JOHN DAY, Ore. – Highway 395 from John Day (population 1,744) winds through the community of Canyon City and up into the path of the Canyon Creek Complex fire.

Fanned by gale-force winds, tinder-dry fuel and extreme temperatures, flames roared down this narrow canyon on Aug. 14, 2015, destroying 43 homes and nearly 100 barns and outbuildings, devastating the communities of Canyon City and John Day.

The fire charred 110,000 acres before being contained in early November. The most destructive fire in Oregon’s history cost $31.4 million to suppress.

Today, signs of recovery and rebuilding are visible. Several homeowners in the fire’s path have rebuilt, new foundations sprouting amid stands of blackened trees. Residents are moving on with their lives. [Read more…]