While crews continue to fight the Holiday Farm Fire and others around the state, evacuation notices for the region are being downgraded. Officials are warning evacuees to be careful coming home.
As residents of the McKenzie River Corridor return to their home areas, they’re asked to beware of ash that may contain asbestos, mercury, and other harmful materials.

Lane County spokesperson Devon Ashbridge said kids should not be involved in cleaning up, nor should people move dry ash or debris around.
“It should be wetted to control dust before it becomes airborne," Ashbridge told KLCC.
"And folks should be wearing the proper protective equipment. So the cloth face coverings that we’re all wearing for COVID, really are not adequate for filtering out fine, airborne ash or asbestos fibers.”

Displaced residents of areas damaged by recent fires are advised to wear gloves, disposable coveralls, thick-soled boots, and N95 face masks when coming back.
Ashbridge warned there could also be electrical hazards at a damaged homestead.
“Assume all downed power lines are active even if power is out in the area. It is possible that if someone in the area has hooked up a generator to their home, it could charge lines all in that area, it could still pose a hazard.”
A fire-damaged residence may also have melted septic tanks or damaged trees that pose additional threats.
People are advised to get licensed contractors to help with repairs, as well as contact their insurance companies first thing upon coming back.
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