Willamette Valley News, Friday 9/6 – Eugene Springfield Crews Respond to Several Fires in 24 Hours, Wildfire and Weather 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

Friday, September 6, 2024

Willamette Valley Weather

Excessive Heat Warning Issued: 2:59 AM Sep. 6, 2024 – National Weather Service

...EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM PDT THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Dangerously hot temperatures in the mid to upper 90s expected.

* WHERE...Portions of northwest and west central Oregon and southwest Washington.

* WHEN...Until 10 PM PDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat events.

 Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.

For sheltering information and other human services, dial 2 1 1 during business hours or visit 211info.org in Oregon or wa211.org in Washington.

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.

Seasonal Climate Forecast September – November 2024 https://www.oregon.gov/oda/programs/naturalresources/documents/weather/dlongrange.pdf

Willamette Valley temperatures could reach record levels Friday while wildfire danger ramps up and air quality could degrade.

The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning to 10 p.m. on Friday as temperatures rise toward 100 both days in Portland, Salem and Eugene.

The hot and dry weather will bring increased fire danger and east winds will likely to cause wildfires to grow and bring smoke into western Oregon.

ODOT is advising travelers to keep hot cars off dry grass and keep trailer chains from dragging to prevent any new, disastrous fires from sparking. 

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.” — We’ve had an unprecedented fire season already. Don’t be that spark that could lead to a tragedy! Check Conditions

Eugene Springfield Crews Respond to Several Fires in 24 Hours

Eugene Springfield Fire responded to a grass fire off the Fern Ridge bike path behind the wear Eugene Target. Firefighters were called at 4:23 PM on September 4th to reports of an individual lighting a fire near the bike path. Responding crews found a fast moving fire along the path and called for additional resources and water.  The fire was stopped at approximately one acre and the cause is under investigation. 

Over night ESF also responded to a brush fire near Hwy 99 & Bethel Dr that injured one and threatened a business.  Firefighters were called to reports of a brush fire in the vicinity of Bethel Dr at 11:49 PM on September 3rd.  Firefighters arrived to find a fast moving fire extending through blackberries.  When sizing the fire up Engine 7’s crew called for additional help as the fire was threatening an area business.  The crew came across an occupied tent with two individuals who could not escape through the front of the tent.  The E7 Captain used his once to cut an exit through back of the tent.  One of the individuals was transported to an area hospital for evaluation.  The cause is under investigation. 

Eight minutes after the brush fire call at 11:57 PM ESF was called to a house fire in the 3000 block of West 15th Ave.  callers reported a fire in the ceiling of the bathroom area.  Everyone safely evacuated from the home and the fire was quickly contained.  

At 2:07 AM, Firefighters were called to a fire in the trees at Hwy 99 and Barger Dr.  Crews made a quick knock down of the fire and the ESF Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating. 

𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆

Join a fun-filled evening of connection and celebration at the Communities of Color and Allies Network (CCAN) First Friday! All are welcome at this all-ages event with free food, networking opportunities, lawn games, and a sensory booth. Hosted in collaboration with Willamalane and Lane Transit District, with special guests from the Eugene/Springfield NAACP, you’ll have a chance to learn about local parks and recreation, transportation options, and small businesses. Bring your family and loved ones to connect with others in a relaxed, safe space where you can make new friends and build meaningful relationships. Friday, Sept. 6, 4-7:30 p.m.

Willamalane Adult Activity Center (215 W C St, Springfield) Free, and no registration is required—just stop by!***𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝘃𝗶𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘀Únase a una velada llena de diversión, conexión y celebración en el First Friday de la Red de Comunidades de Color y Aliados (CCAN). Le damos la bienvenida a todas las personas que quieran asistir a este evento lleno de diversión en el que podrá conectarse con otras personas y celebrar. Habrá comida gratuita, oportunidades para establecer contactos, juegos al aire libre, un stand sensorial ¡y más! Organizado en colaboración con Willamalane y Lane Transit District, y con invitados especiales de la NAACP de Eugene/Springfield, tendrá la oportunidad de aprender sobre parques y recreación locales, opciones de transporte y pequeñas empresas. Traiga a su familia y seres queridos para conectarse con otros en un espacio relajado y seguro, donde podrá hacer nuevos amigos y construir relaciones significativas. Viernes 6 de septiembre, 4-7:30 p.m. Willamalane centro de actividades para adultos (215 W C St, Springfield) Gratis, y no es necesario registrarse, ¡solo pasa por aquí!

