Lane County’s Emergency Manager has dealt with as many disasters as she’s worked years on the job.
Patence Winningham was among the officials at last week’s event in Blue River, where updates on rebuilding and support efforts were shared with locals. This included tours of new temporary housing units at the U.S. Basketball Academy, for 17 families who've lost their homes to wildfires.
“I’ve been in my job for almost three years, been through three federal disasters since I've been here and it's been extremely challenging," said Winningham.
"So I'm telling you it's testing me, it’s testing my ability, testing my resilience...but it's also showing me all the resources and tools that the local level has, that the state level brings and the federal government brings, to help support us in our worst day.”
The devastation hits home for Winningham, who’s also a resident of McKenzie Bridge. The Holiday Farm Fire burned through 173,000 acres last September, destroying hundreds of homes.
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