Willamette Valley News, Monday 8/12 – Thousands Attend the 30th Year of Eugene Pride Festival, Air Quality and Wildfire Updates & Other Local and Statewide News…

The latest news stories and stories of interest in the Willamette Valley from the digital home of Southern Oregon, from Wynne Broadcasting’s WillametteValleyMagazine.com

Monday, August 12, 2024

Willamette Valley Weather

Wildfires continue to produce smoke in the Pacific Northwest. Breathe a little easier by keeping up to date on air quality conditions and concerns at Fire.AirNow.gov.

Please take precautions to avoid sparking a human-caused fire, be familiar with evacuation levels, and have a go-kit ready in case you need to leave your home.”

Fire Weather Tools from the National Weather Service

As we prepare for the peak of wildfire season in the U.S., the National Weather Service (NWS) reminds wildland fire managers that we have tools to help you monitor and fight wildfires. Whether it is a prescribed burn, ground fire or crown fire, fire managers can use this information to make decisions on how best to combat fires and keep the public safe. 

Fire weather forecasters – The NWS issues Fire Weather Outlooks for the next eight days. These outlooks show areas where pre-existing fuel conditions, combined with forecast weather conditions, may result in a significant threat of wildfires.

Our Fire Weather Program supports land managers and firefighters who mitigate and respond to fires. Our weather forecasts are designed to highlight times and locations where a fire may be exceptionally hard to control. For example, we offer Red Flag Warnings, which mean warm temperatures, very low humidities and stronger winds are ongoing or expected to produce an increased risk of fire danger in 12 to 24 hours for specific locations. 

Need a fire weather Spot Forecast? Land managers can request a site-specific, localized forecast for prescribed burns and wildfires to assess a potential threat. NWS recently updated this tool and will deliver additional enhancements to the application later this year. Learn more about the new Spot Forecast tool.  

For federal and select state large wildfires, onsite weather forecasting support to firefighters is critical. An NWS Incident- Meteorologist (IMET) can be deployed to your incident command post. IMETs arrive on scene within 12 to 24 hours after activation and can serve up to 14 consecutive days before being relieved by another IMET. https://www.weather.gov/news/241507-fire-weather-tools

Thousands Attend the 30th Year of Eugene Pride Festival

Hundreds of marchers paraded from Kesey Square to Alton Baker Park ahead of Eugene’s 2024 Pride Saturday.

Alton Baker Park was packed out on Saturday even though parking was limited as over 12,000 people came out for the 30th annual Eugene Pride celebration.  

There were pride flags and people as far as the eye could see in the park. This year’s celebrations were so large organizers said shuttles were used to bring in people from all across the city. The event’s main goal is to promote inclusivity and fun.

Live entertainment, food, and over 200 vendors were on full display, all in the name of celebrating the local queer community. One hundred nonprofits were also on hand to raise awareness for various services and connect the queer community to jobs and resources.

Man arrested after disorderly conduct and threats at PRIDE event

At 8:11 a.m. on August 10, Eugene Police officers responded to Kesey Square where the Pride festival was kicking off with a rally and parade to Alton Baker Park. As participants began gathering a male later identified as Timothy Allen Langer, age 39, reportedly began threatening people using homosexual slurs. He was then reported to have yelled at and chased people, then headed northbound on Willamette.

The Eugene Police Traffic Safety Unit, Downtown Team, and Mobile Response Team officers were in the area and quickly located and developed probable cause to arrest Langer.

Langer was transported to Lane County Jail on charges of Menacing and Disorderly Conduct – Bias. Case 24-11742

Crews Perform Complex Extrication Following Crash South of Eugene

Eugene, OR. Eugene Springfield Fire was called to assist Pleasant Hill Goshen with a complex extrication following a motor vehicle crash early Sunday morning.  ESF medics were dispatched at 4:40 AM on August 11th to a crash at Hwy 99S and Old Willamette Hwy in Goshen. First arriving units found a heavily damaged passenger vehicle sitting straight up in the air with one patient ejected and one patient trapped.  Truck 1 was requested mutual aid to assist with the complex stabilization and extrication.  One person was transported with life threatening injuries and one with serious injuries.

Popular Mt. Pisgah trailhead parking lot adds cameras to improve safety

Lane County Parks added security cameras in the Main Trailhead parking lot at Howard Buford Recreation Area, often known as Mt. Pisgah, to deter theft. 

The cameras can be monitored by both Lane County Parks staff and partners with Mount Pisgah Arboretum. Lane County Parks used funds from the voter-approved parks levy to install the poles and bring electrical service to the cameras. 

“Like many agencies, we have been struggling with an increase in vehicle break-ins at our most popular locations,” said Lane County Parks Manager Brett Henry. “These cameras are a first step in improving safety and security at our most-visited parks. Mt. Pisgah alone sees hundreds of thousands of visits each year and we want people to continue to visit without the worry of theft and vehicle damage.”

The cameras provide a detailed view of the parking area and allow live monitoring, as well as recordings that can be easily shared with law enforcement if something happens. 

“Community safety is a top priority at Mount Pisgah Arboretum,” said Arboretum Executive Director Ilana Jakubowski. “The camera system installed by Lane County Parks has already provided useful footage to assist in theft investigations.  We hope that the cameras will give visitors peace of mind as they enjoy this incredible natural area.” 

Lane County Parks will also install cameras at the North Trailhead parking area once the necessary electrical connections are installed. 

About Lane County Parks: Lane County Parks owns or manages 68 properties, including day use areas, boat ramps, campgrounds, dog parks, and event facilities from the Coast to the Cascades. In 2022, voters approved a five-year levy to help fund much needed maintenance of existing facilities and investments in improvements to accessibility, water access, habitat restoration, and education. Learn more at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/parks.

Quick Response Contains Eugene Apartment Fire

Eugene, OR. Eugene Springfield Fire responded to an apartment fire near downtown Eugene Saturday evening.  Firefighters were alerted to the fire at 9:01 PM on August 10th.  Callers reported a fire in a second floor apartment in the 1100 block of west 6th Ave.  Fire fighters arrived to find fire in a second floor unit, quickly deployed hose lines for fire attack.  A search was conducted with no victims located. 

Engine 2 from the Whitaker station arrived 5 minutes after dispatch, the search was complete and the fire was under control 11 minutes after the dispatch.  Thanks to a quick response by several crews, the fire was confined to a room in the apartment of origin.  

There were no injuries reported and preliminary information indicated the fire was caused by a lithium-ion battery in a e-bike.  The ESF Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating. 

Firefighters Contain Brush Fire South of Eugene

 Eugene Springfield Fire responded to reports of a structure fire in the vicinity of Fox Hollow Rd south of Eugene Saturday afternoon.  

Firefighters were alerted at 2:56 PM on August 10th with reports from a resident of Fox Hollow Rd reporting they saw what looked to be a structure 1/2 mile from their residence. While the area is outside city limits, it is in Eugene Rural Fire District #1 which contracts with Eugene Springfield Fire for service.  Responding fire crews located a brush fire in the 85000 block of Christiansen Rd.  