Eugene Springfield Fire – August Stats

Here is a look back at August here at Eugene Springfield Fire. While we were still rather busy, it was a more manageable volume than last month. Our brush and grass fire numbers decreased by half this month while our structure fire numbers remained pretty steady. Car crashes are still very high. And in good news, the water rescues decreased by 4 this month which is fantastic. Keep up the great work with the life jackets! See you out there.

Lane County Government 

Part of being prepared for an emergency is knowing how you will receive emergency alerts and life safety information. Lane County uses several tools to alert residents. Watch the video below to learn more about those tools and decide which ones you will rely on in the event of an emergency or disaster. https://vimeo.com/565852770Sign up to receive Lane Alerts emergency alerts at www.LaneAlerts.org#NationalPreparednessMonth

Rental Application Screening Fees in Eugene Capped at $10

In 2022, the City of Eugene passed a $10 cap on application fees. But in 2023, a Lane County court ruled that the cap ran counter to state law.

Last Wednesday, Aug. 28, an appeals court overruled, putting the cap back in place.

Kevin Cronin with the Eugene Tenant Alliance says the decision was a surprise, saying high fees can be a barrier for people seeking housing.

An attorney for the Jennings Group, one of the two property developers to sue the City of Eugene, says they may appeal to the state supreme court.

LCSO Case #24-4738 – Deputies investigating house fire on E. River Drive – Seeking Suspect

Tuesday morning at about 7:20 a.m., deputies responded to a residence in the 33800 block of E. River Drive, Creswell, after South Lane Fire & Rescue advised it was fully engulfed in flames. A car belonging to the resident, Nicholas Rex Snyder, 32, was seen leaving the area around the time the blaze started. The vehicle is a gray 2016 Toyota Carolla, Oregon plate 311MXY. 

Deputies had been at the residence last night for a disturbance and attempted to contact Snyder. They did not receive a response from the house, and it was unknown if he was still at the location. 

Deputies and detectives are investigating, with assistance from the State Fire Marshal. Anyone with information about Snyder’s whereabouts is asked to call Dispatch at 541-682-4141 and avoid approaching or contacting him.

Road Closure: Row River Road

Road Name:	Row River Road
Location:	East of Cottage Grove
Closure:	Milepost 8.7
Dates and Times:	Now through 7:00 p.m. on September 30,2024
Reason for closure	Construction work to replacefailing culvert underthe road to mitigate future landslides.
Alternate routes:	ShoreviewDrivePark Access –West end of Row River RoadM.P. 6.10 Army Corps RoundaboutM.P. 6.40 Row PointM.P. 7.40 Harms Park Boat Ramp East End of Row River RoadM.P. 9.50 Bake Stewart Park

This notice is for the fourth and final road closure which is expected to be complete around September 30, 2024.

Lane County will be performing construction work to replace failing culverts under Row River Road to mitigate the risk of future landslides. The work will take place at four different locations between spring and fall of 2024. Each culvert replacement will require a full road closure of 4-6 weeks.

TripCheck will be updated regularly as dates may change as construction progresses.

Police Seek Witnesses in Recent Rapes in West Eugene

Around 7 p.m., on August 27, a woman in her 30s was on the Wild Iris Ridge trail when she encountered a man she did not know and who subsequently raped her. The woman was able to get to safety and report this after the attack. The suspect is a male on a bike, in his 30s, with brown hair, clean shaven face, wearing darker clothes, jogger pants, and a dark hoodie.

Wild Iris Ridge Trail is off Bailey Hill Road and Bertelsen. Detectives are seeking to have anyone who was in the area between 4:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. yesterday (August 27) and might have seen potential suspects to call Detective Anne McIntyre at 541. 953.9323. EPD’s Community Engagement Team will be out on the path to patrol and add to routine checks of the area.

