The numbers still shock, and always will: more than 2400 homes destroyed by JUST the Almeda Drive fire. Now consider the effect on society and the economy from that many people being burned out of their homes.
You quickly realize why Oregon's governor assembled a Wildfire Economic Recovery Council. The council worked quickly, delivering a report on the first business day of the new year.
Some of its recommendations, like buying motels for shelters in Project Turnkey, are already being implemented. State Treasurer Tobias Read and Labor Commissioner Val Hoyle co-chaired the council; they visit with details of the road ahead.