Oregon – Nearly five years after the devastating 2020 wildfires scorched more than one million acres across Oregon, communities in the Santiam Canyon are still navigating a long road to recovery. With new legislation, local tax relief, and ongoing investigations, the state continues to reckon with one of the worst wildfire seasons in its recorded history.
A Catastrophic Season
According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, the 2020 wildfire season was among the most destructive in the last century. Fueled by high winds, extreme drought, and a changing climate, fires like the Beachie Creek Fire tore through the North Santiam Canyon, destroying hundreds of homes and forcing entire communities to evacuate.
A report released by the Oregon Department of Justice in March 2025 details the findings of a multiyear investigation into the 2020 fires. The report concludes that the Santiam Canyon fire was mostly caused by embers from the Beachie Creek Fire. The Department did not investigate the cause of the Beachie Creek Fire as it is outside of their jurisdiction. (Right Now Oregon).
“The wildfires burning throughout our beautiful state are the result of decades of failed leadership and the governor’s radical environmental agenda to appease special interests.” said State Senator Fred Girod, who represents the hard-hit region. (Oregon Legislature)
Legislative Action
In response, the Oregon State Senate recently passed Senate Bill 824, spearheaded by Senator Girod, aimed at bolstering wildfire recovery efforts and rebuilding infrastructure in the North Santiam Canyon. The bill allocates funding for debris removal, road repairs, and fire prevention upgrades—including modernizing utility lines to reduce the risk of future ignitions (Oregon Legislature).
“This project is essential for communities like Mill City and Gates that were devastated by wildfire” said Girod in a statement.
Tax Relief for Survivors
At the county level, Marion County Commissioners approved a Tax Reset Ordinance in July 2024 for Santiam Canyon wildfire survivors. The measure allows property tax assessments to be reset to pre-fire values for qualifying residents, easing financial burdens for those who lost homes in the blaze.
“I want to thank the Legislature for getting Senate Bill 1545 through to allow this ordinance and help the people with wildfire recovery,” said Commissioner Kevin Cameron, Chair. “I want to highlight that this will reset property taxes for those who rebuilt their homes after the 2020 wildfires to pre-fire levels. Some people’s taxes doubled or tripled after rebuilding, and this will remedy that.” (Right Now Oregon).
A Community Rebuilding
While progress has been uneven, signs of recovery are visible. New homes are rising in Gates and Mill City, and community centers have since reopened. Nonprofit groups and state agencies continue to assist with housing, mental health services, and fuel reduction projects.
The legacy of the 2020 wildfires remains etched into the landscape and the collective memory of Oregonians. Recovery has also involved the rebuilding of critical infrastructure and community facilities, with federal and nonprofit assistance helping fill the gaps. But for many residents, healing remains a slow process. Local leaders have called for a statewide reevaluation of forest management practices and emergency preparedness protocols.
Senate Republican leader Daniel Bonham previously emphasized the need for more fundamental changes going forward . “Oregonians deserve a system that proactively manages our forest to prevent future fires. Current policies lock up our forests, making them more vulnerable to catastrophic wildfires. ODF’s inability to prioritize prevention strategies reflects a pattern of inefficiency that undermines its mission and public trust. We need to use prescribed fires, thin overgrown forests, remove excess fuels, and support sustainable timber harvests. These are common-sense solutions that will make our forests healthier and reduce wildfire risk— while generating jobs and spurring economic activity in rural Oregon.” (Oregon Legislature)
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