Oregon lawmakers hear fire survivors personal stories and continued struggles
The purpose of the hearings is for legislators to learn more about the struggles people still face and determine what the state can do to help. Author: Christine Pitawanich Updated: 8:28 PM PST February 23, 2021
SALEM, Ore. People in fire-affected areas of Oregon gave lawmakers a glimpse into their lives now, almost six months after the fires in September.
Last week, people in Southern Oregon testified in front of the Legislative House Special Committee on Wildfire Recovery.
This week, people in other fire-affected areas like the Santiam Canyon, McKenzie River Valley, Portland metro area and coastal areas, shared their personal stories with Oregon lawmakers.
Others recounted their experiences too.
“The entire neighborhood is gone. I lost everything,” said Susannah Perillat.
“We did not get notifications,” she said.
The lack of alerts is an issue that was brought up numerous times.
“I found out on Facebook. What about the people who don’t know about that stuff,” said James Williams, who said he and his wife only had about six minutes to get out of their home.
“We made it out with the clothes on our backs and our four dogs,” he said.
“I still wake up at night, sweating, having nightmares, terrors about being trapped in a house and burning alive,” said Williams.