2020 Clackamas Wildland Fires: Difference between revisions

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A series of large wildfires starting in mid-August 2020 and burning [[wikipedia:2020_Oregon_wildfires|throughout Oregon]] coalesced into the state's largest deployment of wildfire response resources and one of the most destructive wildfire seasons in Oregon's history. Clackamas County was particularly impacted. "The two large fires that impacted Clackamas County were the Clackamas Fire Complex (11,210 acres) and the Riverside Incident (138,054 acres, 139 structures lost and 4 injuries)."<ref>Clackamas Fire District #1. (2021). ''[https://clackamasfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/2021-01-21-AAR-Executive-Summary-Final.pdf 2020 Fire Siege: After-Action Review]''.</ref> '''On request from Clackamas County Emergency Management, NET volunteers operated an evacuation center from September 11 to September 18.''' This deployment was the first time NETs operated independently on a large incident, covering multiple response capabilities. This article is an After-Action Report for the deployment.  
[[File:2020.09.13.Seidman.CTC (1).jpg|alt=NETs deployed to the Clackamas Town Center evacuation site, September 13 2020. Photo by Adam Seidman.|thumb|550x550px|''NETs deployed to the Clackamas Town Center evacuation site, September 13 2020. Photo by Adam Seidman.'']]
[[File:2020.09.12.EJewett.CTC (12).jpg|alt=NET crew deployed to the Clackamas Town Center evacuation site, September 12 2020. Photo by Ethan Jewett.|thumb|551x551px|''NET crew deployed to the Clackamas Town Center evacuation site, September 12 2020. Photo by Ethan Jewett.'']]
A series of large wildfires starting in mid-August 2020 and burning [[wikipedia:2020_Oregon_wildfires|throughout Oregon]] coalesced into the state's largest deployment of wildfire response resources and one of the most destructive wildfire seasons in Oregon's history. Clackamas County was particularly impacted. "The two large fires that impacted Clackamas County were the Clackamas Fire Complex (11,210 acres) and the Riverside Incident (138,054 acres, 139 structures lost and 4 injuries)."<ref>Clackamas Fire District #1. (2021). ''[https://clackamasfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/2021-01-21-AAR-Executive-Summary-Final.pdf 2020 Fire Siege: After-Action Review]''.</ref> <span style="background:#FFFF00; color:#FFFF00">.</span><span style="background:#FFFF00">'''On request from Clackamas County Emergency Management, NET volunteers operated an evacuation center from September 11 to September 18. This deployment was the first time NETs operated independently on a large incident, covering multiple response capabilities.'''</span><span style="background:#FFFF00; color:#FFFF00">.</span> This NET Wiki article is a reprint of an After-Action Report (AAR) for the deployment.
 
NET volunteers were later mentioned [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/22/oregon-2020-fire-season-smoke-coronaviruus in an article about the fires appearing in The Guardian].
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== Scope ==
== Scope ==
This after action report (AAR) focuses on the response of Portland’s Neighborhood Emergency Team (NET) volunteers to 2020’s wildfire siege of Clackamas County . Wildfires raged in Clackamas County from August to December, but (as Clackamas County is outside NET’s service district) NET volunteers responded to support Clackamas response efforts only as needed, from September 11 to September 19, 2020 .
[[File:P2.New York Times.jpg|alt=The Clackamas Town Center evacuation area. Photo from the New York Times.|left|thumb|350x350px|''The Clackamas Town Center evacuation area. Photo from the New York Times.'']]
This after action report (AAR) focuses on the response of Portland’s Neighborhood Emergency Team (NET) volunteers to 2020’s wildfire siege of Clackamas County. Wildfires raged in Clackamas County from August to December, but (as Clackamas County is outside NET’s service district) NET volunteers responded to support Clackamas response efforts only as needed, from September 11 to September 19, 2020.


This AAR mostly recounts NET deployment to the Clackamas Town Center evacuation site . However, NET volunteers also served briefly at other evacuation sites: the Oregon Convention Center and United Methodist in Oak Grove . '''This AAR makes observations and recommendations relevant to NET volunteers, NET Team Leaders, and NET Coordinators for future deployments and exercises.'''
This AAR mostly recounts NET deployment to the Clackamas Town Center evacuation site. However, NET volunteers also served briefly at other evacuation sites: the Oregon Convention Center and United Methodist in Oak Grove. '''This AAR makes observations and recommendations relevant to NET volunteers, NET Team Leaders, and NET Coordinators for future deployments and exercises.'''


