Umatilla County waives fees for homes destroyed in Lower Dry Creek Fire

By Terry Murry on Friday, September 4th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

UMATILLA COUNTY – When the Lower Dry Creek Fire swept through northern Umatilla County last month it left a path of destruction. In addition to sheds, outbuildings, and infrastructure, it destroyed six homes.

The Umatilla County Board of Commissioners stepped up Wednesday to help those who lost their homes. They voted to waive building permit fees for those homeowners.

“We’re going to try and make them whole by taking those fees off the table,” Commissioner John Shafer said. “We want to make it as easy as possible for them to rebuild and get on with their lives.”

Shafer said he hasn’t heard from all six owners, but he believes they want to stay in their rural community.

“I do know that there are some who are definitely wanting to rebuild,” he said. “It wouldn’t surprise me if all six of them want to rebuild. It’s a beautiful location. They’ve got a great community down there.”

To replace a dwelling on land zoned exclusive farm use, Umatilla County normally charges $175. The request to waive that fee came from the Umatilla County Development Department staff.