Farmers, ranchers, and rural residents throughout Jefferson County who were impacted by this year's wildfires have an important opportunity coming up: a free, one-stop Wildfire Recovery Multi-Agency Resource Event in Madras on Tuesday, November 10.
The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Central Oregon Agricultural Research and Extension Center, located at 850 NW Dogwood Lane in Madras. Lunch will be provided at no cost to attendees.
Who Should Attend
The event is designed for anyone affected by recent wildfires in the region — including property owners, agricultural producers, livestock operators, and rural homeowners. Residents from surrounding communities beyond Madras are welcome and encouraged to come.
Representatives from more than a dozen government agencies and community organizations will be on-site to answer questions, explain available recovery programs, walk through insurance options, and connect residents directly with support services — all in one location, in one afternoon.
Participating Agencies
A broad coalition of organizations will be present, including:
- Oregon State University Extension
- USDA Farm Service Agency
- Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)
- Oregon Department of Forestry
- Oregon Department of Human Services
- Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District
- Middle Deschutes Watershed Council
- Oregon State Fire Marshal
- Oregon Department of Financial Regulation
- Agristress Helpline
- Hope Animal-Assisted Crisis Response
Why It Matters
Jefferson County and surrounding Central Oregon communities experienced a difficult fire season in 2026. For many agricultural producers, that meant lost pasture, damaged fencing, dead livestock, and disrupted operations — on top of an already challenging drought year. Navigating the maze of recovery programs, insurance claims, and financial assistance can be overwhelming when you're also trying to get your land and livelihood back on track.
Events like this bring the agencies to the community, rather than making residents travel to Salem or wade through government websites alone.
"We want to make it as easy as possible for affected residents to access the help that's available to them," said Jefferson County Commissioner Mark Wunsch, who is helping coordinate the event.
How to Get More Information
Residents with questions about the November 10 event can contact Jefferson County Commissioner Mark Wunsch by phone at (541) 475-2449. No pre-registration is required — just show up at 850 NW Dogwood Lane between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Mark your calendars: Tuesday, November 10, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., COARC in Madras. Free lunch. Free help. Bring your questions.