Oregon wildfire victims can receive free copies of vital records

The State will allow up to three certified copies of Oregon vital records, for those affected by the wildfires.

This rule will remain in effect until March 1, 2021.

Families are trying to pick up the pieces after many lost everything to wildfires this year.

This includes important documents that are so difficult to replace.

Kezi 9 news reporter kennedy dendy found out what you need to know about where to begin--and how much this will cost you.

Under a temporary executive order by governor brown, families who have been hit hard by the wildfires will now be given a chance to replace records swept away by the flames.

"for a lot of the evacuees their work is really just beginning."

Which was exactly the case for one vida couple, after the devastation by the holiday farm fire.

"we lost everything, we lost everything."

Now, up to*three copies of critical oregon records will be provided*free of charge by the state.

This includes birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates and other important documents.

"we lost everything, our birth certificates, our birth certificates of our children, our marriage license, my adoption papers, my mom's death certificate, my dad's death certificate, my grandmother's death certificate."

But she says, she's*grateful that the state has extended support bridge: the temporary rule went into effect on the 14th and will last until march 1, 2021.

If you choose to place an order over the phone, the fees will be refunded to you.

If ordering by mail, a fee is not required.

But here's something critical that you must list when you do submit that order.

You have to note the*reason for the record as "executive order 20-35" or "oregon 2020 wildfires."

Or you could get stuck with a fee.

"i know a lot of people who have lost everything dont have family to reach out to to be able to replace some of the things they lost.

My heart breaks for them."

More information can be found on vitalchek.com.

Reporting in eugene kennedy dendy