Rebuilding amid wildfire devastation

OHSU supports School of Nursing students who lost their homes

By Christi Richardson-Zboralski September 28, 2020 Portland, Oregon

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Catherine Adams and her fiance stood in the street with neighbors until alerted that the fire had jumped across Oregon 99, then rushed to evacuate their newly finished home. (Catherine Adams)

Phoenix, Oregon wildfire

The front exterior of Catherine and her fiance's first home together. The standing brickwork used to support three large living room windows; new paint, flooring, appliances, and kitchen counters, all installed by the couple, were also destroyed. (Catherine Adams)

Phoenix, Oregon wildfire

Before the fires, COVID-19 hit and dreams of a big wedding faded away. Instead, Catherine Adams and her fiance decided to take the money they were going to use for their wedding and put it towards their first home together. Now they hope to buy a trailer to live in for a few years while saving up money for a new home. (Catherine Adams)

Phoenix, Oregon wildfire

Fires along the Bear Creek Greenway as seen from Adams' parents house, where they sought safety, about 5 miles away. (Catherine Adams)

Phoenix, Oregon wildfire

Unable to believe they had lost everything, Catherine and her fiance went back to see what was left. The devastation was complete, all except for their dog's Kong toy. (Catherine Adams)

Phoenix, Oregon wildfire

The front exterior of the house. The standing brickwork used to support three large living room windows. (Catherine Adams)