Earlier this month a similar rape occurred on the Amazon bike trail also in West Eugene.

The previous reported rape was on the Amazon / Fern Ridge Bike Path at about 10:50 a.m. on Aug. 8. In that case, 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.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Eugene Police non-emergency line: 541-682-5111

The following are the general personal safety tips provided by Eugene Police:

• 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.

Lt. Jeremy Williams with the Eugene Police investigations team told reporters Thursday they do not have reason to think the incidents are related, but they are not ruling it out. He said this type of violent crime is unusual for the community and he understands it’s frightening.

“We take these sorts of incidents seriously,” he said, “and appreciate the trauma that can come from these and the fear that it can generate in the public. And we’re confident that we’ll bring this offender to justice.”

Williams said until the perpetrator is arrested, people should be careful and avoid walking alone.

Eugene residents have one last chance to weigh in on a planned 5% increase to stormwater fees.

This summer the Eugene City Council voted to include parks as a stormwater expense. That helped the city close an anticipated budget gap.

Eugene Public Works spokesperson Marion Suitor Barnes said the city’s green spaces are an essential barrier between polluted runoff and the Willamette River.

“Parks include stormwater facilities, rain gardens, all kinds of natural filtering that we use,” she said. “They’re all a part of the stormwater system, but we just previously couldn’t use stormwater funds to maintain those.

Before Eugene can begin collecting those higher fees, it must hold a public hearing. The public can weigh in on Sept. 16 at noon over the phone, or Zoom. Written comments are also being accepted until the 16th.

Signup information is available on the city’s website. — Eugene will begin collecting the fee on Nov. 1. (SOURCE)

Cottage Grove – Lane 1 Fires

Acreage: 25,305 acres – Containment: 93% — With the hot and dry weather, interior pockets of fuel continue to burn, but there is no perimeter growth. Timber hauling operations continue today and tonight. Salvageable timber from BLM lands is being moved to a landing along Sharps Creek Road. This road continues to be closed to the public. However, the transfer site is open during normal hours. Salvageable timber from the forest will be moved to landings off Brice Creek Road; one is located at Blodgett Creek (2232 NFSR) and the other is located on Layng Creek Road at the Layng Creek Work Center.

If traveling to the area, please be aware of the closures still in place. Sharps Creek Road remains closed. Brice Creek Road is open to the public, but it is also a main access route for fire traffic and heavy equipment. Please use caution and watch for trucks entering the road.

In the coming days, please expect to see logging trucks on Brice Creek Road during both day and night operations. Brice Creek Road is open to the public but use caution and watch for trucks entering the road. All roads south of Brice Creek Road are closed. Road maintenance operations will take place during nighttime hours on roads impacted by the Lane 1 Fire to not interfere with daytime suppression repair work.

Many of the roads, trails and general forest areas within the Umpqua National Forest are closed to provide for public and firefighter safety. For more information and a map of the closed areas go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/umpqua/alerts-notices/…Portions of the Bureau of Land Management, Northwest Oregon District, managed public lands, roads, sites, and trails are closed to all forms of public access.

For more information and a map showing the closure go to: https://www.blm.gov/…/docs/2024-07/orwa-fpo-nwo-072024.pdfPhoto: Road closure signs at the start of Sharp Creek Road

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

Summary: Firefighting crews have made progress strengthening containment lines on the Willamette Complex South fires. Recent favorable weather conditions have aided their efforts. https://www.facebook.com/WillametteComplexFires

Dan Oberg, Operations Section Chief for the Eastern Area Complex Incident Management Team, provides an operational update for today, Tuesday, September 3, 2024, on the Willamette Complex Fires – South. https://www.facebook.com/WillametteComplexFires/videos/824571786521808

For More Information Phone: (541) 208-1742, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Email: 2024.willamettecomplex@firenet.gov InciWeb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/…/orwif-willamette-complex… Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WillametteComplexFires YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WillametteComplexFiresSouth

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.

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. 

Parkinson’s Walk funds resources for local community

 – Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon (PRO) will host its annual Sole Support for Parkinson’s Walk September 29th at Alton Baker Park, marking the 20^th year of fundraising and awareness for the local Parkinson’s disease community.  