Clackamas Fire District #1 completed a more comprehensive AAR of the Clackamas Fires, available at https://clackamasfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/2021-01-21-AAR-Executive-Summary-Final.pdf.
Clackamas Fire District #1 completed a more comprehensive AAR of the Clackamas Fires, available at https://clackamasfire.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/2021-01-21-AAR-Executive-Summary-Final.pdf.
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== Methodology ==
== Methodology ==
 
{{#ev:vimeo|897488229|430|right|'''''Video: Clackamas Town Center evacuation site briefing'''''|frame}}
Assessments were requested by participants immediately after the deployment, but the AAR was not completed until June of 2021 (COVID response delayed completion) . This AAR includes the following inputs:
Assessments were requested by participants immediately after the deployment, but the AAR was not completed until June of 2021 (COVID response delayed completion) . This AAR includes the following inputs:


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* Emails shared from NET responders regarding the incident (many of which are attached as Appendix B);
* Emails shared from NET responders regarding the incident (many of which are attached as Appendix B);
* Feedback on the first draft of the AAR from NET responders, Clackamas County staff, and PBEM staff.
* Feedback on the first draft of the AAR from NET responders, Clackamas County staff, and PBEM staff.
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== Background and Timeline ==
== Background and Timeline ==
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==== Clackamas Emergency Management ====
==== Clackamas Emergency Management ====
Clackamas County activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on September 8, in response to the complex wildfire conflagration. The Operations Section within the EOC-ICS Structure established a Shelter Branch, responsible for coordinating the immediate shelter needs of evacuees . During the Clackamas Town Center (CTC) operation, the Shelter Branch was staffed by two Branch Managers, and supported by the Operations Section Chief. Partner agencies supported the EOC by providing two additional staff to supplement and support sheltering. The EOC deployed Clackamas County CERT teams to the CTC evacuation site as well, with the mission to assist evacuees in receiving resources and information. The Milwaukie CERT Team provided approximately 200 hours of service to the CTC evacuation site, and were active at other sites as well.
Clackamas County activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on September 8, in response to the complex wildfire conflagration. The Operations Section within the EOC-ICS Structure established a Shelter Branch, responsible for coordinating the immediate shelter needs of evacuees . During the Clackamas Town Center (CTC) operation, the Shelter Branch was staffed by two Branch Managers, and supported by the Operations Section Chief. Partner agencies supported the EOC by providing two additional staff to supplement and support sheltering. The EOC deployed Clackamas County CERT teams to the CTC evacuation site as well, with the mission to assist evacuees in receiving resources and information. The Milwaukie CERT Team provided approximately 200 hours of service to the CTC evacuation site, and were active at other sites as well.
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==== Portland Neighborhood Emergency Teams (Portland NET) ====
==== Portland Neighborhood Emergency Teams (Portland NET) ====
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==== Clackamas Town Center ====
==== Clackamas Town Center ====
Clackamas Town Center (CTC) is a shopping center at 12000 SE 82nd Avenue in unincorporated Clackamas County, managed and co-owned by Brookfield Properties Retail Group. CTC includes 1,230,000 square feet of retail space and a parking lot with 6,800 spaces. Most evacuees occupied approximately 23 .5 acres in the northeast parking lot. Inside that area, evacuees and operations were concentrated inside an area of 11.3 acres (see site map).
Clackamas Town Center (CTC) is a shopping center at 12000 SE 82nd Avenue in unincorporated Clackamas County, managed and co-owned by Brookfield Properties Retail Group. CTC includes 1,230,000 square feet of retail space and a parking lot with 6,800 spaces. Most evacuees occupied approximately 23.5 acres in the northeast parking lot. Inside that area, evacuees and operations were concentrated inside an area of 11.3 acres (see site map).


Brookfield Manager Dennis Curtis cooperated closely with the Clackamas County EOC to allow fire evacuees to camp at the CTC parking lot and connect evacuees to services.
Brookfield Manager Dennis Curtis cooperated closely with the Clackamas County EOC to allow fire evacuees to camp at the CTC parking lot and connect evacuees to services.


At all hours, CTC security routinely patrolled the areas designated to evacuees and trespassed persons stealing supplies or presenting behavior that risked re-traumatizing evacuees. CTC Security Director Tim Harrold trains the security team in compassionate and trauma-informed approaches. This training proved important to the success of the deployment when security officers engaged with evacuees and with non- evacuees on site experiencing homelessness.
At all hours, CTC security routinely patrolled the areas designated to evacuees and trespassed persons stealing supplies or presenting behavior that risked re-traumatizing evacuees. CTC Security Director Tim Harrold trains the security team in compassionate and trauma-informed approaches. This training proved important to the success of the deployment when security officers engaged with evacuees and with non- evacuees on site experiencing homelessness.
[[File:CTC Evac Site.png|center|alt=Map of the Clackamas Town Center evacuation site.|border|none|thumb|900x900px|''Map of the Clackamas Town Center evacuation site. The red border indicates the site where most evacuees clustered and where services were located. However, evacuees were permitted to set up camp at any of the CTC parking lots not shown  on this map. '''Legend: 1.) NET command post; 2.) Communal dumpster area; 3.) Portable restrooms; 4.) Showers; 5.) Recharging station. The red shaded area was a designated "no cars" zone and as a donations depot.''''']]