Firefighters quickly changed gears from a structure fire to wildfire operations. The fire was contained at under a quarter of an acre.  ESF received automatic aid water tenders from Pleasant Hill Goshen Fire District and Lane Fire Authority.  Oregon Department of Forestry also responded.  Mutual and automatic aid to high risk areas ensure fire crews can keep fires small before they can get out of control.  There were no injuries and the cause is under investigation. 

Eugene Springfield Fire

ESF responded to a small brush fire along the Fern Ridge bike path along Amazon creek in the vicinity of 7th and Commercial in west Eugene Saturday evening.

Rape Reported Near Fern Ridge Trail/Amazon Creek

On August 8 at 10:50 a.m., Eugene Police responded to report of a rape on Fern Ridge Trail/Amazon Creek by an unknown male.

The female victim described the suspect as white, about age 40, with brown hair and last seen wearing a black/white sleeveless shirt with writing along the back, green shoes and a tattoo on one of his arms. The suspect was pushing a bicycle and later used it to flee.

This case has been forwarded to VCU for investigation. If anyone has suspect information, they are asked to contact the non-emergency line at 541.682.5111. https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=912590560913038&set=a.221914853313949

GENERAL PERSONAL SAFETY TIPS

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times

• Do not get into someone’s car even if they display a weapon. It is better to fight back in the street where help is closer at hand and other people may hear your calls for help.

• Walk confidently and don’t avoid eye contact

• Don’t let strangers into your ‘space.’ Keep plenty of distance between yourself and people you don’t wish to approach you.

• Don’t stop to talk with strangers asking for directions or other types of help as this can be a ploy to get close for an attack.

• If you feel you are in danger or being followed, call 9-1-1

• If grabbed, fight back and make as much noise as possible.

• Use the buddy system when walking after dark. You should know the person you are walking with well enough to trust them.

• Walk in lighted areas as much as possible and don’t walk too close to bushes, alleyways or other places where attackers can conceal themselves

ALERT: MISSING PERSON: SPECIAL ATTENTION ALONG HWY 138 EAST

Myrtle Creek Police Department is working on a missing person case involving 69-year-old Kathleen Wilson, who left the Myrtle Creek area on the morning of August 5. Her vehicle, a red or maroon 2012 Chevy Cruz bearing Oregon license plate#747EDB, was last seen heading east on Highway 138E leaving Roseburg just before 7:00 AM.

Her intended destination is Chiloquin, Oregon in Klamath County, where she never arrived. Information so far is that she has medication she did not take with her and was getting confused while driving. She is currently listed as missing and endangered. If you see her or her vehicle, please call 541-440-4471 immediately.

Fire Updates

For further information visit the Inciweb links for each Cottage Grove-Lane 1 fires below: Lane 1: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/…/or77s-Cottage-Grove-lane-1Clark 900: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident…/or770s-clark-900Quartz: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident…/orupf-quartzJack Saddle: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident…/orupf-jack-saddleAdam Mountain: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident…/orupf-adam-mountainMineral: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident…/orupf-mineralPuddin: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident…/orupf-puddinHours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM E-mail: 2024.lane1@firenet.gov Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CottageGroveLane1Fires2024

Willamette Complex Fires-South

 · Fire Update –#WillametteComplex#ChalkFire, #CoffeepotFire, #McKinleyFire, #MossMountainFire, #TireMountainFire, #208Fire, and #217fire Monday, August 12, 2024 Total Willamette Complex Personnel: 980Total Willamette Complex Acres: 12,323 Fire Cause: Lightning

Summary: Fires continued to burn with moderate intensity on Sunday. Fire managers are using infrared technology to monitor for any changes in heat. Over the weekend, firefighters from Australia and New Zealand were assigned to support the Willamette Complex South fires, filling specialized positions as U.S. resources are limited due to numerous large fires burning simultaneously across the West. Mutual wildland fire assistance between the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand goes back more than two decades. .• For specific closure information visit tinyurl.com/WillFireClosures2024• For current fire restrictions visit tinyurl.com/WillFireRestrictions2024Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) are in place over the Chalk, Coffeepot, and Moss Mountain Fires. Visit tfr.faa.gov for up-to-date areas. Wildfires are a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones. For more information, visit knowbeforeyoufly.org.

U.S. Forest Service – Willamette National Forest –  · The Willamette National Forest has expanded an emergency closure order for the Pyramid Fire on the Sweet Home Ranger District to include the Slate Fire area. The closure order, which is for public and firefighter safety, is effective through Nov. 15, 2024, unless modified or rescinded sooner.

FIRE near NOTI –8/12 – 8/12- UPDATE: This fire is now considered a “silent incident fire” as stated on the watchduty map. It currently poses no immediate threat to the entire community. Based on the Cam footage it was basically put out but there could still be some hot spots or need of mop up. Please see attached definition of a silent incident fire. 8/11 – NEW FIRE – Vegetation

Fire – 23.5 acres – A member recognized that the location on the map is close to Blachly and Horton not NOTI. LANE COUNTY#watchduty#noti#lanecountyfirePLEASE CLICK link below / then click map tab, then put in address on upper right to check evacuation status to be safe.https://geo.maps.arcgis.com/…/a6c8f8e58ad642f4813732233…

Expect Hwy 126 Closures For Repaving To Impact Belknap Springs Area

The Oregon Department of Transportation will close parts of Oregon Highway 126 to repave sections of the highway and resurface three bridges. While efforts are being made to minimize disruption, local businesses and residents may see an impact on tourism and daily commutes.

The Oregon Department of Transportation is working near Belknap Springs to re-pave parts of OR 126 and re-surface three bridges along the highway. From August 1 to August 8, parts of 126 will be closed overnight — from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. — and August 20 will be the first day of a 48-hour closure.

ODOT said they recommend checking Trip Check before traveling on Highway 126 and always plan ahead. They recommend using Highway 58 or Highway 20 as a detour route during the closures.

Eugene police are actively searching for two suspects involved in the July 13 shooting death of 16-year-old Fernando Aguirre. Arrest warrants for Athel Morgan, 19, and Jayson Blackwell, 18, were issued by the Lane County District Attorney’s Office on July 26.

Both Morgan and Blackwell are individually charged with one count of unlawful use of a weapon with a firearm. Both were present at the scene of Aguirre’s shooting.

Since the shooting, the Eugene Police Department claimed officers were working to minimize acts of retaliation between two groups of teenagers and young adults after responding to two shootings allegedly related to Aguirre’s death.

One shooting was in the 1500 block of Mill Street where property was struck. Another shooting occurred in the 3600 block of W. 13th Ave. where a 20-year-old victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, according to Eugene Police.

As part of the investigation, detectives identified a suspect involved in the shootings as Lekoff, who was arrested in Springfield and later arraigned in a Lane County Circuit Court for one count of attempted assault in the first degree with a firearm and two counts of unlawful use of a weapon with a firearm.