The family friendly event brings people whose lives are impacted by a Parkinson’s diagnosis together with a caring and supportive community for a walk along the riverfront spreading awareness about this neurodegenerative disease with no cure. Funds raised remain in the local community to help people living with the disease through exercise, education, and wellness programs offered at no charge.  

Among the 300 or so expected participants will be Eugene resident, Lynn Smith, who is back fundraising with her team for her 3^rd year.  Ms. Smith was diagnosed in 2020 during the pandemic when it was difficult to connect with others with Parkinson’s. Once she was able to safely get out and join the Eugene PD community she has never looked back.  

“I’m grateful every day for the support from my friends, family, Parkinson’s Resources and the Eugene PD community.” said Smith. “It has been such a positive experience to participate with my supporters in a way that makes a difference for others.”  

Sunday, September 29, 2024 

Alton Baker Park, Picnic Shelters 1 & 2 

Onsite registration and check in opens at noon – Walk begins at 1:30pm  

~1k and ~5k routes are walker and wheelchair friendly 

Registration is free – fundraising is encouraged. 

To register, find out more, or donate, go to:www.solesupport.org or call 800.426.6806   

About Parkinson’s Resources: 

Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon (PRO) is a donor supported non-profit with the sole mission of advancing the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s, their families and caregivers. With three office locations (Bend, Eugene, Beaverton), PRO provides direct care and support of thousands of families in Oregon and SW Washington. Working to address issues faced by Parkinson’s patients and their families, we can significantly improve the quality of life for all touched by this disease.  

To find out more about PRO’s services or to support our programs, go to: www.parkinsonsresources.org or call 800.426.6806 

Eugene Police Department – Don’t miss the latest episode of Copy Up!

We chat with Officer Naivasha Tester about the important role of police presence in schools. From enhancing student safety to building trust within the school community, Officer Tester shares insights on how law enforcement is making a positive impact in education. Don’t miss this important conversation! Listen now: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5fcSaIYkHgTOAs1SZcGN17…

“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.

White Bird Clinic – · Crisis intervention is a 24/7 need in our community, and CAHOOTS, as part of White Bird Crisis Intervention programs, responds.

White Bird CAHOOTS Springfield Coverage: 11 am – 11 pm, 7 days a week (541-726-3714) — Eugene Coverage: 24/7 (541-682-5111)

 School is Back in Session!  Please be extra cautious and mindful of the school zones.

Here’s what you need to know:

 School Zone Speed Limits:

20 mph on school days from 7 AM to 5 PM.

20 mph when children are present.

20 mph when lights are flashing.

 School Buses: Always stop for school buses with flashing red lights and extended stop signs—even if you’re in the opposite lane of traffic. These buses carry our most precious cargo!

 Safety First: Our schools are equipped with school crossing signs, pavement markings, and radar speed signs to remind you to slow down.

Vehicle Crash on I-5 Near Canyonville Starts Fast Moving Wildfire

MILEPOST 98 FIRE. CANYONVILLE, OR: September 5, around 5:15 pm Crews from DFPA, DCSO, Oregon State Police (OSP), Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), South Umpqua Canyonville Fire Department, Tri-City Fire Department, Riddle Fire Department, and Myrtle Creek Fire Department responded to a currently estimated 100-acre fire near milepost 98, southbound on Interstate 5. On arrival at the scene, a fully engulfed vehicle and an actively growing natural cover fire were found. Aerial and ground resources took immediate action and are engaged in an aggressive initial attack. Due to fast-paced fire activity, evacuations were ordered in coordination with DCSO.

UPDATE 9/6 2am — MILE POST 98 – Douglas County – Canyonville – There has been a little bit of growth & the fire remains approximately 120 acres, but the fire activity has died down quite a bit per Incident Command. EVACUATIONS LEVEL 3 GO NOW & Level 2 BE SET CLICK LINK , click Map tab and then go to upper right search box . Put in your address to get evacuation level: https://geo.maps.arcgis.com/…/a6c8f8e58ad642f4813732233…

A new fire started Thursday September 5, 2024, on the Tiller Ranger District of the Umpqua National Forest.

