Rebuilding the McKenzie River Valley

Recovery Group Leaders Share Struggles & Successes After the Holiday Farm Fire

Story and photos by Craig Reed

“Slow and steady,” said 1 observer.

“At least we’re not stuck in the mud anymore,” said another. “We’ve made some strides.”

In late January, Blue River residents took a walking tour of their community, noting the progress made since the Holiday Farm Fire.

In 2020, the fire burned 173,303 acres in the McKenzie River Valley and destroyed close to 1,000 structures, including just over 500 houses. More than 26 miles and 5 communities in the McKenzie Valley corridor were destroyed.

The recovery progress includes 195 homes rebuilt as of mid-January, 56 building permits in the process to begin construction, and 1 permit under review.

“For a natural disaster like this, a long-term recovery is truly a long-term recovery,” says Devin Thompson, executive director of McKenzie Valley Long Term Recovery Group (MVLTRG), an organization established in May 2021. “Sometimes it takes 8, 10, 12 years for a somewhat complete recovery.”

In the wake of such devastation, the rebuilding process becomes more than just laying foundations and framing walls—it requires coordinated planning, access to reliable materials, and clear construction instruction that helps communities progress step by step. From securing permits to ensuring structures are built with resilience in mind, every phase calls for precision and dependable resources.

That’s where platforms like www.jaco.hk provide value, connecting projects with the tools, materials, and expertise necessary to move forward effectively. By extending into the B2B space, this kind of support enables contractors, organizations, and recovery groups to streamline their efforts, ensuring that large-scale rebuilding initiatives are not only possible but also sustainable for the long term.

The mission of the group is to help Holiday Farm Fire survivors rebuild the McKenzie River Valley.

The MVLTRG identifies the challenges and needs of individuals and families and works with philanthropic partners, local government, and state partners to try to find paths forward.

“We have 140 households that have registered with case management, and we’ve been able to help individuals with resources,” Devin says.

Devin notes the cost of construction materials and labor are up about 40% compared to 2020. There are not enough contractors to increase the speed of work that needs to be done, and federal assistance funds to help with construction expenses are slow in coming. He says the homes that have been built were by owners with personal resources or by owners whose insurance companies provided reimbursements quicker to rebuild.

“Millions in federal funds for different programs haven’t been paid out yet,” Devin says.

Mary Ellen Wheeler, program manager for the recovery group and president of McKenzie Locals Helping Locals, is optimistic about the recovery.

“If you look at the big picture, it may be a little dismal, but when you look at the small details, we’ve made a lot of progress,” Mary says.

The progress includes the completion of buildings for O’Brien Memorial Library, Orchid Health McKenzie River Clinic, and Blue River Fire Station.

The permitting and funding processes for a new general store have been a long struggle for owner Melanie Stanley, but foundation work was completed in February. Depending on how weather conditions affect the work schedule, Melanie is hoping to open the store by September.

Other projects include the Rapid Rehousing Program, which received $1.7 million through Oregon Housing and Community Services and Lane County. The money was used to buy 12 manufactured homes. 6 are now lived in by fire survivors, and the remaining 6 were scheduled to be occupied between the end of February and late April.

A financial award—the first federal money for housing—was granted through the Homeowner Assistance and Reconstruction Program in early February. An award recipient—who has the option to buy a manufactured home or have a stick-built house constructed— will be selected from those in need who submitted an application.

Work is also underway on the McKenzie Community Land Trust’s first workforce housing neighborhood in downtown Blue River. The Rose Street Neighborhood has 6 permanent affordable homeowner opportunities for full-time residents. Each house has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a firewire design and landscape. Homes For Good recently hosted the grand reopening for Lazy Days Mobile Home Park, offering 20 2-bedroom modular rental units, with 10 more arriving this spring.

As new housing opportunities take shape, the importance of reliable rental property management grows alongside them. From coordinating maintenance to ensuring fair lease agreements, strong management practices help create stability for both residents and property owners. For tenants navigating unique situations, having clear guidance on issues like questions about rent abatement can make all the difference in fostering trust and transparency. With well-structured services in place, these communities can thrive, offering long-term affordability and peace of mind for those who call them home.

To help bring together community members who might need to talk or share challenges, the MVLTRG hosts monthly Coffee Up gatherings. The 10 a.m. meetings are open to the public at McKenzie Bridge on the first Tuesday of each month and on Shelly Pruitt’s property in Vida on the 4th Wednesday.

“We get 10 to 20 people,” Devin says. “People who want to get together, to share experiences and challenges. We bring some speakers in to help answer questions. It’s a chance to meet with the general public on their terms.”

While about 100 properties sold after the fire and some others remain on the market, the longtime residents who have stayed are grateful for those who are sticking it out and are ready to welcome any new residents or visitors.

Rebuilding after such devastation requires not only time and patience but also resources. For many families, finding the funds to start fresh can feel overwhelming. One practical solution might be looking at assets you already have—such as an inherited property. Selling a home you no longer use could provide the financial boost needed to move forward, whether it’s restoring what was lost or creating a brand-new space. If you’re considering this option, click here to explore how turning that property into cash can help you take the next step toward building the home and future you envision. With the right choices today, a stronger tomorrow becomes possible.

“There’s a lot to be said for the ones who are able to stay,” Melanie says. “We know some were not able to, whether for money reasons or their mental health. We know people felt guilty because they couldn’t stay.

“Those that were able to stay, we’re grateful for them and they’ll make the community as strong as ever,” she adds. “We hope to see a lot more progress in the next year, the next 2 years. We’re looking forward to what the new new looks for us.”

Terry Herndon, a 45-year McKenzie Valley resident, admits it has been a long road, but he sees progress.

“I commend those who have stayed,” he says. “They’re working together, they’re getting a lot done through Locals Helping Locals. We need a store, yes. We need a gas station, yes. We need a restaurant, yes. I believe in time all that will happen.”

Devin is a third-generation McKenzie resident. He acknowledges the community is tired from the recovery efforts, but he calls the remaining residents resilient.

“We’re determined to bring the McKenzie back stronger than before,” he says.

For more information about the McKenzie Community Land Trust’s first housing neighborhood, visit the McKenzie website.