As residents of Bear Creek Valley build back after September’s disastrous Almeda Fire, we recognize that this fire disaster is not likely to be a unique event. Although weather conditions that day may have been historically unusual, the accelerating climate chaos that global warming imposes upon us warns that fire will return to SW Oregon. SOCAN’s February monthly general meeting will feature Michael Hoch Sustainability and Parks Coordinator, City of Talent and Karen Chase, Southern Oregon Outreach Manager with the Energy Trust of Oregon (ETO) discussing how cities and the ETO can help residents build back greener and more resilient in preparation for the inevitable next fire event.
The program will be held from 6:007:00 pm on Tuesday February 23rd via ZOOM. It is free and open to the general public but attendees need to register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwkduGhqT4uH9RaBKJVtQoKEZH2kuL_JZif. After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a Zoom link to join the event.
Michael will provide a brief introduction to the Almeda Fire and discuss how Talent has been dealing with it. A review of how city operations have changed to deal with recovery efforts will be accompanied by a discussion of some ongoing energy-focused projects. Karen will then introduce the Energy Trust of Oregon, identifying the operations that are its focus. In particular, Karen will discuss the ETO Communities program and how this can help fire victims rebuild while retaining an emphasis on energy and sustainability. Karen will explore how this can help single-family, multi-family and mobile home residents as well as commercial property owners.
Photo Caption: Like wildfires generally, September’s Almeda city fire was very patchy – as this photo from Talent Avenue, Talent, taken three months later, testifies. The trick is to be in the patch that’s spared. (Photo by Alan Journet)