Named Devils Knob, the fire is located near Devils Knob Road and north of Joe Hall Creek in Tiller, Oregon, just southeast of the Dixon Fire footprint. The fire is currently estimated between 800 and 1,000 acres. Aerial and ground resources arrived on scene and have been actively engaging in an aggressive initial attack. Multiple agencies responded including Umpqua National Forest Tiller Ranger District Fire, Douglas Forest Protective Association, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Tiller Rural Fire Department, and local landowners.

An Incident Command Team has been ordered and will be mobilizing Friday, September 6, 2024. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Douglas County Sheriff’s Office have issued evacuation notices for the Devils Knob Fire and information can be found at https://www.dcso.com/EVACUATIONS

Fire Season In Oregon Above Average – 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑:

The Oregon Department of Forestry wants to remind Oregonians that with weather fluctuating across the state, fire is still on the landscape and fire season is still in effect. Oregon is still experiencing one of the worst seasons we’ve seen in the past decade, and the department warns the public against complacency. “East winds are very common around this time of year, making now the time to prevent the next large wildfire. There is still potential for more fire starts and the season isn’t over yet.” Chris Cline, Fire Protection Division Chief, said. “The fewer human caused fires we have, the less strained our resources will be.

”East winds come to the Pacific Northwest every year around the end of August and last through the fall months. They occur from the crest of the Cascades to the Oregon/ Washington coast. Though the winds come annually, significant east wind “events” do not occur every year. If an event does occur, it usually lasts about 48 hours. Current low humidity combined with sustained winds can increase fire behavior and risk west of the Cascades.

Conditions this week are a mix of warm temperatures, wind, and dry fuels, increasing the risk of wildfire. So far this year, according to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, there have been 1,697 fires in Oregon that have burned 1,535,304 acres. Within 24 hours this past weekend, the department deployed two incident management teams to assist with fast growing fires in Klamath (Copperfield Fire 2024) and Wheeler (Shoe Fly Fire) Counties. If the Oregon Department of Forestry knows that an east wind event is going to happen, which can be determined at least 5 days in advance, the agency will preposition resources, adjust schedules, and take necessary precautions to respond to new starts or increased fire behavior quickly.

“With the approaching fall like conditions, it’s easy to think that fires are lessening. However, we are still seeing new fire starts daily throughout the state of Oregon.” Cline said. Wildfire prevention means:• Debris burning is prohibited during fire season without a permit. Cover your pile and wait until fire season is over. A dry, covered pile is cleaner and safer to burn later, during wet fall and winter conditions.• Don’t park your car over dried grass, and make sure your vehicle or ATV is regularly serviced.• Dispose of your cigarette using designated receptacles, and NEVER discard butts on the ground or in vegetation outdoors.• Check local restrictions before lighting a campfire.

Several ODF districts have updated their fire danger levels recently. Visit Oregon.gov/odf to find local fire restrictions and keeporegongreen.org for more wildfire prevention tips.

This year so far, 1.5 million acres have already burned across Oregon compared with the 10-year average burned in an entire fire season of 640,000 acres. The western side of Oregon got more of a break this summer as most of the aggressive activity has been in eastern Oregon.

With around 5,000 firefighters currently dispatched across the state, they have worked for almost two months straight and are experiencing fatigue.

Kotek said that the state has been able to protect a lot of communities but the team has been pushed to the brink this season. She also predicts that fire seasons are not going to get easier and Orgeon must figure out how to have consistent funding to do the necessary work.

Kotek confirmed that Oregon received approval for seven FEMA grants that will provide help in the form of significant levels of reimbursement. Other states and even other countries like Australia and New Zealand have sent help to Oregon.

Wildfires have burned more than 1 million acres across the state, making Oregon by far the worst off out of all the states in terms of acres burned this summer.

Governor Kotek issued an emergency declaration on July 12, which allows the Oregon fire agencies to get out-of-state support. She has also issued emergency conflagration declarations for several fires, allowing for more resources to be mobilized.