==== Salvation Army Cascade Division ====
==== Salvation Army Cascade Division ====
Representatives of The Salvation Army’s Cascade Division did not report on their capabilities for this after-action report. However, they provided critical aid to evacuees at CTC. On September 21, their public Facebook page reported their Clackamas County response to the fires (at CTC and elsewhere) included:  
[[File:P5.2020.09.12.EJones.CTC.jpg|alt=Salvation Army Captain Michael O'Brien (center) directing resources at the evacuation center.|thumb|350x350px|''Salvation Army Captain Michael O'Brien (center) directing resources at the evacuation center. September 12, 2020 photo by Ernest Jones.'']]
Representatives of [https://cascade.salvationarmy.org/ The Salvation Army’s Cascade Division] did not report on their capabilities for this after-action report. However, they provided critical aid to evacuees at CTC. On September 21, their public Facebook page reported their Clackamas County response to the fires (at CTC and elsewhere) included:  


* Served Meals: 21,898
* Served Meals: 21,898
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* Food Boxes: 1,811
* Food Boxes: 1,811
* Emotional & Spiritual Care: 1,932
* Emotional & Spiritual Care: 1,932
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=== Background: Clackamas County Fires ===
=== Background: Clackamas County Fires ===
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Volunteers took a count of CTC evacuee campsites each day they deployed (the September 12 census was later lost). A typical camp included two to five people and pets. Campsite numbers at CTC were:
Volunteers took a count of CTC evacuee campsites each day they deployed (the September 12 census was later lost). A typical camp included two to five people and pets. Campsite numbers at CTC were:


TABLE TABLE TABLE
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Campsite Reservation Data
|-
! scope="col" width="65px"|DATE
! scope="col" width="65px"|TIME
! scope="col" width="65px"|RVs + Fifth Wheelers
! scope="col" width="65px"|Tents
! scope="col" width="65px"| Cars
! scope="col" width="65px"| Others
! scope="col" width="65px"| TOTAL
|-
| 09/11/20 || 18:30 || 89 || 26 || 8 || 0 ||style="background: #ffd2b7"| '''123'''
|-
| 09/12/20 || style="background: gainsboro"| ||style="background: gainsboro"| ||style="background: gainsboro"| ||style="background: gainsboro"| ||style="background: gainsboro"| ||style="background: gainsboro"|
|-
| 09/13/20 || 13:15 || 57 || 9 || 10 || 3 ||style="background: #ffd2b7"| '''79'''
|-
| 09/14/20 || 09:40 || 39 || 10 || 8 || 0 ||style="background: #ffd2b7"| '''57'''
|-
| 09/15/20 || 08:30 || 29 || 5 || 6 || 0 ||style="background: #ffd2b7"|'''40'''
|-
| 09/16/20 || 10:00 || 18 || 4 || 3 || 1 ||style="background: #ffd2b7"| '''26'''
|-
| 09/16/20 || 16:40 || 14 || 3 || 0 || 0 ||style="background: #ffd2b7"| '''17'''
|-
| 09/16/20 || 20:00 || 10 || 3 || 3 || 1 ||style="background: #ffd2b7"| '''17'''
|-
| 09/17/20 || 18:30 || 8 || 2 || 0 || 0 ||style="background: #ffd2b7"| '''10'''
|}
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=== Overview of the Portland NET Response ===
=== Overview of the Portland NET Response ===
[[File:P6.ClackFireMap.png|alt=09/12 Clackamas County map with red portions indicating "evacuate NOW" areas.|thumb|400x400px|''09/12 Clackamas County map with red portions indicating "evacuate NOW" areas.'']]


