2024 was the worst fire season on record in Oregon and the Lone Rock Fire was one of the largest – burning more than 130,000 acres in Gilliam, Wheeler, and Morrow County.
Five counties in eastern Oregon are set to receive federal assistance to recover from the historic wildfires that ravaged rangelands, homes, and infrastructure during the summer of 2024.
Recognizing the most excruciating fire season in Oregon's history, President Joe Biden announced on New Year's Day the approval of major disaster declarations for Gilliam, Grant, Umatilla, Wasco, and Wheeler counties, unlocking federal funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The funding comes five months after fires nearly destroyed the towns of Lonerock and Spray.
Livestock producers and landowners have been working hand-in-hand with the Gilliam and Wheeler Soil and Water Conservation Districts. But without the federal funding, rebuilding after catastrophic fires has been challenging. More than 3,000 miles of fence-line that ranchers depend on was eviscerated in 2024 wildfire season. Alfalfa crops and stored hay were burned, forcing livestock producers to purchase feed. In the late summer and early fall, producers needed immediate support but knew the federal government's mechanisms would take many months to become a reality.
But that support is finally on its way.
The FEMA funding, provided on a cost-sharing basis, will support recovery efforts for wildfires that burned nearly 2 million acres statewide between July 10 and August 23. The assistance will be available to local governments, tribes, nonprofits, and state and federal agencies involved in response and rebuilding efforts.
The wildfires destroyed at least 42 homes and 132 structures, injured 26 people, and claimed the life of an air tanker pilot. Thousands of acres of rangeland vital for livestock grazing were also scorched. Damage to public infrastructure alone is estimated to have exceeded $650 million, not including private property losses or economic impacts on local businesses.
"This is good news to start 2025," said U.S. Senator Ron Wyden. "Oregon suffered a brutal fire season, and I'll keep working to ensure our state has the federal resources it needs to recover while also taking proactive steps, such as higher firefighter pay and prescribed burns during cooler months."
Governor Tina Kotek initially declared a state of emergency in July, as wildfire threats escalated. She invoked the Conflagration Act 17 times-a state record-to mobilize firefighting crews and equipment.
U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley underscored the significance of the federal aid, calling the disaster designation essential for rebuilding efforts. "Last summer's wildfire season was devastating for many Oregonians and our economy," Merkley said. "This funding is crucial for state, local, and Tribal governments to recover and rebuild."
The fires hit Wheeler County particularly hard, with 147,675 acres burned, including the Lone Rock Fire, which burned 66,004 acres in Wheeler County. The Crazy Creek Fire, that burned 26,941 in Wheeler County. The Shoe Fly Fire burned 26,806 acres, all within Wheeler County. The Fossil Complex fires burned 23,976 acres entirely in Wheeler County.
The federal disaster declaration comes after a letter from Oregon's entire congressional delegation supporting Governor Kotek's request. It is the second major disaster declaration for Oregon in 2024, following a January declaration for severe winter storms that caused landslides and widespread damage.
The aid complements $2 million in emergency loans and grants allocated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for eastern Oregon farmers and ranchers earlier in 2024. Federal lawmakers and state officials emphasized the importance of sustained efforts to rebuild communities while preparing for future wildfire seasons.
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