The details of all major wildfires currently burning in Oregon are listed below, and the details will be continually updated. No fire that is more than 90% contained will be listed unless evacuation orders are in effect. Information about fire acreage and containment percentages is approximate.

Copperfield Fire

Current as of	Thu, 09/05/2024 – 19:59
Incident Time Zone	America/Los_Angeles
Incident Type	Wildfire
Cause	Unknown
Date of Origin	Sun, 09/01/2024 – 15:00
Location	10 miles east of Chiloquin, Oregon
Incident Commander	ODF Incident Commander – Tyler McCarty OSFM Incident Commander – Ian Yocum
Coordinates	42° 32′ 45.1” Latitude -121° 45′ 33.9 ” Longitude

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

Preventing wildfires requires a collective effort from everyone—help mitigate the risk of human-caused wildfires and protect our forests and communities.

Monitor Fires in Oregon – Updated Daily

Large Fires in Oregon Past 2 Weeks 9/4/24 9:00am per INCIWEB

Incident	Type	State	Incident Size	UpdatedSort ascending
Whisky Creek Fire – ORMHF	Wildfire	Oregon	2097 Acres	4 minutes 14 seconds ago
Sandstone Fire – ORMHF	Wildfire	Oregon	702 Acres	4 minutes 14 seconds ago
North Willamette Complex – ORWIF	Wildfire	Oregon	4588 Acres	7 minutes 5 seconds ago
Middle Fork Fire – ORCLP	Wildfire	Oregon	5286 Acres	20 minutes 34 seconds ago
Diamond Complex – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	11141 Acres	24 minutes 3 seconds ago
Rail Ridge – OROCF	Wildfire	Oregon	61433 Acres	39 minutes 55 seconds ago
Willamette Complex Fires – South – ORWIF	Wildfire	Oregon	13644 Acres	2 hours 34 minutes ago
Copperfield Fire – OR98S	Wildfire	Oregon	3656 Acres	2 hours 48 minutes ago
Red Fire – ORDEF	Wildfire	Oregon	851 Acres	3 hours 5 minutes ago
Cottage Grove – Lane 1 – OR77S	Wildfire	Oregon	25305 Acres	11 hours 48 minutes ago
Homestead Complex – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	5918 Acres	12 hours 22 minutes ago
Shoe Fly Fire – OR95S	Wildfire	Oregon	20247 Acres	15 hours 15 minutes ago
Crazy Creek – OROCF	Wildfire	Oregon	86968 Acres	1 day 22 hours ago
Microwave Tower Fire – OR95S	Wildfire	Oregon	1313 Acres	2 days 16 hours ago
Lone Rock Fire – ORPRD	Wildfire	Oregon	137222 Acres	1 week 1 day ago
Dixon Fire – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	1970 Acres	1 week 4 days ago
Falls Fire – ORMAF	Wildfire	Oregon	151689 Acres	1 week 5 days ago
Telephone Fire – ORMAF	Wildfire	Oregon	54005 Acres	1 week 5 days ago
Battle Mountain Complex – OR97S	Wildfire	Oregon	183026 Acres	2 weeks 1 day ago
Warner Peak Fire – ORSHR	Wildfire	Oregon	65866 Acres	2 weeks 1 day 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. 

U.S. Forest Service Hiring in Oregon

The U.S. Forest Service is looking to shore up its wildland firefighting force in the Pacific Northwest.  Recruitment events will take place across Oregon next month, with stops in Bend, Sandy and La Grande on September 12th, in an effort to hire a couple hundred permanent seasonal positions.

“That’s our goal, is to hire up to 200, maybe even a little more if we can, into these what we call entry level, perm-fire-hire positions, which are typically your six to nine-month timeframe employment within the agency,” said Jason Heinz who works in regional workforce development for the Forest Service.  He added those jobs are spread around Oregon, Washington and Alaska, and in most cases fill a currently vacant position.  Heinz says several factors make it more difficult to recruit wildland crews.

“We are increasing the number of individuals that work for the agency, our fire seasons are getting longer, burnout is a real thing. And so, we’re trying to work on adding more capacity to our crews so that we can have a better work-life balance.”  — Applications can be submitted now through September 24th. Visit USAJobs.gov to apply.

