As the Smoke Clears

Phoenix, Oregon residents like Meghan Hays, Heather Spliethof and her daughter, Sam, narrowly escaped their homes as the Almeda Fire ravaged through their community in September 2020. They had not received a single emergency alert. 

They were not alone. Thousands were displaced with no warning and left with only the belongings in their cars. 

Friends called each other and police officers risked their lives rushing door to door urging people to leave, but most of the emergency alert systems in place were not deployed.

As the community rebuilt, locals questioned how officials will be better prepared for the coming fire season. 

See the full story at fluxoregon.com