08/21/2026
Just read this in the Nonprofit Association of Oregon newsletter... impactful. Thank you, Matthew, for your hard work in the Jackson County area this fire season.
"As ash fell through the sky, under a glowing red and orange wildfire sunset, Shady Cove residents gathered inside the school gym seeking answers...
In the distance, a towering column of smoke rose from the East Evans Creek Fire and seemed to move closer.
For more than a week, families lived on guard.
Some had evacuated while worrying that they might lose their homes. Others waited for the “GO NOW” notification, deciding what they would take and what they might leave behind. Neighbors leaned on friends as they watched the fire grow, change direction, and creep closer.
At times, it seemed to burn outward from its center in every direction.
Local landmarks such as Triple Tree Restaurant and Rainey’s Corner became community support hubs where people shared resources and information; concern, and grief. Residents picked up sprinklers and hoses to protect their homes and talked about their evacuation levels while standing in line.
Community members finished full shifts at their regular jobs and then volunteered through the night. They answered calls to coordinate livestock evacuations, staffed shelters, and supported displaced residents.
Inside the Emergency Operations Center, phones beeped, and rang, and rang. Maps expanded and new layers appeared. More roads, homes, and evacuation zones became part of the picture. Sometimes there were tears, and other times laughs. At times, people simply made eye contact. No words were needed to speak of what was alive for us all - the concern about how big or bad it could get.
The pattern repeated daily.
Unlike the abrupt destruction we experienced in the Almeda fire, the East Evans Creek Fire presented a different challenge.
Long periods of prolonged uncertainty defined the response, shifting us from a sprint into a marathon of preparedness. It also gave us something we rarely have during a wildfire response...time.
Time to think, time to strategize, and time to identify gaps and solve for those gaps before they became failures. Every disaster is unique, and no community can prepare for every possible outcome.
What remains consistent through it all is the shared commitment of people who dedicate themselves to this work. The East Evans Creek Fire response demonstrated what's possible when the people who live and breathe this show up authentically, share responsibility, identify problems honestly, and solve for them together. To our response partners, volunteers, and all who stood at the ready, thank you.
With 65 days left of fire season, and whatever lies ahead, we will continue to show up. Together we are stronger - facing it as a community."
Matthew Havniear, Executive Director
Jackson County Community Long Term Recovery Group/ Rogue Valley Community Organizations Active in Disaster