Oregon Farm Bureau — Thanks to the generous support of our agricultural community, we are now receiving both monetary and feed donations through our Wildfire Relief Fund. If you are a farmer or rancher affected by the wildfires, please take a moment to complete our short application for relief. https://www.oregonfb.org/

Marijuana Cases – Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT)

Oregon’s U.S. senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley are denouncing the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) for the rushed process to get two zones off the coast leased on Oct. 15 for wind energy projects.

Below are statements from the senators.

 By rushing this leasing process, BOEM’s actions undermine state-led efforts to build the necessary consensus among coastal communities, fishermen, conservation groups, and Tribes. As I have said before, BOEM should not accept bids off the coast of Oregon until the state can facilitate a robust process with significant stakeholder engagement. This is the spirit of the Oregon Way, and the state must be able to evaluate whether offshore wind best serves our coast and communities. – Sen. Jeff Merkley (D)

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BOEM has faced scrutiny for the lack of dialogue between the government organization and local partners. 

Brookings Mayor Isaac Hodges told NewsWatch 12 that at a previous meeting for the offshore wind energy projects, “not one” community member had a positive thing to say about the project or BOEM’s process so far. 

“I believe it’s the truth — we’re dealing with a government agency that truly doesn’t care about the community that they’re directly impacting,” said Hodges.

BOEM said in a news release on Aug. 13 that they were working with community partners.

In February, the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians said BOEM is failing its obligations to Tribal Nations and other community members by not answering questions and concerns processed during BOEM’s multiple submission periods. 

In this year’s legislative session, House Bill 4080 — titled “Offshore Wind Labor Standards & Roadmap” — was passed. Rep. Pam Marsh and Sen. Jeff Golden were sponsors on the bill. 

HB 4080 outlined Oregon’s goals to reach the goal of creating three gigawatts of green energy while still staying true to the state’s sustainability, community and environmental goals. 

Governor Kotek’s statement:  The Department of the Interior’s announcement is a significant step in the process of evaluating offshore wind in Oregon. Governor Kotek believes that climate change requires bold action to meet our state’s clean energy goals, so Oregonians are prepared for and resilient to the impacts we’re already seeing across the landscape. Offshore wind development is unprecedented in Oregon, and Governor Kotek believes that any federal agency decision to award a lease should be made in cooperation with Oregon’s federally recognized sovereign Tribal nations, local and impacted communities, and in close consultation with feedback from the state of Oregon – including ensuring alignment with the work of the state roadmap. -Gov. Tina Kotek (D)

SAIF declares $60 million dividend

 

Summer EBT application deadline extended to Sept. 30, 2024
(Salem) – The application deadline for the new Summer EBT program has been extended to midnight Sept. 30, 2024. The program offers $120 per child to help cover grocery costs when school food programs are not as easy to access. Eligible families should act now.

Recreational Trails Program accepting grant applications for trail projects
SALEM, Oregon— The Recreational Trails Program is accepting grant applications through Nov. 15 for the approximately $1.6 million in grant funds available for the 2024 grant cycle. 

The 10th annual Ride the Rim Days will be held at Crater Lake National Park the next two Saturdays — Sept. 7 and 14. The event is hosted by the park in partnership with the Friends of Crater Lake and Discover Klamath.  On both days East Rim Drive from the North Junction to Park Headquarters will be closed to motorized vehicles at 7 p.m. on the Fridays before the event until 4 p.m. on Saturdays to allow for non-motorized recreation including biking, hiking and running. The event is free, but normal park entrance fees apply.

