHCS website: https://www.oregon.gov/ohcs/pages/index.aspx

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