^{By Rebecca Marshall, Red Cross Cascades Communications Director}

Much of the work done at the American Red Cross happens after a wildfire is contained or is out of the headlines. Such was the case of the first big wildfire of the 2025 fire season in Oregon. On June 11, flames rapidly spread through the town of Rowena in the Columbia River Gorge, causing level 3 evacuations almost instantly. Thousands of people were told to “Go Now” with little more than the clothes on their backs. The fire would burn more than 3,800 acres and ultimately destroy 58 homes. 

After several days of sheltering, we began outreach to find people who’ve lost their homes or who may need assistance in their recovery, even if they didn’t come to our shelter. 

It is during these times we work with our partners to see if we can help meet people’s individual needs.  

For example, on June 20, 2025, the Red Cross joined state government partners from Oregon Department of Human Services Office of Resiliency Management or (OREM) to drive around the areas affected by the Rowena Fire. They handed out shower coupons, towels, water and other items. 

Red Crossers also traveled in the community to do damage assessment to better serve those who’ve lost it all. In this case, the damage was extensive and our hearts go out to those who lost everything to this wildfire. Sue Reynolds was one of the volunteers on a Red Cross damage assessment team who went out into the community and saw the destruction first hand.

“Wow. Just wow. It reminds you that things can be there one minute and gone the next. There’s nothing left. I mean nothing. It almost brings you to tears,” says Reynolds.

Red Cross volunteers also participated in Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARC’s) in The Dalles to help connect people to resources.  They distributed clean up kits and offered safety tips for people who could return to their homes or properties.

Tips after a wildfire:

• Avoid hot ash, charred trees, smoldering debris, and live embers. The ground may contain heat pockets that can burn you or spark another fire. 

• Avoid damaged or fallen power lines, poles, and downed wires. They can electrocute you.

• Your pet’s behavior may change dramatically after a disaster, becoming aggressive or defensive. Be aware of their well-being.

• Take care to watch out for hotspots that could damage an animal’s paws.

• Protect yourself against ash when you clean up. Wear gloves, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes and socks to protect your skin. Wear goggles to protect your eyes. Limit how much ash you breathe in by wearing an N95 respirator.

• Wash off ash that gets on your skin or in your eyes or mouth as soon as you can.

• Wildfires can make drinking water unsafe. Check with your local health department about drinking water safety.

• When in doubt, throw it out! Throw out food that was exposed to heat, smoke, fumes, or chemicals.

• Disasters are upsetting experiences for everyone involved. You may feel a wide range of emotions, especially as you return home after a wildfire. Remember, you are not alone. For free 24/7 counseling or support, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.

We will continue to connect with those people who’ve been affected in an effort to make sure no one feels alone after disaster strikes their communities.  The Red Cross has been there from day one and willremain in response mode as long as we’re needed.

Please download our free Red Cross Emergency App in your app store to stay up to date on shelter locations, fire behavior, and weather impacts.