UPCOMING EVENTS – Virtual presentation Sept. 6  |  noon to 1 p.m. AIA Oregon will present “Earth: Update on the Oregon Resilience Plan,” the first session in a five-part virtual program on resilience. The other four sessions will take place Sept. 13, Sept. 20, Sept. 27 and Oct. 4. The Oregon Resilience Plan was adopted in 2013 and proposed a 50-year plan to protect lives and keep commerce flowing following a sizable earthquake and tsunami. It looked at impacts on critical lifeline infrastructure and buildings, businesses and the workforce, and on coastal communities overall. In this program, architect Jay Raskin will review the plan, discuss its concepts and recommendations, review the state of its implementation, its impact and the challenges ahead. Cost: $10 per session or $45 for the series for AIA members, or $25 per session or $112.50 for the series for nonmembers, or free for students. REGISTER NOW »

Press Release: Make Waves — Registration for the 2024 Beach & Riverside Cleanup is Now Open

Portland, Ore., August 29, 2024 – SOLVE invites volunteers to make a global impact this September by joining the annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup. From September 20 through September 28, families, community members, student groups, and nature enthusiasts from all stages of life will gather across Oregon and Southwest Washington for a 10-day event series with a variety of projects to choose from. Registration is now open for this vital community effort to protect and restore our coastlines, rivers, and public lands.

Connecting Local Actions to Global Movements – September 21 is International Coastal Cleanup Day, uniting millions of volunteers worldwide to protect our coasts and waterways from harmful trash and debris. This global movement amplifies the impact of local efforts, uniting communities for cleaner environments. The Beach & Riverside Cleanup wraps up on September 28 with National Public Lands Day, the nation’s largest single-day volunteer event, focusing on trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and native tree planting.

Join the Effort – “After a season of heavy use, our rivers and beaches need care,” says Kris Carico, SOLVE’s Chief Executive Officer. “This event is a cherished tradition and a powerful force for change. We encourage everyone to get involved and make a lasting impact on our environment.”

SOLVE will host over 50 project sites across Oregon and SW Washington, from the Oregon Coast to the Willamette Valley and beyond. Last year, more than 1,500 volunteers removed 20,000 pounds of trash. Since 1986, the event has cleared over 2.5 million pounds of litter from Oregon’s natural areas. Volunteer registration is open for posted events and SOLVE is still seeking additional projects. Interested event leaders should register their events as soon as possible to fully maximize SOLVE’s support, resources, and everything needed to host a successful event. 

New Supply Hubs for Event Leaders – This year, SOLVE is making it easier for event leaders by launching five supply hubs at South Beach, Fort Stevens, Cape Lookout, Cape Blanco, and Sunset Bay. These hubs are equipped with reusable supplies like litter grabbers, vests, and buckets sponsored by Knife River. This partnership with Oregon Parks and Recreation strengthens SOLVE’s mission to provide even more volunteers with reusable supplies and host cleanup events with sustainability in mind.

Be Part of the Change – Join thousands of volunteers to protect our waterways, restore natural areas this September, and contribute to a cleaner, healthier Oregon. As the event dates approach, more details on project sites and opportunities will be released. For more information and to register, visit https://www.solveoregon.org/beach-riverside.

2024 Sponsors – SOLVE’s Beach & Riverside Cleanup 2024 is proudly supported by Chevron, Clean Water Services, Daimler Truck North America, Fred Meyer, Harper Houf Peterson Righellis Inc., Here is Oregon, Keen Footwear, Knife River, KOIN, Metro, NEEF, Oregon Parks and Recreation, and Owens Corning.

About SOLVE – SOLVE brings communities together to take care of our environment and enhance our waterways. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots group to a national model for volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains tens of thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon and Southwest Washington to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas and to build a legacy of stewardship for our state. Visit solveoregon.org for more information. 

 

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

Total Personnel:	644
Size	3,802 Acres
Percent of Perimeter Contained	26%
Estimated Containment Date	9/30/2024
Fuels Involved	Pine with grass and brush under is the dominant fuel type.  Some stands are more open where fuels treatments have occurred.
Significant Events	Most of the fire has been lined and fire activity was very isolated.  Places where the fire moved toward containment lines showed some activity but had limited space to grow.

Residents and visitors in the area are advised to stay safe and stay informed. Visit https://www.klamathcounty.org/300/Emergency-Management for up-to-date information on evacuations and evacuee resources. Per the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, evacuation levels will be reassessed the morning of September 3rd. Any changes will be published first to Genasys Protect, then by Mass Notification, then to the Klamath County Common Operating Picture (COP). A road closure remains in effect on the Sprague River Highway between mile markers 5 and 15.