Lane County Sheriff’s Office Still Seeking Suspect in Homicide

In June, a deceased female was located in the Cottage Grove area who appeared to be the victim of homicide. Lane County Sheriff’s detectives identified the victim as a missing person, Rozaleena Faith Rasmussen, 29, from Cottage Grove. 

Detectives identified the suspect as Anthony Wesley Tyrrell, 31, of Cottage Grove.  A nationwide warrant has been issued for his arrest. Tyrrell is described as a white male adult with brown hair, brown eyes, weighing approximately 165 pounds and standing approximately 5’9” tall. He was last seen with his head shaved and wearing a white shirt, black trench coat, black pants, and black boots. 

Tyrrell is considered armed and dangerous.  Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call 911 and avoid approaching or contacting him. 

​CALLING ALL ARTISTS!

• Who: Artists who paint and live in Oregon.
• What: Apply for the City of Springfield’s 9th annual UpStream Art storm drain mural painting project. Four artists will be selected and compensated $1,500 for completing custom-designed murals approximately 4-ft. x 6-ft.

Applications are being sought until August 14 for this year’s mural project with four artists selected who will be paid $1,500 each.

The selected artists will paint their murals on September 19 and 20 at four storm drains in the Thurston area of east Springfield.

MORE INFO: https://springfield-or.gov/city/development-public-works/clean-water-and-stormwater/upstream-art/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR094F6k_tR3X5Rb3ZsZRcIsi6dNYOVeV3HL33BIseFxtIGvC2lPOYFJHAA_aem_0XpdE7LOn2ZAXgWJvrUJqQ

“When It Hits The Fan”: A New Podcast by Lane County Emergency Management

Lane County Emergency Management is excited to announce the launch of a new podcast, “When It Hits The Fan,” now available on all major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Listen at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/fan. 

About Lane County Emergency Management – Lane County Emergency Management is committed to preparing the community for emergencies and disasters through education, planning, and response coordination.

Wildfires Expected To Burn Until Fall Rains Arrive

Multiple wildfires across the Northwest will likely burn until fall weather arrives. In the meantime, more lightning and new fires are expected.

“Our planners are taking a realistic look at current wildfires, expected new fires, and the resources we have to help us safeguard human lives and property while enhancing our ability to respond to wildfires in high-risk areas,” said Jacque Buchanan, Regional Forester for the Pacific Northwest Region of the Forest Service.

Fire managers are developing strategies to maximize success, while minimizing the risk of injury or death to emergency responders. Among other tactics, crews on long-duration wildfires will develop a network of primary and contingency containment lines to stop flames approaching communities, power lines, water systems and other resources. You can support firefighters by following fire restrictions and emergency closures.

Oregon sets modern record for acres burned from wildfires

Wildfires in Oregon have burned more acres of land this year than any since reliable records began, according to data from the Northwest Interagency Center.

A total of 1,399 fires have burned 1.49 million acres or 2,200 square miles, surpassing the 2012 total of 1.2 million acres and the 2020 total of 1.14 million acres.

This year, humans have caused 976 fires that burned 900,103 acres while lightning has ignited 423 fires that burned 592,509 acres.

Gigantic grass fires on the east side of the state have defined this season, just as they did in 2012.

Much of the acres burned this season have come from megafires such as the Falls Fire (146,250 acres), Cow Valley Fire (133,490 acres), Lone Rock Fire (137,222 acres) and Battle Mountain Complex (181,941 acres).

In 2012, the Long Draw Fire, the largest fire in Oregon’s modern history, burned 557,000 acres. It was joined by the Holloway and Miller Homestead fires to combine for just under a million acres, all in southeast Oregon.

The most destructive wildfire year in Oregon’s history was 2020, when the Labor Day Fires fueled 1.14 million acres burned but destroyed 4,009 homes and killed nine people.

The largest forest fire of the modern era was the 500,000 acre Biscuit Fire, which burned in southwest Oregon in 2002. Forest fires tend to last longer and often have a greater impact overall.

The modern era is considered to have begun in 1992. There were plenty of large wildfires before that, but tracking total acres burned was difficult statewide, officials have said.

Emergency Conflagration Act invoked for Tiller Trail Fire in Douglas County

– On Saturday night, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the Tiller Trail Fire in Douglas County. The fire sparked Saturday around 3 p.m. and is estimated to be between 3,000 to 5,000 acres in size. The Oregon State Fire Marshal has activated its Green Incident Management Team and three structural task forces. 

On Saturday afternoon, the Oregon State Fire Marshal mobilized a structural task force from the Rogue Valley through Immediate Response.

“Over the last few days, we saw several fires spark on the west side of the Cascades. The fire danger across Oregon is extremely concerning. We are bringing in the full force of the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System to help protect homes and critical infrastructure near the Tiller Trail Fire,” State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple Said. “Historically, August has been a challenging month in terms of wildfire, and this one is shaping up to be no different. I am calling on all Oregonians and visitors to do everything they can to prevent sparking another wildfire.” 

According to the Douglas County Sheriff, there are levels 1, 2, and 3 evacuation notices in place. Please follow the Douglas County Sheriff for the latest evacuation information.

The OSFM Green Team will be briefed at 10:30 a.m. Sunday and will be in unified command with an Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team. 

About the Emergency Conflagration Act
The Emergency Conflagration Act is invoked by Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, allowing the state fire marshal to mobilize state resources to wildfires to protect life and property.

The conflagration act is invoked following ORS 476.510-476.610 when Governor Kotek determines threats to life, safety, and property exist because of the fire, and the threats exceed the capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment.

8/12 – Mon @ 7:30am #updateoregonfires202492 ACTIVE FIRES IN OREGON2 new Active firesFire Details: BE PREPAREDCLICK Links Below to get real time active fires, evacuation zonescontainment, and structural damage loss. Good job Firefighters #ActiveFires#lanecountyoregonareaupdates#lookupthefireCLICK HERE link below to see location of fires’shttps://experience.arcgis.com/…/6329d5e4e13748b9b9f7f3…/CHECK YOUR EVACUATION RISK

CLICK the Wildfire Dashboard link below – click the map tab and then put in your address. #checkfirerisk#checkevacuation#oregonfires#LaneCountyFires#firesafety#evacuationzones#OregonFires2024WILDFIRE DASHBOARD https://geo.maps.arcgis.com/…/a6c8f8e58ad642f4813732233…

Most fires are human-caused and accidental. The most common fire causes we respond to are everyday activities that ODF regulates in the summer in an effort to cut down on these types of fire starts. Help prevent wildfires and Keep Oregon Green by following the current regulations: https://swofire.com/public-fire-restrictions/

Crater Lake National Park closes north entrance due to Middle Fork Fire

The north entrance to Crater Lake National Park is closed beginning Tuesday to allow firefighters on the Middle Fork Fire to prepare control lines along the road.

The move will likely slow entrance into the park, officials said, and will add extra time to the drive from the Willamette Valley. Crater Lake National Park remains open and is accessible from Highway 62 on the western and southern routes.

