Jefferson County residents still navigating the long road of wildfire recovery had a rare one-stop opportunity Tuesday, as more than a dozen local, state and federal agencies gathered at the Central Oregon Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Madras.

The Wildfire Recovery Resource Event ran from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 850 NW Dogwood Lane, allowing property owners, ranchers and families to meet face-to-face with agency representatives — without having to track down help from offices scattered across the region.

Who Was in the Room

The range of participating organizations reflected the complexity of wildfire recovery, which touches everything from crop insurance to emotional wellbeing:

  • Oregon State University Extension Service
  • USDA Farm Service Agency
  • Natural Resources 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

Agricultural Community a Key Focus

For Jefferson County's ranching and farming communities — whose rangeland and crops can be wiped out in a single fire event — programs from the USDA Farm Service Agency and NRCS were among the most critical offerings. Both agencies offer emergency loans at favorable rates, cost-share programs for reseeding burned rangeland, and technical assistance for restoring damaged land.

The Oregon Department of Financial Regulation provided guidance on navigating insurance claims, often one of the most frustrating aspects of recovery for homeowners and agricultural producers alike.

Mental Health Support Also Available

Recognizing that wildfire trauma doesn't end when the flames go out, the Agristress Helpline and Hope Animal-Assisted Crisis Response also had representatives available. Recovery from a major fire event can take years, and mental health professionals stressed the importance of reaching out early rather than waiting for a crisis.

Residents who missed Tuesday's event and need assistance can contact:

  • Agristress Helpline: 1-833-897-2474
  • OSU Extension – Jefferson County: for referrals to recovery programs
  • Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District for land restoration resources