Aug. 12, 2024

Evacuation levels regarding the South End Fire outside of Canby have all been downgraded.

When returning home after being evacuated due to fire or smoke, there are several precautions to take, including looking for hot spots, checking your home and more. Read the tips below about re-entering your home.

We also realize returning home after an emergency can be stressful, so be sure to give yourself grace if the next few days are extra hard. Talking with someone else can help. Our folks are available to talk 24 hours a day. To speak with a caring professional, call the Clackamas County Crisis and Support Line at 503-655-8585.

Returning Home After an Evacuation

We know you are anxious to return to your homes, assess any damage, and start the process of recovery. Please proceed with caution, as many dangers may still exist after a wildfire. We want to help you prepare to return, and we have included precautions, steps, and considerations as you move forward.

When you first arrive home, take special care:

• Drive with caution. Driveways and rural roads could be blocked by rocks, fallen tree limbs or other debris. There may also be damage to roads and utility poles.
• Check for hot embers in rain gutters; in piles of wood, compost or shavings; on the roof; under overhangs, and on all parts of your property including outbuildings. White ash is evidence of hot material. Smoldering holes in the ground can be full of hot coals. Notify your insurance provider that you have a claim and need assistance with recovery.
• Once inside your home, check for fire damage, including attics, and crawlspaces.
• If your utilities are shut off, please contact your utility provider before turning these utilites on.
• Document property damage with photographs. Conduct an inventory and contact your insurance company for assistance.
• Check if your phone and security systems are working.
• Turn off appliances before restoring main power.
• When cleaning, wear protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, goggles, long pants, work gloves, KN-95 face coverings and sturdy thick-soled shoes during clean-up efforts. These will protect you from broken glass, exposed nails and other objects.
• If your building has only suffered minimal damages, clear the debris to the edge of your driveway to be removed later — this will keep your house safe from fire. If you use power tools to help with that work, abide by safety precautions to avoid sparking additional hames. If your property has sustained structural debris impacted by fire, do not touch or attempt to remove the debris without consulting the county Hazardous Waste removal company. The debris may contain contaminants and are not disposable in standard landfill.

Be safe after a wildfire

If you see these issues, report them immediately:

• Call your utility company if you see damaged utility equipment or electrical problems. Deep charring on utility poles is hazardous. Call Portland General Electric at 503-464-7777 or 800-544-1795, or call Pacific Power at 1-877-508- 5088.
• If your property relies on propane for fuel, evaluate propane tanks, hoses and connections for damage or leaks. Call your utility or local propane company if you find damage, or if you suspect a leak.
• If you notice evidence someone may have stolen items while you were evacuated, call the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office non-emergency phone number at 503-655-8211.
• If you have a septic tank with a plastic lid and the lid shows evidence of fire damage, the area is wet or the ground has already collapsed, contact a septic professional to have the tank inspected. Plastic septic tanks may be damaged by excessive heat from a fire and could collapse without warning.