Organizers of the 2024 Crater Lake Rim Runs say their concern for participants and heavy wildfire smoke caused cancellation of the event that was scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024.

Wyden, Hoyle pledge meals and pay for firefighters, tout arrival of New Zealand fire crews

U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden and U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle, both Oregon Democrats, said they were working to improve catering at fire camps and make permanent firefighter pay increases at a news conference Friday.

“It’s pretty hard to fight fires if you can’t feed your firefighters,” Wyden said. He said the issue had been fixed.

In addition, Wyden touted the arrival of a fire crew from New Zealand to help on wildfire burning in Lane County, he said.

Hoyle said once Congress reconvened, she would push for a raise for firefighters, approved after the pandemic, to be made permanent. Hoyle stressed that fires in Oregon are likely to get worse before they get better.

Organizations are collecting funds and resources for those impacted by Oregon’s wildfires

– The impact of this year’s wildfire season continues to reverberate throughout the state as the number of acres burned reaches 1.2 million.

At this time, the number of acres burned is four times the average when compared to the same point in past seasons. As many as 1,261 fires have burned across the state with more than 100 still active.  

Five megafires, fires that exceed 100,000 acres, are still burning in Eastern Oregon: The Battle Mountain Complex, Lone Rock, Durkee, Cow Valley and Falls fires. These megafires are now between 19% and 99% contained.

Residents in these communities have been deeply affected by the wildfires. As many as 18,000 residents were under a level 1, 2 or 3 evacuation level during the height of the response to date with more than 8,000 still under some type of evacuation warning.  

The full scale of the loss will not be clear for a few months at least. Initial reports show that dozens of people have been injured, and there was at least one wildfire-related death. An air tanker pilot named James Bailey Maxwell, 74, who died in a crash while working in the vicinity of the Falls Fire, north of Burns, on July 25, 2024. 

Initial reports show fires have destroyed as many as 28 homes and 73 structures. Much of the damage has been to grazing land and livestock, heavily impacting the ranching community in eastern Oregon.  

More than 10,000 people are involved in the response including 261 fire crews, 483 engines and 31 helicopters. Local and statewide emergency response departments and agencies are working around the clock to contain the remaining wildfires.

Several organizations are collecting funds and resources for those impacted. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) staff have gathered a list and made it available at Wildfire.oregon.gov. 

Some resources include:

• The Oregon Cattlemen’s Association and the Oregon Farm Bureau are collecting monetary donations.  
• Oregon State University is collecting monetary donations, pledges of any in-kind, and donations of hay, feed and transportation.  
• Wildland Firefighter Foundation supports firefighters on the frontlines who have been injured and families of those killed in the line of duty.

OEM and agency partners want to caution the public to beware of scams when donating, and only give to trusted organizations. Scammers often contact their possible victims by telephone, social media, email or in person so be suspicious of direct asks. Also, be cautious if the person asking for donations creates a sense of urgency and won’t let you think about it or donate later. If you want to donate money to support the wildfire recovery effort, it’s best to donate to the organization directly.

OEM has compiled a library of additional recovery resources with information from multiple agencies to help residents during and after of a fire. 

This library includes but is not limited to:

• Basic needs support: List of shelters, food pantries, replace SNAP benefits, medical equipment replacement and vital document replacement
• Stay informed: Sign up for ORAlerts.gov to stay tuned for updates and additional resources.
• Returning home: Assess damages to home, vehicles and property, report damages to local county emergency management office, file an insurance claim. Follow guidelines for safe cleanup because ash contains hazardous materials. How to avoid scams when rebuilding.
• Mental Health: Help is available 24/7 to anyone who is struggling or experiencing a crisis. Call 988 for support statewide or visit Lines for Life. AgriStress Hotline serves those in the farming, ranching, fisheries and forestry communities. Call 833-897-2474 or visit their website.
• Agriculture resources:  
  • OSU Extension Service’s list of resources for those impacted by wildfires in Oregon.
  • Livestock wildfire resources on the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s website.  
  • Oregon Cattlemen’s Association Wildfire Fund Donations page.
  • Oregon Department of Environmental Quality wildfire resource page.
  • USDA Farm Service Agency’s Disaster Assistance Programs and Disaster Assistance Programs At-A-Glance fact sheet.
  • USDA Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool. 

For additional information about current wildfires, response and recovery, go to Oregon Wildfire Response & Recovery. Sign up for ORAlerts.gov to get lifesaving alerts and instructions during emergencies to help you and others stay safe in Oregon.

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It is the mission of Oregon Emergency Management to proactively develop emergency response, risk reduction and disaster recovery programs to better serve Oregonians during times of disaster. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times in crisis. The agency leads collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters. For more information about the OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem.  

Large wildfires have burned tens of thousands of acres across the PNW, with human activity and lightning being a significant contributing factor. The uptick in human-caused fires, which include those started by campfires and debris burns strains firefighting resources significantly​. Preventing wildfires requires a collective effort from everyone—help mitigate the risk of human-caused wildfires and protect our forests and communities.

Monitoring Fires in Oregon

Large Fires in Oregon 8/12/24 9:00am per INCIWEB

Incident	Type	State	Incident Size	UpdatedSort ascending
Pyramid and Slate Fires – ORWIF	Wildfire	Oregon	1323 Acres	4 minutes 6 seconds ago
Ore Fire – ORWIF	Wildfire	Oregon	2576 Acres	6 minutes 43 seconds ago
North Willamette Complex – ORWIF	Wildfire	Oregon	3640 Acres	7 minutes 23 seconds ago
Battle Mountain Complex – OR97S	Wildfire	Oregon	182858 Acres	25 minutes 26 seconds ago
Cottage Grove – Lane 1 – OR77S	Wildfire	Oregon	21658 Acres	30 minutes 19 seconds ago
Lone Rock Fire – ORPRD	Wildfire	Oregon	137222 Acres	33 minutes 38 seconds ago
Middle Fork Fire – ORCLP	Wildfire	Oregon	4929 Acres	43 minutes 44 seconds ago
Diamond Complex – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	8466 Acres	43 minutes 45 seconds ago
Sandstone Fire – ORMHF	Wildfire	Oregon	602 Acres	51 minutes 16 seconds ago
Red Fire – ORDEF	Wildfire	Oregon	585 Acres	51 minutes 48 seconds ago
Town Gulch – ORWWF	Wildfire	Oregon	18552 Acres	52 minutes 24 seconds ago
Willamette Complex Fires – South – ORWIF	Wildfire	Oregon	11875 Acres	54 minutes 22 seconds ago
Whisky Creek Fire – ORMHF	Wildfire	Oregon	1751 Acres	56 minutes 23 seconds ago
Courtrock Fire – OR95S	Wildfire	Oregon	20019 Acres	56 minutes 32 seconds ago
Telephone Fire – ORMAF	Wildfire	Oregon	53989 Acres	1 hour 7 minutes ago
Falls Fire – ORMAF	Wildfire	Oregon	150941 Acres	1 hour 7 minutes ago
Dixon Fire – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	1395 Acres	1 hour 40 minutes ago
Warner Peak – ORSHR	Wildfire	Oregon	52650 Acres	2 hours 30 minutes ago
Warner Peak – ORSHR	Wildfire	Oregon	52650 Acres	2 hours 30 minutes ago
Homestead Complex – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	4151 Acres	3 hours 5 minutes ago
Porcupine Fire – ORBUD	Wildfire	Oregon	6491 Acres	20 hours 17 minutes ago
Crazy Creek – OROCF	Wildfire	Oregon	82279 Acres	23 hours 36 minutes ago
Badland Complex 2024 – ORVAD	Wildfire	Oregon	54563 Acres	1 day 21 hours ago
Microwave Tower Fire – OR95S	Wildfire	Oregon	1313 Acres	2 days 12 hours ago
Winding Waters Complex – OR97S	Wildfire	Oregon	752 Acres	3 days 23 hours ago
Durkee Fire – ORVAD	Wildfire	Oregon	294265 Acres	4 days 22 hours ago
Cow Valley Fire – ORVAD	Wildfire	Oregon	133490 Acres	1 week 4 days ago

