ORVOAD Wildfire Response Update ORVOAD remains actively engaged in statewide wildfire response efforts as smoke impacts continue across Oregon. Our work centers on coordination, resource alignment, and supporting the organizations serving communities directly. We want partners to have a clear picture of what is happening statewide and how ORVOAD is helping connect efforts, fill gaps, … Read more
By Shane Wolfe, President, Village of Rowena, Inc. | June 12, 2026 | Rowena, Oregon Good Morning Everyone, Yesterday marked one year since the Rowena Fire changed our community forever. In a matter of hours, homes, memories, vehicles, businesses, and generations of hard work were lost. For many of us, life has not been the … Read more
Oregon is entering a period of sustained high temperatures, and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is reminding all communities to take steps now to prevent heat-related illness. As preparedness season kicks off across the state, here’s what you need to know to stay safe, get involved, and stay informed. Extreme Heat: Stay Safe, … Read more
ORVOAD in the News: KOIN 6, AM Extra with Emily Burris and Mia Villanueva. Thank You, KOIN 6 AM Extra! We’re grateful to KOIN 6 AM Extra for featuring our Executive Director, Barb Edwards, this morning to talk about wildfire preparedness in Oregon. With dry conditions and low snowpack raising concerns heading into fire season, … Read more
Hello ORVOAD Partners, This is a friendly reminder that our monthly ORVOAD Partnership Meeting is coming up: Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026 Time: 1:00–2:00 PM Where: Live via Microsoft Teams Join the ORVOAD Partnership Meeting via Microsoft Teams Agenda NVOAD Highlights COAD, VOAD, and LTRG Mapping Across Oregon Partner Roundtable Wildfire Prevention Month Whether your … Read more
Small Actions Prevent Big Fires Small actions prevent big fires — and Oregon’s voluntary organizations have a role to play. As Oregon heads into wildfire season, both the Oregon Department of Forestry and the Oregon State Fire Marshal are encouraging all Oregonians to take proactive steps to reduce wildfire risk and prepare their homes, families, … Read more
ORVOAD Relaunches to Serve Oregon Communities in Times of Disaster Oregon Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (ORVOAD) is proud to announce its official relaunch, marking a renewed commitment to coordinated disaster response and recovery across the State of Oregon. ORVOAD brings together a diverse network of voluntary, community-based, faith-based, and nonprofit organizations to ensure timely, … Read more
How Coordinated Volunteers Are Clearing the Way for Safe Rebuilding After the Rowena Fire In the Columbia River Gorge, survivors of the 2025 Rowena Fire are finally beginning to see a clearer path home. The wildfire destroyed more than 100 buildings, including over 50 homes in and around The Dalles and Rowena, and left behind … Read more
Oregon Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (ORVOAD) is proud to announce the launch of its newly redesigned website: orvoad.org. The updated site reflects ORVOAD’s commitment to strengthening disaster response and recovery efforts across Oregon by improving accessibility, communication, and partner engagement. The new website provides: Clear information about ORVOAD’s mission and history Partner registration portal … Read more
Oregon Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (ORVOAD) was formed in the spring of 1985, when a small group of faith-based organizations, alongside the Salvation Army and the American Red Cross, came together with a shared purpose: to better prepare Oregon for disaster. That early collaboration began with a simple letter to churches in the Portland … Read more