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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Emergency services, Oct. 16 ... Since You Asked: Park resurfacing delayed during winter ... SOU training gives tips on what to do if there's an active shooter ... Emergency services, Oct. 16 ... Since You Asked: Park resurfacing delayed during winter ... SOU training gives tips on what to do if there's an active shooter ... WILDFIRES Canyon Creek residents rebuilding after wildfire Comment By The Associated Press MailTribune.com By The Associated Press Posted Sep. 23, 2015 at 8:23 PM By The Associated Press Posted Sep. 23, 2015 at 8:23 PM » Social News PENDLETON — When a massive thunderstorm rolled into Canyon Creek in August, Dean and Courtney Fox didn't know it would reduce their home to ashes. But the lightning sparked two fires that later merged into a massive wildfire and began encroaching on their John Day-area house, reported the East Oregonian. Even after deputies urged the couple to leave, Dean Fox insisted on staying near the house until he was sure it couldn't be saved. He didn't last long. "The fire came through the trees — it was just rolling," Fox said. "It was hot and intense." The house "just ignited," he said. He left to join Courtney and when they returned, all that remained was bricks, metal and a ceramic piggy bank. The Foxes were only one of about 40 families who lost their homes to the Canyon Creek Fire, and home designers, engineers, contractors and public agencies have united to spare them as much hassle as possible as they rebuild. Anyone rebuilding a structure destroyed in the Canyon Creek Fire will have their fees waived, according to Assistant Grant County Planner Shannon Spring. Those applicants will also get a fee waiver and streamlined permit process from the state Department of Environmental Quality. The fast-track rebuilding option was organized by Pendleton drafter and designer Gary Kopperud. He was in awe at the destruction when he met with three Canyon Creek families, including the Foxes, a couple weeks ago. "There was nothing combustible anywhere in sight," he said. "Everything was totally vaporized. There was white ash everywhere." With no surviving beams or rafters, we "were starting with a clean sheet of paper," explained the designer. Nothing about the building process will be different than normal, said Kopperud -- it will just take place more quickly. While in Canyon Creek, he met with contractors, the building inspector, civil engineers and clients in what he described as "battlefront consultations." The Foxes' foundation will be poured next week and Kopperud thinks they could be back home by Christmas. "I am amazed at the resiliency of the people," said Kopperud of his Canyon Creek clients. "One minute they had a house and the next they had absolutely nothing." By The Associated Press MailTribune.com By The Associated Press Posted Sep. 23, 2015 at 8:23 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501