==== Clackamas Town Center ====
==== At Clackamas Town Center ====


* 24 operational periods (including two overnight) between 13:45 on 09/11 and 19:30 on 09/18.
* 24 operational periods (including two overnight) between 13:45 on 09/11 and 19:30 on 09/18.
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** Attend Just-In-Time training as needed;
** Attend Just-In-Time training as needed;
** Direct and distribute resources on site.
** Direct and distribute resources on site.
NETs accomplished, among other things:
* Engaging with evacuees to link them to services and information;
* Managing the shower area in partnership with [https://www.loveonecommunity.org/ LoveOne];
* Helping to develop a demobilization strategy;
* Helping to manage donations;
* Administering the phone charging station;
* Obtaining census data and other data about the temporary residents;
* Keeping out people and organizations intending to prey on evacuees;<ref>For example: faith organizations arriving to proselytize (instead of helping) and persons testing security and casing the area. There was also one incident of an individual impersonating a FEMA employee and telling evacuees they had to leave.</ref>
* Patrolling the site.
[[File:CTC.Evac Notice.jpg|alt=Card handed to evacuees at the Clackamas Town Center before the evacuation center closed.|thumb|''Card handed to evacuees at the Clackamas Town Center before the evacuation center closed.'']]
[[File:CTC.Evac Notice.jpg|alt=Card handed to evacuees at the Clackamas Town Center before the evacuation center closed.|thumb|''Card handed to evacuees at the Clackamas Town Center before the evacuation center closed.'']]


==== Oak Grove shelter and the Oregon Convention Center shelter ====
==== At Oak Grove and the Oregon Convention Center ====
The Oak Grove shelter was hosted by United Methodist, and the Red Cross was operated primarily by the Red Cross.
The Oak Grove shelter was hosted by United Methodist, and the Red Cross was operated primarily by the Red Cross.
* 13 shifts (most of them night or overnight shifts).
* 13 shifts (most of them night or overnight shifts).
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Overall, the response at the evacuation site went well and proved a valuable experience for participating NETs. That NETs succeeded in a scenario PBEM never ''specifically'' trained them for demonstrated the high value of preparing NETs to problem solve creatively inside accepted response frameworks and roles.
Overall, the response at the evacuation site went well and proved a valuable experience for participating NETs. That NETs succeeded in a scenario PBEM never ''specifically'' trained them for demonstrated the high value of preparing NETs to problem solve creatively inside accepted response frameworks and roles.
[[File:P7.2020.09.12.EJones.CTC.jpg|alt=TL Chris Glanville at the evacuation site.|none|thumb|550x550px|''TL Chris Glanville at the evacuation site. Photo by Ernest Jones.'']]
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== Observations and Recommendations ==
== Observations and Recommendations ==


=== Observation #1: Concerning use of ICS ===
=== Observation #1: Concerning use of ICS ===
[[File:P8.2020.09.12.EJones.CTC (9).jpg|alt=Jeremy Van Keuren (PBEM) collaborating with NETs at the Clackamas Town Center evacuation center.|thumb|350x350px|''Jeremy Van Keuren (PBEM) collaborating with NETs at the Clackamas Town Center evacuation center.'']]
'''''After arriving on scene, the NET Coordinator did not initiate and institute sufficient Incident Command System (ICS) practices to maintain a well organized deployment, contributing to uneven situational awareness for NET volunteers.'''''
'''''After arriving on scene, the NET Coordinator did not initiate and institute sufficient Incident Command System (ICS) practices to maintain a well organized deployment, contributing to uneven situational awareness for NET volunteers.'''''