Please Help Prevent Wildfires!

In these dry conditions, a single spark can cause a lot of damage. Learn how you can prevent wildfires by visiting the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s wildfire prevention page. 

Klamath County Announces Grant Program to Help Farmers Battle Grasshopper and Mormon Cricket Infestations

— Klamath County is facing a significant challenge as grasshoppers and Mormon crickets have wreaked havoc on crops, rangelands, and natural habitats. These pesky invaders are threatening the livelihoods of the county’s farmers and ranchers, the food supply, and the overall health of the ecosystem.

In response, the Oregon Legislature has acted by passing SB 5701, Section 408 (2024), along with a Temporary Administrative Order. These measures provide financial assistance for pest management efforts aimed at reducing the impact of these insects on agricultural crops. Klamath County has been granted $100,000 by the Oregon Department of Agriculture to help tackle the problem.

To distribute these funds, the County has set up a reimbursement grant program. A special grant committee has been formed, including representatives from the Klamath Irrigation District, Klamath Drainage District, Van Brimmer Ditch Co., and two at-large citizens. This committee will review applications from affected farmers and ranchers and make funding recommendations to the Board of Commissioners.

Farmers and ranchers can apply for these grants from August 15 to October 31, with the application window closing at 5:00 PM on October 31. Unfortunately, late submissions will not be accepted. The grant committee will meet in November to review the applications and provide their recommendations to the Board of Commissioners who will make the final determinations for payment.

The application can be found online on the Klamath County Grants Website.

While the County recognizes that $100,000 won’t cover all the damage caused by these infestations, they are grateful to be able offer some help to those who need it most.

For more information, please contact the Klamath County Grants Office at 541-851-2264

As new school year looms, health officials urge measles vaccination

Highly effective MMR vaccine the best way to prevent highly infectious virus

PORTLAND, Ore. — With the start of the new school year around the corner – and as a measles outbreak continues in three Oregon counties – health officials are urging parents and guardians to get their children vaccinated against the highly infectious virus before classes begin.

A total of 25 confirmed cases of measles have been reported in Clackamas, Marion and Multnomah counties, all among unvaccinated individuals. Two people have been hospitalized, and there have been no deaths. Ten of the cases are 9 and younger; 10 cases are ages 10 to 19; and five cases are 20 and older.

Marion County has the most cases with 16, followed by Clackamas County with eight and Multnomah County with one.

Paul Cieslak, M.D., OHA medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations, joined Clackamas County Health Officer Sarah Present, M.D., for a media briefing this morning to give an update on the outbreak. A recording of the media briefing is available on OHA’s YouTube channel at this link.

Cieslak said state and county epidemiologists have seen several waves of measles cases since mid-June, “so now about two months of sustained transmission of measles.” It’s the largest measles outbreak the state has seen since 2019, when Oregon experienced 28 cases that were linked to a much larger outbreak in Clark County, Wash.

“Before 2019, you have to go all the way back to the early 1990s to see case counts this high,” Cieslak said. “The reason is we maintained very high vaccination rates and very high population levels of immunity. Unfortunately, we’ve seen an erosion in the percentage of people who are getting vaccinated against measles.”

Since about 2000, an increasing number of parents have chosen nonmedical exemptions from state school vaccination requirements for their children. Before that year, only about 1% of kindergarteners had vaccination exemptions; since then, the number has risen steadily, and during the 2023-2024 school year, the exemption rate reached 8.8%.

“In Clackamas County, as in other Oregon counties, pockets of unvaccinated people raise risk of infection in communities where they live,” Present said. “That’s why the counties reach out to every case that’s been identified and try to determine exactly where they’ve been while infectious.”

Someone with measles can spread the virus up to four days before the tell-tale rash appears, and their symptoms may be mild during that time. As a result, the counties and OHA have been sharing information about specific locations that cases are known to have visited, so “we can let members of the public know they may have been exposed to measles,” Present said.

She noted that since measles is so contagious, an estimated 95% of a population needs to have received two doses of measles vaccine to be able to protect the most vulnerable members of the community via community or “herd” immunity.

Getting the MMR vaccine can also help families avoid the burden of having to isolate at home for several weeks if they are exposed to measles. According to state law, an unvaccinated person exposed to the virus must be excluded from school or child care during the period when they could become sick, which is usually for 21 days after exposure. And this exclusion can be extended if there are more measles cases. 

“It’s really an important time to make sure students and their families are up to date on vaccinations as we go into the new school year,” Present explained.

Learn more about measles at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/DISEASESAZ/Pages/measles.aspx.

UPDATE: Missing Medford Man Located Deceased by Sheriff’s Search & Rescue

JCSO Case 23-3573 RURAL EAGLE POINT, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) Search and Rescue (SAR) located a crashed vehicle and skeletal remains Tuesday, August 6, in steep, forested terrain on the side of Highway 140 outside of Eagle Point. On Thursday the remains were scientifically identified as Graham Case, of Medford, missing since June 22, 2023.

On Tuesday afternoon, SAR personnel responded to an unrelated call and were conducting a drone search in the area. This tip led SAR to search a broader area and ultimately find what appeared to be a crashed white Mercedes SUV in steep and densely forested terrain alongside Hwy 140. JCSO detectives responded to the scene, located human remains, and confirmed the vehicle as belonging to Case. A Central Point Police Department Medical Examiner arrived on scene and collected the remains with assistance from JCSO and SAR Tactical Rope Rescue Team personnel.

Our condolences go out to Graham Case’s family and friends. Thank you to the responding SAR volunteers, the Medford residents who provided Tuesday’s tip, Dr. Pearson from East Main Dental Center in Medford, and everyone over the past year who participated in the search.

Klamath County Major Crime Team Investigating Third Homicide Since End Of June

Another homicide investigation is underway in Klamath Falls following the shooting of an unknown victim Thursday morning.

