House Bill 3148-A Creates Wildfire Damage Housing Relief Account
Salem, Ore. – The Oregon House of Representatives yesterday unanimously passed House Bill 3148-A, legislation that seeks to provide critical relief to low-income wildfire victims through the creation of the Wildfire Damage Housing Relief Account.
Chief sponsored by House Republican Leader Mike McLane (R-Powell Butte), the bipartisan measure serves as an additional resource for Oregon families that lose their homes or housing due to a wildfire.
“I’ve seen firsthand the sweeping, long-term damage caused by wildfires and have met families who have lost everything. When a natural disaster strikes our state and devastates our communities, we must take action to help our neighbors get back on their feet,” said Rep. McLane, who drafted the bill after meeting with wildfire victims in Klamath County last summer.
“Oregon suffered a devastating wildfire season last year and our firefighters and forestry teams are out right now battling several large fires around the state. These wildfire relief grants will ensure that vulnerable families that lose their homes in a wildfire have access to assistance and resources to rebuild their homes and their lives.”
Last August, Rep. McLane and state and local officials toured the Moccasin Hill fire site in Klamath County and met families who lost their homes and possessions in the fire, which spread quickly and injured at least one firefighter. The fire burned through more than 2,500 acres of land and destroyed 17 primary and 18 additional homes and structures.
HB 3148-A seeks to assist victims like the Moccasin Hill fire victims, many of whom were uninsured or not insured. According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, fires consumed nearly 53,000 acres of land on ODF protection, largely concentrated in central, southern and eastern Oregon.
The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
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