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* NET Coordinator should task specialized NET volunteers with establishing ICS protocols and documenting in the first hour of the response, including the documentation/writing of volunteer position descriptions. This will free up the NET Coordinator to manage deployments and liaise with the EOC. This may require additional training in ICS protocols and procedures.
* NET Coordinator should task specialized NET volunteers with establishing ICS protocols and documenting in the first hour of the response, including the documentation/writing of volunteer position descriptions. This will free up the NET Coordinator to manage deployments and liaise with the EOC. This may require additional training in ICS protocols and procedures.
* For future deployments, prepare a binder/log book with ICS forms that the NET Coordinator takes to the first hour of the response and turns over to the NET Team Leader to use; and, is transferred to NET Team Leaders during shift changes. A binder like this can also serve as an iterative resource directory for all volunteers to use when connecting evacuees to help. NET Team Leaders already possess similar binders, but a binder of ICS forms assigned to an incident rather than an individual is needed.
* For future deployments, prepare a binder/log book with ICS forms that the NET Coordinator takes to the first hour of the response and turns over to the NET Team Leader to use; and, is transferred to NET Team Leaders during shift changes. A binder like this can also serve as an iterative resource directory for all volunteers to use when connecting evacuees to help. NET Team Leaders already possess similar binders, but a binder of ICS forms assigned to an incident rather than an individual is needed.
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=== Observation #2: Concerning donations planning ===
=== Observation #2: Concerning donations planning ===
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* NETs and other responders should prepare a system to distinguish evacuees from everyone else and cut down on or eliminate non-evacuees from taking donations. For example, giving every confirmed evacuee a Tyvek wristband (or other identifier that can be concealed easier) that they show in order to enter a donations site (using a system like this could be extended to indicate eligibility for other evacuee services as well, such as the showers). This would also address recommendations made for Observation 5 below.
* NETs and other responders should prepare a system to distinguish evacuees from everyone else and cut down on or eliminate non-evacuees from taking donations. For example, giving every confirmed evacuee a Tyvek wristband (or other identifier that can be concealed easier) that they show in order to enter a donations site (using a system like this could be extended to indicate eligibility for other evacuee services as well, such as the showers). This would also address recommendations made for Observation 5 below.
* Wayfinding signs worked well in a site as spread out as Clackamas Town Center. Clackamas Emergency Management provided dry-erase A-frame signs that helped evacuees and others find showers, donation sites, and other services. Responders should consider A-frame signs a basic need in any evacuation site that covers as much ground as Clackamas Town Center did.
* Wayfinding signs worked well in a site as spread out as Clackamas Town Center. Clackamas Emergency Management provided dry-erase A-frame signs that helped evacuees and others find showers, donation sites, and other services. Responders should consider A-frame signs a basic need in any evacuation site that covers as much ground as Clackamas Town Center did.
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<gallery widths="300" heights="300" mode="packed" caption="''A few shots of the &amp;quot;stockpile&amp;quot;, though no photos available from the event really convey how large it got.''">
File:CTC Stockpile (3).jpg
File:CTC Stockpile (1).jpg
File:CTC Stockpile (2).jpg
</gallery>
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=== Observation #3: Concerning Everbridge ===
=== Observation #3: Concerning Everbridge ===
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* For the most expedient response, PBEM should put SMS (both work and home) at the top of the notification method when deploying NETs.  
* For the most expedient response, PBEM should put SMS (both work and home) at the top of the notification method when deploying NETs.  
* PBEM should consider a deployment method that allows NETs sharing a shift to coordinate ahead of time.
* PBEM should consider a deployment method that allows NETs sharing a shift to coordinate ahead of time.
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=== Observation #4: Concerning drones ===
=== Observation #4: Concerning drones ===
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* Further develop drone operation capacity in NET to provide drone reconnaissance during deployments over large areas through training and team building.
* Further develop drone operation capacity in NET to provide drone reconnaissance during deployments over large areas through training and team building.
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=== Observation #5: Intake for evacuees ===
=== Observation #5: Intake for evacuees ===
[[File:P12.2020.09.12.EJones.CTC (3).jpg|alt=Chaplains from different faith organizations worked together to intake evacuees.|thumb|350x350px|''Chaplains from different faith organizations worked together to intake evacuees. September 12 2020, photo by Ernest Jones'']]
'''''The evacuation site needed an intake process for evacuees.'''''
'''''The evacuation site needed an intake process for evacuees.'''''


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* Assign volunteers to conduct intake interviews with everyone who arrives on site. Structure the interview to learn whether the person or family evacuated, what services they need, what questions they may have, and orient them to services available. Issue evacuees a Tyvek bracelet or other token to indicate their status as evacuees to organizations providing services on site.  
* Assign volunteers to conduct intake interviews with everyone who arrives on site. Structure the interview to learn whether the person or family evacuated, what services they need, what questions they may have, and orient them to services available. Issue evacuees a Tyvek bracelet or other token to indicate their status as evacuees to organizations providing services on site.  
* Make the intake responses and identifiers centrally accessible to NETs and Clackamas County (via Google Drive or similar cloud based resource).
* Make the intake responses and identifiers centrally accessible to NETs and Clackamas County (via Google Drive or similar cloud based resource).
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=== Observation #6: Spontaneous volunteers enhance the response ===
=== Observation #6: Spontaneous volunteers enhance the response ===
[[File:P13.2020.09.12.EJewett.CTC (2).jpg|alt=Showers at the evacuation center.|left|thumb|350x350px|''Your shower awaits at the Clackamas Town Center evacuation center. September 12 2020, photo by Ethan Jewett.'']]
'''''Spontaneous unaffiliated volunteers (SUVs) made highly valuable contributions to the quality of the response.'''''
'''''Spontaneous unaffiliated volunteers (SUVs) made highly valuable contributions to the quality of the response.'''''