A news release from Klamath Falls Police Department (KFPD) said there was a report of a shooting at 10:03 a.m. at 3201 Quarry St.

“KFPD responded to … a welfare check on the the resident after receiving a third-party report that the resident had been shot,” the release read. When law enforcement arrived on scene, the victim was deceased.

KFPD Captain Rob Reynolds said the victim has been identified as Timothy Allen Ayers, 72, who was the current resident of the home.

The Klamath County major crime team was activated for a homicide investigation.

As of Friday afternoon, no suspects have been identified. “We do have some people of interest,” Reynolds said. “But we are soliciting the community’s help. Any information to assist in this investigation is crucial.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call Detective Snyder at (541) 883-5336, or call the anonymous tip line at (541) 883-5334.

The shooting on Quarry Street is the third incident of suspected homicide since late June, following the murder of two teenage sisters earlier this summer.

It is also the fourth incident of a shooting that comes just one week after a man was shot near Klamath Union High School during a youth soccer camp on Aug. 1. Authorities are still searching for suspect Andrew Wyatt Gregory.

Outdoor Marijuana Grow Operation Seized In Klamath County

A search warrant executed Thursday at a property in Klamath County led to the seizure of more than a thousand illegal marijuana plants. Klamath County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) served the warrant at a property on Tiger Lane near Bonanza.

A news release from KCSO said the law enforcement discovered an open-field grow operation with 1,035 marijuana plants. An additional 160 marijuana plants were also found on the adjacent private property, “causing significant damage and scarring of the landscape,” the release said. Authorities estimated the grow operation illegally used 135,000 gallons of water.

The property owner, Jose Obed Rodriguez Viveros, 39, of Modesto, Calif., was not on scene. Two arrests were made at the sight: Luis Gustavo Jimenez-Segoria, 25, and Eduardo Jimenez-Menera, 26, both of Fresno, Calif.

Jiminez-Segoria and Jimenez-Menera were arrested and charged with unlawful possession and manufacture of marijuana, second-degree criminal mischief and second-degree criminal trespass.

Oregon National Guard Unit Mobilization Ceremony Before Deployment To Middle East

About 230 members of the Oregon Army National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment, accompanied by many family and friends, were formally recognized during their mobilization ceremony held at Pacific University on Friday as they prepared for a year-long mobilization in the Middle East.

Prior to departing overseas, they will undergo training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma to enhance their proficiencies on the equipment and systems that they will operate as the primary air defenders that American and Coalition partners rely on for force protection, the Oregon Military Department said.

After completing their training the service members will be assigned to Iraq and Syria in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, whose mission is to advise, assist and enable partner forces to secure lasting defeat of terrorist elements across the Central Command Area of Responsibility.

“The 218th Field Artillery has an exceptionally rich unit history and lineage in which you now are part of,” said Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon National Guard during his remarks to the soldiers and family members in attendance. “You will now be task organized as Task Force Defender, for the mission to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Remember the heavy responsibilities that rest upon your shoulders.”

As part of Task Force Defender, the Oregon Citizen-Soldiers will be conducting rocket, artillery, mortar and unmanned drone defense operations in the Middle East.

Winning Mega Millions Lottery Tickets Sold in Oregon

There were no tickets sold with all six numbers in the latest drawing of the multi-state Mega Millions lottery, pushing the estimated jackpot for Tuesday’s drawing to $435 million.

One ticket each with five numbers, but missing the Mega number, was sold in Oregon and Tennessee. They are each worth $1 million, lottery officials said.

The numbers drawn Friday were 12, 32, 38, 40, 57 and the Mega number was 21. The estimated jackpot was $405 million.

The Mega Millions game is played in 45 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. Virgin Islands. https://www.oregonlottery.org//

Seeking proposals to run Smith Creek Village, other concessions at Silver Falls

SILVERTON, Oregon—Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking proposals to operate Smith Creek Village retreat center, South Falls Café and two historic ranches at Silver Falls State Park.

Smith Creek Village is a retreat center on the south side of Silver Falls that includes lodging (13 cabins and 4 lodges) and a restaurant with a commercial kitchen, dining room and seating area with lots of natural light

“Silver Falls is one of the crown jewels of the park system, and this is an incredible opportunity to be a part of this breath-taking destination,” said Willamette Valley District Manager Sarah Steele.

The park is one of the most popular in the state with an estimated 1.5 million day-use visits per year and features the nationally recognized Trail of Ten Falls. 

In 2021, OPRD signed an agreement with Silver Falls Hospitality to run two services— Smith Creek Village and the historic ranches—and a separate agreement with Oregon Commission for the Blind to run South Falls Café. Both contracts will expire at the end of October, prompting a new request for proposals. The new 10-year contract will include all three business opportunities.

The opportunity includes:

• Smith Creek Village, a retreat at the south end of the park with a restaurant, dining area, and lodging including 13 individual cabins and four group overnight lodges as well as outdoor event space, historic buildings, meeting areas and a commercial kitchen. 
• South Falls Café, a popular café near the trailhead for the Trail of Ten Falls with a full kitchen and indoor and patio space at the South Falls Lodge. Concession services at the South Falls Café currently include casual dining, food to go, and snacks for picnicking and hiking. 
• The Davidson Ranch and the Foothills Ranch, two large overnight facilities with commercial kitchens for private retreats and group lodging for weddings and other gatherings. 

OPRD is looking for a business or individual to run all three opportunities. The deadline to apply is Aug. 30. OPRD will host an open house 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 16, and 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 17 for prospective concessionaires. Registration is required. Email utler@oprd.oregon.gov“>Winona Butler by 2 p.m. Aug. 14 to register.

Silver Falls is expected to see continued growth with work now underway to develop the North Gateway: a new campground, visitor center and park improvements slated to open in 2026. 

The park offers everything from camping, hiking and biking to picnicking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing. Several of the park’s structures date back to the Civilian Conservation Corps established in 1933. The architecture features the now-iconic look of stone facades and timber beams seen at Silver Falls Lodge. 

Those who are interested in learning more can contact Contract Specialist Winona Butler at utler@oprd.oregon.gov“>winona.butler@oprd.oregon.gov or go OPRD’s website and click on the Silver Falls Concession Opportunity. The deadline to apply is Aug. 30, 2024.

Photos of the properties are available for download. 

Act now to secure Summer EBT benefits

(Salem) – As summer begins to wind down, families have a limited window to secure essential food assistance through the new Summer EBT program. The program offers $120 per child to help cover grocery costs when school food programs are not as easy to access. With the application deadline quickly approaching on Sept. 2, 2024, it’s crucial for eligible families to act now.

Thousands of families may be unaware that they qualify for this essential benefit. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) are urging families to check their eligibility and apply before the deadline. Remember, once benefits are received, you have 122 days to use them.

Most eligible children received their benefits automatically on June 28, 2024, if their households:

• Participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Participate in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Are Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) members in households with incomes under 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level 

Children in foster care also automatically received Summer EBT. 

