Oregon lowers number of confirmed wildfire fatalities, missing
Flames from the Beachie Creek Fire destroyed the Oregon Department of Forestry, North Cascade District Office in Lyons, Ore., Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020. (Rob Schumacher/Statesman-Journal via AP, Pool)
SALEM, Ore. >> Authorities in Oregon have reduced the confirmed number of fatalities from recent wildfires in the state from 10 to eight.
The state’s Office of Emergency Management today said two of the reported fatalities were later identified as animal remains. The number of missing persons was also reduced, from 22 to 16.
The Marion County Sheriff’s office today released identifications for two of those killed: Cathy Cook, 71, and Justin Cook, 41, both of Lyons, Oregon. The Cooks were mother and son and their remains were located near their property. The Albany Democrat-Herald reports that Justin Cook worked at numerous restaurants and catering businesses in the Albany and Corvallis area.
Officials also provided the number of residences that have been destroyed by Oregon’s wildfires — 1,145. In addition, 579 other structures have been decimated as well.
The number of people being sheltered after being forced to evacuate in Oregon is 3,185. Authorities say most have been placed in non-congregate settings to avoid the possible spread of COVID-19.
