DEQ plays key role in 2020 wildfire cleanup and recovery

The series of wildfires that roared through Oregon in September destroyed thousands of residences and other structures. The cleanup process that will allow families and businesses to rebuild is well underway. Here’s an update on the progress, and DEQ’s role. Two-step debris removal process – DEQ is part of the Debris Management Task Force, alongContinue reading “DEQ plays key role in 2020 wildfire cleanup and recovery”

COVID, wildfire work shines spotlight on DEQ’s Angela Rowland

Before the global pandemic and the Oregon wildfires this year, Angela Rowland was working full-time as a Water Quality Permitting Policy Analyst at the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. The job she signed up for on Oct. 1, 2019 quickly morphed into something no one could’ve expected. This year, while continuing her water quality programContinue reading “COVID, wildfire work shines spotlight on DEQ’s Angela Rowland”

Amid destruction, hope for recovery and rebuilding

When the Alameda Fire began ripping through the Bear Creek Valley in Southern Oregon, John Vial called his wife and daughter from his desk at the Jackson County Emergency Operations Center to tell them they needed to evacuate from their home. “My wife asked me what she should take,” said Vial. “I told her I don’t care, leave everything. Just get out and get to a safe place. Do it now.”