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* Continue to provide training to NETs on SUV intake, liability, and management.
* Continue to provide training to NETs on SUV intake, liability, and management.
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=== Observation #7: FRS radios helped ===
=== Observation #7: FRS radios helped ===
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* Team members should check their radios before deploying, to be sure the radios are operational and full charged.
* Team members should check their radios before deploying, to be sure the radios are operational and full charged.
* Continue on with FRS radio training in Basic NET (unit 9).
* Continue on with FRS radio training in Basic NET (unit 9).
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=== Observation #8: NET branded PPE issues ===
=== Observation #8: NET branded PPE issues ===
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* Weigh costs and consider a simple NET deployment t-shirt for NET volunteers as part of their basic kit. Some volunteers possess such shirts already, and they presented a less jarring presence than the hi-viz NET vests.
* Weigh costs and consider a simple NET deployment t-shirt for NET volunteers as part of their basic kit. Some volunteers possess such shirts already, and they presented a less jarring presence than the hi-viz NET vests.
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[[File:CTC Seidman Map.jpg|alt=Map of the evacuation center, drawn by NET Adam Seidman.|thumb|401x401px|''Map of the evacuation center, drawn by NET Adam Seidman.'']]


=== Observation #9: Map wayfinding ===
=== Observation #9: Map wayfinding ===
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* On site maps where evacuees are camping in a large parking lot, decide on and implement a system for labeling parking lot lanes.  
* On site maps where evacuees are camping in a large parking lot, decide on and implement a system for labeling parking lot lanes.  
* Match signs to the labeling system, plant them, and use them for wayfinding throughout the incident.
* Match signs to the labeling system, plant them, and use them for wayfinding throughout the incident.
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=== Observation #10: NETs and evacuation site security ===
=== Observation #10: NETs and evacuation site security ===
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* Offer training to NET volunteers on non-confrontational site security techniques, and continue to make de-escalation training regularly available.
* Offer training to NET volunteers on non-confrontational site security techniques, and continue to make de-escalation training regularly available.
* Follow recommendations in Observation 5 to improve site security by keeping better track of legitimate evacuees.
* Follow recommendations in Observation 5 to improve site security by keeping better track of legitimate evacuees.
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=== Observation #11: NET deployment "go-kit" ===
=== Observation #11: NET deployment "go-kit" ===
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* Clipboards, pens, office supplies, etc;
* Clipboards, pens, office supplies, etc;
* Dry erase A-frame signs and other wayfinding devices.
* Dry erase A-frame signs and other wayfinding devices.
For more information on the equipment present at the command center, see [[2020 Clackamas Wildland Fires#Appendix C: Site Inventory|Appendix C]] of this report.<gallery mode="packed" widths="250" heights="250" caption="The evolution of the NET command center over the response period.">
File:P16a.2020.09.11.JVK.CTC (9).jpg|''BEFORE: the NET command center on the first day of deployment. September 11 2020, photo by Jeremy Van Keuren.''
File:P16b.2020.09.16.LisaJamieson.CTC (2).jpg|''AFTER: the NET Command Center on the last day of deployment. September 16 2020, photo by Lisa Jamieson.''
File:P16c.2020.09.12.JVK.CTC (1).jpg|''The NET Command Center at night. September 12 2020, photo by Jeremy Van Keuren.''
</gallery><br/>


== Acknowledgements ==
== Acknowledgements ==
[[File:2020.09.12.EJewett.CTC (1).jpg|alt=Glenn Devitt at the CTC command center.|thumb|351x351px|''Glenn Devitt has no time for your crap at the CTC command center. September 12 2020, photo by Ethan Jewett.'']]
Thank you to the following volunteers, emergency management staff, and others who made contributions and other edits to this AAR:
Thank you to the following volunteers, emergency management staff, and others who made contributions and other edits to this AAR:


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Also, special acknowledgement to Deb Provo and [https://multnomahares.org/ Multnomah County ARES], [[wikipedia:Val_Hoyle|Val Hoyle]], and Kenny McElroy for loaning out equipment to the command post.
Also, special acknowledgement to Deb Provo and [https://multnomahares.org/ Multnomah County ARES], [[wikipedia:Val_Hoyle|Val Hoyle]], and Kenny McElroy for loaning out equipment to the command post.


Kenny even let us borrow an air quality monitor he built himself (pictured left). Where was this guy when I was in eighth grade and all I got for the science fair was a “Participation” ribbon?
Kenny even let us borrow an air quality monitor he built himself (pictured below). Where was this guy when I was in eighth grade and all I got for the science fair was a “Participation” ribbon?
[[File:2020.09.12.EJewett.CTC (9).jpg|alt=Kenny McElroy and his homemade air quality monitor, which we used at the command post.|none|thumb|351x351px|''Kenny McElroy and his homemade air quality monitor, which we used at the command post. September 12 2020, photo by Ethan Jewett.'']]
 


