As residents begin to return home, we want to share guidance on things to keep in mind and resources you may require.
Date: July 16, 2024
To: Residents returning home after the Larch Creek Fire
Upon returning to your home, please consider the following items and call North Central Public Health District (NCPHD) at 541-506-2600 if you have questions or need assistance.
WIC Benefits:
NCPHD is committed to ensuring that families whose WIC benefits have been impacted by the Larch Creek Fire are fully restored. Contact the NCPHD WIC office at 541-506-2610 to discuss how we can support you during this time.
Food Safety:
After a wildfire, it’s important to ensure food safety:
• Immediately Discard: Any food or beverages exposed to heat, smoke, soot, or chemicals should be discarded.
• Power Outage Guidelines:
o If your power was out for more than 4 hours, discard perishable refrigerated items like meats, seafood, dairy, eggs, prepared foods, and food requiring temperature control.
o If your power was out for more than 48 hours, also discard all frozen foods requiring temperature control. Food with ice crystals may be safe to keep, but do not refreeze thawed items.
• When in Doubt, throw it out.
Safe Drinking Water:
Ensuring your drinking water is safe post-wildfire is essential:
Assessment: If your property was damaged by wildfire or the wildfire was within 100 feet of your property, use the Oregon Health Authority Well Damage Assessment guide to identify the level of damage and the next steps to ensure your drinking
water is safe.
English: https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/…/le3558a.pdf
Spanish: https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/…/ls3558a.pdf
Water Testing: NCPHD will cover the costs for testing your private well for nitrates and coliform. Visit the Commercial Building at the Wasco County Fairgrounds for sample bottles and drop-off details. https://www.oregon.gov/…/WildfireImpacted-Domestic-Well…
System Impact: If you assessed the damage level and determined that you lost pressure or experienced impacts to your well or distribution system, contact NCPHD Environmental Health for guidance and other recommended contaminate testing.
Potable Water: Potable drinking water is available at the Commercial Building at Wasco County Fairgrounds while your water is being tested.
Onsite Wastewater (Septic) Systems Safety:
Assessing and protecting your septic system is important after a wildfire:
Damage Awareness: Check for damage to plastic or fiberglass tanks, lids, and PVC piping near the ground. During and after wildfire events, heavy equipment used during the response or in debris removal may also cause compaction around septic systems, affecting functionality.
Precautions During Cleanup: Before debris removal, mark and protect your septic tank and drain field from heavy equipment and to prevent damage.
Response if Damaged: If your wastewater system has been damaged or if you notice backups or malfunctions, discontinue use immediately. Contact a licensed septic installer and NCPHD Environmental Health office for assistance.
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