However, families who did not receive benefits automatically, particularly those with children in Head Start programs that participate in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs, should still apply to determine their eligibility.

Families are encouraged to visit sebt.oregon.gov or contact the Summer EBT Call Center at 833-ORE-SEBT (833-673-7328) to verify their eligibility and apply. ODHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht said, “Making sure children have access to nutritious food throughout the summer is critical. This small action could provide significant support to families in Oregon.” 

Interview with ODHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht

Since June 28, 2024, more than 329,000 eligible school-aged children have been issued $39.5 million in Summer EBT food benefits. More than 60 percent of families receiving benefits in the initial issuance were able to immediately use benefits on existing Oregon EBT cards; the rest received new cards in July.

“The results of the Summer EBT launch so far have far exceeded our expectations, but we know that there are many more families out there who have children who may be eligible for the $120 Summer EBT benefit,” ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams said. “We encourage our schools and Summer Meals providers to have flyers on site to raise awareness and get our families the benefits they qualify for.”

Interview with ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams

Act now and don’t let this opportunity pass by. Make sure your family receives the assistance it deserves by applying for Summer EBT before Sept. 2, 2024.

To learn more:

• Call 833-ORE-SEBT (833-673-7328). The call center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
• Visit sebt.oregon.gov.

SNAP Double Up Food Bucks Benefits for Oregon Residents

You can use Double Up dollars when purchasing eligible items at participating farmers markets across the state. Just bring your SNAP EBT card with you to a participating farmers market and visit the information booth before you begin to shop.

Adapted from the Fair Food Network’s national model, Oregon Double Up Food Bucks makes it easy for low-income Oregonians to eat more fruits and vegetables while supporting family farmers and local economies. Double Up is Oregon’s first statewide incentive program, designed to be convenient for shoppers.

The program doubles the value of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (sometimes called “SNAP” or “food stamps”) benefits at participating farmers markets, grocery stores, and CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farms so shoppers can bring home more fresh produce.

Double Up is currently offered at over 85 farmers market locations, 35 grocery stores and more than 40 CSA farms across the state — with new locations joining the program each year.

For every $1 in SNAP you spend, you will get $1 of Double Up Food Bucks to spend on more fresh fruits and vegetables, up to $20 per transaction. For example: if you spend $20 in SNAP benefits, you’ll get an extra $20 free that you can use to buy more produce. Learn more at OregonFoodBank.org/DoubleUp.

Workplace safety conference in Bend offers opportunities to improve skills in fire safety, accident prevention, employee involvement, and more

Salem – A two-day event in Bend will offer employers and workers a variety of opportunities to gain new knowledge and refresh their skills about everything from fire, chemical, and transportation safety to accident prevention, worker involvement in safety programs, and the elements of a strong safety culture.

Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (Oregon OSHA) encourages employers and workers to attend the Central Oregon Occupational Safety & Health Conference, to be held Sept. 16-17 at the Riverhouse Lodge. 

In addition to many workplace safety and health topics, the conference offers sessions focusing on safety and health challenges in fire and emergency services.

On Monday, Sept. 16, the conference will feature a keynote address by Jacy Good and Steve Johnson, the co-founders of “Hang up and Drive.” As public speakers and advocates of phone-free roads, they have spoken at more than 1,600 events in 44 states and three countries. They will share their story of how a distracted driver changed Jacy’s life forever, offering perspectives of both survivor and caregiver. Their presentation will blend powerful scientific and statistical evidence. And they will show what people can do, personally and while on the job, to make things better.

The Central Oregon Occupational Safety & Health Conference is a joint effort of Oregon OSHA and the Central Oregon Safety & Health Association. 

The Oregon Fire Chiefs Association’s Safety and Health Section helped create the conference’s fire service track. The track’s topics include hierarchy of contamination controls in the fire service and lessons of setting up a peer support team for a fire department.

The American Society of Safety Professionals’ Broken Top Chapter provided support in creating the worker safety and health topics for safety professionals. 

Other conference topics include:

• “How to Build a Forklift Training Program”
• “I’m on the Safety Committee, Now What?”
• “Hazard Identification”
• “Nutrition and Wellness in the Workplace” 
• “Oregon OSHA Recordkeeping and Reporting”
• “Preventing Serious Injuries and Fatalities in the Workplace”
• “Workers’ Compensation Claims 101”
• “Bloodborne Pathogens”
• “The Job Hazard Analysis”

Registration for the two-day event is $230. Monday-only attendance is $105. Tuesday-only attendance is $125. For more information or to register, go to https://safetyseries.cventevents.com/central24.

### About Oregon OSHA: Oregon OSHA enforces the state’s workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit osha.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Oregon Wildlife Agencies Want Your Help Tracking Roadkill

This summer, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Oregon Zoo started asking Oregonians to do their own tracking and upload pictures of roadkill.

“The state wants to get a better idea about where different animals, different species are getting struck and killed by cars,” said Rachel Wheat, the ODFW wildlife connectivity coordinator.

If Oregon’s naturalists can identify roadkill hotspots, then maybe the state can reduce the number of animals killed in interactions with people each year by removing vegetation that attracts wildlife to a specific area or by building a wildlife crossing.

Roadways and vehicular traffic are a significant contributor to fragmentation of habitat and impacts to wildlife, including injury and mortality. The purpose of this project is to improve our understanding of the impacts of roads on Oregon’s wildlife, and to identify roadkill hot spots and vulnerabilities among a diversity of animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. This information can help reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and make roadways safer.

To sign up and for more information visit: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/roadkills-of-oregon

Campfires temporarily banned at most Oregon State Parks due to dry conditions, nearby wildfires

— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) temporarily banned campfires at most Oregon State Parks due to dry conditions and the strain on firefighting resources from wildfires burning across the state. 

Campfires and open flames are banned at all parks east of the Cascades due to the low humidity and risk of wildfires. They’re also restricted at parks in high-risk areas across the state until conditions improve. Most bans impact parks east of the Cascades and in the valley with some restrictions at select coastal parks.

“We understand that campfires are an important part of the experience at Oregon State Parks. We don’t make the decision lightly to restrict the use of fire, but unfortunately conditions require that response. The decision is made in consultation with our local fire agencies. Thank you for helping us do our part to reduce the risk of any new wildfires,” said JR Collier, OPRD’s deputy of statewide operations.

Campfire restrictions generally ban all “open flame,” but often make exceptions for propane cooking as the flame is contained. Check individual park webpages for details on any restrictions before visiting. Restrictions are listed in alphabetical order in a feature story at stateparks.oregon.gov/ or on the individual park pages. 

