Oregon DEQ offers help removing Centennial Mills fire debris for residents, businesses

August 13, 2026 - 17:53

Residents and business owners near the Centennial Mills site are getting a hand with cleanup after the fire left behind ash, debris, and unstable structures. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has announced it will assist with removing fire-related waste from nearby homes, businesses, roads, parks, and playgrounds. The effort is meant to address health and safety concerns from the blaze, which broke out earlier this month and left several walls standing but compromised.

Crews will focus on clearing ash and burned materials from properties within the affected zone. They will also replace contaminated wood chips in landscaped areas, since those can trap harmful particles. Testing for lead is part of the plan, as older buildings and paint in the area could have released lead into the debris. The DEQ says the work is voluntary for property owners, but strongly recommended, especially where children play or where people spend a lot of time outdoors.

The agency is coordinating with local officials to make the process as smooth as possible. Residents who want help are asked to contact the DEQ directly to schedule an assessment. There is no cost for the initial inspection, and the cleanup itself is covered under the state's emergency response program. The DEQ also warns that people should not try to remove debris themselves, as it may contain hazardous materials like asbestos or heavy metals. For now, the focus is on getting the neighborhood back to a safe state while the investigation into the fire's cause continues.