== Appendix A: Volunteer Hours Record ==
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== Appendix A: Photo Gallery ==
A few more photos of the deployment that did not go into the AAR appear in the slideshow gallery below (if it the gallery doesn't appear, hit "refresh" on your browser).<gallery mode="slideshow">
File:2020.09.18.CTC.LauraTroxel.jpg|alt=Jeremy Van Keuren (l) talking with Luke Williams.|''Jeremy Van Keuren (l) talking with Luke Williams. September 18 2020, photo by Laura Troxel.''
File:2020.09.17.Devitt.CTC.1.jpg|alt=Katy Wolf representing PBEM at the CTC NET command post.|''Katy Wolf representing PBEM at the CTC NET command post. September 17 2020, photo by Glenn Devitt.''
File:2020.09.16.LisaJamieson.CTC (1).jpg|''Katy Wolf representing PBEM at the CTC NET command post. September 16 2020, photo by Lisa Jamieson.''
File:2020.09.13.Seidman.CTC (4).jpg|''Jeremy Van Keuren in a briefing as NET volunteers arrive for a shift. September 13 2020, photo by Adam Seidman.''
File:2020.09.12.EJones.CTC (10).jpg|''Volunteers coming together for a shift briefing. September 12 2020, photo by Ernie Jones.''
File:2020.09.12.EJones.CTC (6).jpg|''The donations stockpile reorganized into a "marketplace", so to speak. September 12 2020, photo by Ernest Jones.''
File:2020.09.12.EJones.CTC (1).jpg|''Donations of bottled water arriving at the evacuation site. September 12 2020, photo by Ernest Jones.''
File:2020.09.12.EJewett.CTC (15).jpg|''Moving and organizing donations. September 12 2020, photo by Ethan Jewett.''
File:2020.09.12.EJewett.CTC (7).jpg|''NETs working with Red Cross volunteers. September 12 2020, photo by Ethan Jewett.''
File:2020.09.12.EJewett.CTC (5).jpg|''Prepping the cell phone charging station. September 12 2020, photo by Ethan Jewett.''
File:2020.09.12.EJewett.CTC (3).jpg|''Michael Schilmoeller (in the cowboy hat) giving a briefing to start one of the graveyard shifts he led. September 12 2020, photo by Ethan Jewett.''
</gallery>
 
== Appendix B: Volunteer Hours Record ==
At the Clackamas Town Center evacuation site, 123 NET volunteers filled 156 shifts (98% of all shifts posted). NETs also filled shifts at the Oak Grove shelter and the Red Cross shelter at the Oregon Convention Center.
At the Clackamas Town Center evacuation site, 123 NET volunteers filled 156 shifts (98% of all shifts posted). NETs also filled shifts at the Oak Grove shelter and the Red Cross shelter at the Oregon Convention Center.


Line 591: Line 696:
| 09/19/20 || Cater, Sue || Oak Grove || 18:00 || 0:00 || 6:00
| 09/19/20 || Cater, Sue || Oak Grove || 18:00 || 0:00 || 6:00
|}
|}
<br/>
<br/>


== Appendix B: Abridged Volunteer Feedback ==
== Appendix C: Abridged Volunteer Feedback ==


=== Mark Ginsberg ===
=== Mark Ginsberg ===
Line 780: Line 887:
# Also a safety consideration of another sort, the vests exuded some weak authority--just enough authority, I think--to make me appear official but not threatening to the people passing through the site that even I, big strong man, felt some intimidation from. Being on a patrol of this massive site, virtually alone except for my one partner, was a bit scary. We were all brave though and did what was asked and in support of your goals. However, that NET vest afforded me some reassurance and confidence that folks who may consider causing trouble would possibly be a bit more respectful--and hopefully decide to leave me alone.
# Also a safety consideration of another sort, the vests exuded some weak authority--just enough authority, I think--to make me appear official but not threatening to the people passing through the site that even I, big strong man, felt some intimidation from. Being on a patrol of this massive site, virtually alone except for my one partner, was a bit scary. We were all brave though and did what was asked and in support of your goals. However, that NET vest afforded me some reassurance and confidence that folks who may consider causing trouble would possibly be a bit more respectful--and hopefully decide to leave me alone.
# And that leads to a bonus point, Jeremy. Patrols should not have been done with only two NETs during the evening around the entire CTC parking lot. 2 NETs was safe for Areas A and B (if I remember those correctly) but not to traverse to the other two approved sites which were virtually unused. That said, those long walks around the whole parking lot were very useful for keeping us awake. Always two sides...but safety first!
# And that leads to a bonus point, Jeremy. Patrols should not have been done with only two NETs during the evening around the entire CTC parking lot. 2 NETs was safe for Areas A and B (if I remember those correctly) but not to traverse to the other two approved sites which were virtually unused. That said, those long walks around the whole parking lot were very useful for keeping us awake. Always two sides...but safety first!
<br/>
<br/>


