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Rowena Fire recovery: 28 households rehoused, septic replacements under way, long‑term needs exceed current relief fund
Summary
Wasco County and partner agencies reported progress on long‑term recovery from the Rowena Fire: 94 households received case management outreach, 28 households have been permanently rehoused, septic system damage remains a leading unmet need and local relief funds total about $400,000 with $70,000 distributed so far.
Wasco County and Long‑Term Recovery partners told the Board that recovery work following the Rowena Fire is underway but will require sustained funding and coordination.
Community Development Director Kelly Howsley‑Glover said the Rowena Fire Long‑Term Recovery Group has been operating under a nonprofit fiscal sponsor and following national recovery models. Staff reported 94 households engaged through case management, 28 households permanently rehoused and $162,000 in corporate donations and in‑kind materials collected to date. The county noted the local relief fund held by the United Way of the Columbia Gorge currently totals about $400,000 and that $70,000 has been distributed following a needs‑based Unmet Needs Roundtable process.
Environmental‑health officials said septic systems are the most common outstanding need. North Central Public Health District staff reported eight formal septic evaluations submitted so far: two required no work, two needed minor repairs and four required complete replacement of the tank or drain field. Public Health emphasized it has identified pathways for repair or replacement in each case and that age alone does not automatically require replacement. "No applications have been denied septic suitability so far," a health official said, adding that individualized solutions are being pursued where lots are difficult.
Planning staff said seven new dwellings and more than seven accessory structures have been approved to date, and that "one‑stop" panel meetings with building, planning and environmental health staff are helping homeowners navigate permitting. The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture's concurrence with the National Scenic Area plan update will allow temporary RVs and accessory structures to be permitted for up to 10 years in disaster recovery cases, a change county staff said will provide near‑term relief for survivors while longer‑term reconstruction proceeds.
County staff said they expect demand for assistance to rise as debris cleanup finishes and more septic and housing needs become clear, and they plan outreach to raise additional donations and resources.
