RESIDENTS EAGER TO VISIT HOMES

RESIDENTS EAGER TO VISIT HOMES

Over 240 miles of roads are closed throughout the state because of the wildfires.

And that includes highway 1-26 where the holiday farm fire is.

The oregon department of transportation told us they're dealing with immediate hazards right now and its just not safe for travelers in certain areas.

But even still -- there have been lines of cars full of residents eager to check on their homes.

Kezi 9 news reporter julian mininsohn explains everything you need to know before you hit a road block.

(darren bucich) "if it was my house that was burnt up i would want to know.

I'd want to see if there was any valuables left.

I'd want to see.

The houses that are down to foundations, again, we are going to do everything we can to see if there is something you can salvage."

Many people are anxious to see if their homes survivied the holiday farm fire.

Mckenzie fire and resuce chief darren bucich understands their frustrations.

(darren bucich) "there's a lot of areas that didn't receive zero fire damage.

Everyday the team has got to make a decision what they're going to do."

When residents stop at the road blocks they must show id to prove that you live in a safe area.

That's because only residents are allowed to visit their property.

On one coniditon -- that you dont check on a neighbors or friends home.

(darren bucich) "there starts to getting too much population on the road.

Really if they can't follow the guidelines it's going to cause problems for other people."

(julian) "officials wanted to stress that there are still crews working on scene.

If you are given the ok to go through to not approach those emergency vehciles or personnel as they are all working very hard to make the area safe.

(darren ) "it's based on what's going on with traffic.

It's based on how much acitvity they got.

They are trying as had as they can to get people back."

One blue river resident says he was relieved to hear his home survived and hopes others are able to get some clarity too.

(rocky) "it's sad.

They're my neighbors.

It's an incredible community up this river.

It's a priviledge and honor to be a part of this community.

We will pull together and help each other."

The road is only open from 9 am to 7 pm.

Officials say they've been getting many calls from people who work graveyard shifts who aren't able to make that time slot.

Officals say that if you can't shelter in place during the overnight hours, you are enoucraged ot make other plans as the roads can be dangerous at night.

Reporting in walterville, julian mininsohn,