== Appendix C: Site Inventory ==
== Appendix D: Site Inventory ==
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|+
|+ Event Resources
|-
|-
! Resource Kind !! Qty. !! Details
! RESOURCE KIND !! QUANTITY !! DETAILS
|-
|-
| Mobile showers || 1 || Three-stall
| Mobile showers || 1 || Three-stall
|-
|-
| Tables || 14 ||  
| style="background-color: gainsboro;"| Tables || style="background-color: gainsboro;"| 14 || style="background-color: gainsboro;"|  
|-
|-
| Chairs || 28 ||  
| Chairs || 28 ||  
|-
|-
| Canopies || 7 || 10’x10’
| style="background-color: gainsboro;"|Canopies ||style="background-color: gainsboro;"| 7 ||style="background-color: gainsboro;"| 10’x10’
|-
|-
| Portable johns || 8 ||  
| Portable johns || 8 ||  
|-
|-
| Handwashing stations || 5 ||  
| style="background-color: gainsboro;"| Handwashing stations || style="background-color: gainsboro;"| 5 || style="background-color: gainsboro;"|  
|-
|-
| Security guards || 2 || Overnight shifts
| Security guards || 2 || Overnight shifts
|-
|-
| Charging station || 1 ||  
| style="background-color: gainsboro;"| Charging station ||style="background-color: gainsboro;"| 1 || style="background-color: gainsboro;"|
|-
|-
| Dumpsters || 4 ||  
| Dumpsters || 4 || 20 yard capacity
|-
|-
| Signage || 8 || Dry-erase A-boards
| style="background-color: gainsboro;"| Signage || style="background-color: gainsboro;"| 8 || style="background-color: gainsboro;"| Dry-erase A-boards
|-
|-
| Fire extinguisher || 1 ||  
| Fire extinguisher || 1 ||  
|-
|-
| Space heater & propane tank || 2 ||  
| style="background-color: gainsboro;"| Space heater & propane tank || style="background-color: gainsboro;"| 2 || style="background-color: gainsboro;"|  
|-
|-
| Tri-fuel generator || 1 || Honda EU2200i (converted)
| Tri-fuel generator || 1 || Honda EU2200i (converted)
|-
|-
| Light string for canopies || 1 || 50’
| style="background-color: gainsboro;"| Light string for canopies || style="background-color: gainsboro;"| 1 || style="background-color: gainsboro;"| 50’
|}
|}
<br/>
<br/>
==References, Notes, and Supplementary Reading==
<references />'''Supplementary Reading'''


==References and Notes==
* Oregonian/OregonLive, J. G. |., & Oregonian/OregonLive, S. S. |. (2023, February 22). Oregon wildfires evacuees spill from Clackamas County, seeking refuge in RVs, shopping malls. ''Oregonlive''. https://www.oregonlive.com/news/2020/09/wildfires-send-evacuees-spilling-out-of-clackamas-county-seeking-refuge-in-rvs-shopping-malls-fraternal-lodge.html
* Oregonian/OregonLive, J. G. |. (2023, February 22). Wildfires in Clackamas County threaten more than 600 homes and other structures; thousands of people ordered. ''Oregonlive''. https://www.oregonlive.com/news/2020/09/wildfires-in-clackamas-county-threaten-more-than-600-structures-thousands-of-people-ordered-to-evacuate.html
* Reuters. (2022, September 19). How a 'Hillbilly Brigade' saved an Oregon town from raging wildfires. ''Reuters''. https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN2682OE/
* Riverside fire. (2021, July 29). ''ArcGIS StoryMaps''. https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/7ba1715929bb4cc591b3bbade3e30895
* Stern, J. E. (2023, November 1). How civilians saved their Oregon town from two megafires. ''The Atlantic''. https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2021/10/oregon-town-wildfire-beachie-creek-riverside-megafires/619817/
* Van Der Voo, L. (2020, December 24). Heat, wind and a cruel twist of nature: inside Oregon’s nightmarish wildfire season. ''The Guardian''. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/22/oregon-2020-fire-season-smoke-coronaviruus
* Wikipedia contributors. (2023, December 22). ''2020 Oregon wildfires''. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_Oregon_wildfires
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