OPRD also encourages visitors to know before they go when it comes to the impact of wildfires across the state:

• Several parks have been closed due to wildfires including Battle Mountain Forest State Scenic Corridor, Farewell Bend State Recreation Area, East and West Hatfield Trailheads on the Columbia River Highway State Trail and Ukiah-Dale Forest State Scenic Corridor. Check park webpages at stateparks.oregon.gov/ and search by park.
• Some parks have reduced air quality due to wildfire smoke. Check DEQ’s website for air quality information at www.oregonsmoke.org/
• Several roads and highways have been closed due to wildfires. Please use TripCheck to learn about closures and alternative routes. Relying on GPS might lead drivers into unsafe conditions

For more information about current wildfires around the state, go to the Oregon Department of Forestry’s website: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/firestats.aspx. 

For more information about wildfire prevention, please visit the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s webpage at https://www.oregon.gov/osfm/education/pages/prevent-wildfires.aspx.

Campfires prohibited across BLM’s Northwest Oregon District

– Starting July 23, campfires will be prohibited on all Bureau of Land Management public lands throughout the Northwest Oregon District. BLM leaders encourage all visitors to be aware of active restrictions and closures as hotter, drier weather sets in around the Pacific Northwest.

In addition to fires and campfires, the stronger restrictions also prohibit smoking in vegetated areas; using vehicles in unmanaged vegetated areas; operating a chainsaw; welding, cutting or grinding; or using an internal combustion engine without a spark arrestor. These prohibitions will stay in effect until rescinded.

These level II fire restrictions help reduce the risk of human-caused fires. They build on the BLM’s statewide fire restrictions prohibiting fireworks, exploding targets or metallic targets, steel component ammunition (core or jacket), tracer or incendiary devices, and sky lanterns, which went effect May 24.

Those who violate the prohibition may be fined up to $100,000 and/or imprisoned for up to 12 months. In addition, those found responsible for starting wildland fires on federal lands can be billed for the cost of fire suppression.

For the complete order and more information on seasonal fire restrictions and fire closures, please see www.blm.gov/orwafire.

To learn more about fire careers with BLM Oregon-Washington, please see https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire/state-info/oregon-washington/careers.

One of Oregon’s most adorably iconic seabirds is coming to the front and back of a car near you. The Oregon Coast Aquarium has opened voucher sales for its new tufted puffin license plates.

The design, featuring a tufted puffin floating in the ocean and gazing down at some fish below, was created by the
aquarium’s graphic design and marketing coordinator, Cam Mullins.

Starring a tufted puffin—one of Oregon’s iconic seabirds–funds from the new license plate will benefit both the Aquarium’s animals and their wild counterparts. You can purchase a voucher now and exchange it at the DMV once the physical plates are available. We need to sell 3,000 vouchers to reach the production stage—meaning the sooner 3,000 vouchers are sold, the sooner production begins, and the sooner you’ll have your puffin plates in-hand. Read the full story at aquarium.org/puffin-plate-debut: photo by OCAq’s Jeremy Burke

Tufted puffins are native to Oregon and nest on the rocky coast. The aquarium has a Seabird Aviary that sustains a flock of these sea birds and the profits from the license plates will go to benefit these puffins and their wild counterparts.

The voucher is available for purchase on the aquarium’s website. The cost covers the $40 surcharge fee and the money left over after the deduction of the DMV’s fees will go to support the Oregon Coast Aquarium’s
rehabilitation and conservation efforts. The aquarium is building a new marine wildlife rehabilitation center with
hopes of doubling the number of animal patients it can offer care to. FOLLOW on FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OregonCoastAquarium

PLEASE Help Prevent Human-Caused Wildfires

• Immediately call 911 to report fires.
• Drones and other unmanned aircrafts are illegal to fly near fires.
• Fireworks, incendiary/tracer ammunition and exploding targets, are prohibited during fire season (May-October).
• Use caution when target shooting. Clear a 20-foot radius around the target by removing all vegetation and rocks.
• Ensure vehicles and trailers are properly maintained
• Make sure chains and other metal parts are not dragging.
• Keep exhaust systems clean and use spark arrestors.
• Do not park on dry grass.
• Carry extra water, shovel, and/or a fire extinguisher with you.
• Ensure your campfire is completely extinguished before leaving your campsite by making sure it is cool to the touch.
• Please don’t smoke and if you do, don’t throw out cigarette butts.
• Please be mindful and think about your actions

To ensure all Oregonians remain safe during the 2024 wildfire season, we urge everyone to stay tuned into these communications channels and follow all official safety guidelines related to air quality and recreation:

Watch Duty app: Download this app on your smartphone to understand where wildfires are in real time as well as monitor air quality and other metrics. https://app.watchduty.org

Northwest Interagency Coordination Center: During fire season, this web-based interactive map is updated daily with current fire perimeters and locations. This website acts as the wildfire resource coordination center for the Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service, Oregon Dept of Forestry, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Washington Dept. of Natural Resources and the National Park Service. https://gacc.nifc.gov/nwcc/index.aspx

InciWeb the Incident Information System: The federal interagency all-risk incident information management system provides an interactive map with real-time location information on wildfires. https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/

Oregon Department of Forestry Wildfire News: The official wildfire news blog for the Oregon Department of Forestry. Look here for all wildfire news related to state forest lands. https://odffire.com/

Keep Oregon Green: A partnership comprised of statewide and interagency groups working together to promote awareness of the risk and causes of wildfires and how to be prepared in case of a wildfire emergency. https://keeporegongreen.org/

OregonLive Wildfire Map: A project managed by OregonLive that incorporates data from InciWeb, National Interagency Fire Center, Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, Oregon Office of Emergency Management, NOAA into an easy-to-use map tool. https://projects.oregonlive.com/wildfires/map

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality – Air Quality Monitoring Data: A real-time map and cell phone application you can use to track air quality, including wildfire smoke impacts, across the state. Check your app store for OregonAir. https://oraqi.deq.state.or.us/home/map

Purple Air – Air Quality Map System: Real-time air quality information using crowdsourced data and data from EPA air sensors. https://map.purpleair.com/1/mAQI/a10/p604800/cC0…

NOAA High Resolution Rapid Refresh Data Visualization: The High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency(NOAA) is an experimental data visualization tool for wildfire smoke. Be sure to turn on the “Vertically Integrated Smoke” layer to see smoke paths. https://hwp-viz.gsd.esrl.noaa.gov/smoke/index.html

Oregon’s Missing Persons

Many times you’ll see postings without case numbers or police contact. There is rarely a nefarious reason why (the nefarious ones are pretty obvious). Usually the loved one tried to call to report their missing person and they are either refused or told to wait a day or two by people who are unaware of SB 351 and the laws that they are bound to when answering the phone. Many people don’t bother calling LE if their loved one is homeless or in transition because they believe LE won’t care. The biggest myth is the 24 hour rule.

In Oregon we don’t have those rules and an officer or person answering the phone is not allowed to decide. The law decides. We have Senate Bill 351 and it states that the police CANNOT refuse a request for any reason and they must begin working on it within 12 hours. The person making the report does not have to be related to missing person either.

Here is SB 351 written by families of the missing here in Oregon in conjunction with Oregon law enforcement officers. This should be common knowledge, please make it this way. https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/…/SB351/Introduced