The latest news stories of interest in the Rogue Valley and the state of Oregon from the digital home of Southern Oregon, Wynne Broadcasting’s RogueValleyMagazine.com
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
Rogue Valley Weather
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
Joint Task Force Serves Child Porn Search Warrant at Ashland Residence
JCSO Case 24-2380 —- ASHLAND, Ore. – The Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET) joint inter-agency task force served a search warrant today, August 6, after discovering images of child exploitation were downloaded from a residence in Ashland, Ore. Detectives are interviewing possible witnesses and involved parties, and investigations are ongoing.
SOCET served the search warrant this morning just after 8 a.m. at a residence in the 10 block of Pine Street. SOCET began their investigation after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children which led to subpoenas, followed by the search warrant at the residence. Ashland Police Department and Jackson County District Attorney’s Office assisted with the warrant service.
SOCET was also assisted by Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), and Southern Oregon High Tech Crimes Task Force (SOHTCTF) investigators. During the warrant, investigators seized digital devices which will be forensically examined by SOHTCTF for further evidence of child exploitation.
SOCET is a joint inter-agency task force that started in June of 2020 to combat child exploitation. The task force consists of investigators from JCSO and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), as well as prosecutors from our local, state and federal law enforcement partners in Jackson and Josephine County. SOHTCTF is a joint inter-agency task force that consists of investigators from JCSO, HSI, Oregon State Police, and Medford Police Department. There is no further information available for release.
Task Force Busts Highway 234 Black-Market Cannabis Grow, Destroys 39K Illegal Marijuana Plants Saving an Estimated 1.5 Million Gallons of Water; Code Enforcement Issues $64K in Fines
Video available for download: https://vimeo.com/995520133?share=copy
IMET Case 24-12261 — RURAL CENTRAL POINT, Ore. – Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET) detectives served a search warrant Friday morning, August 2nd, at a black-market cannabis grow in the 5900 block of Highway 234 in rural Central Point. IMET detectives seized approximately 39,000 illegal marijuana plants, $3000 in cash, and two firearms. There was no licensing for any type of cannabis growing, handling, or processing at this location. IMET detained seven people on the property and charges are being referred to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.
IMET was assisted by Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies, and Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers. Jackson County Fire District 3 responded to this same property on April 16, 2024, after receiving reports of three large piles of prohibited material had been set on fire.
The Oregon Water Resources Department Enforcement section will issue a Notice of Violation (NOV) to the responsible party for the unauthorized appropriation of water from Snider Creek. This type of water violation is subject to both civil and criminal penalties. Due to the age of the plants, Watermasters estimate that roughly 1.5 million gallons of water was saved by stopping water use at this time.
During the search warrant, Jackson County Code Enforcement responded to the scene and issued a total of $64,000 in fines to the landowner and a known responsible party at the site. Fines were for violations related to solid waste, non-permitted construction of a large pole barn structure, non-permitted electrical installations, and failure to obtain land use approval for marijuana production. The solid waste violations issued as a result of this search warrant were related to plastic materials including PVC piping, plastic sheeting, and other miscellaneous materials that were burned and buried in April of this year.
Code Enforcement had previously cited the landowner for the above ground waste prior to the materials being buried and set on fire. Ashes and residual materials remained near the burn piles which is a violation of the County’s solid waste ordinance. Code Enforcement issued a second citation for failing to properly dispose of those residual materials.
While regulatory agencies investigate permitted cannabis operations, IMET is focusing on the black-market marijuana trade in the Rogue Valley. IMET is a multi-agency task force funded by a grant from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission. The task force includes personnel from JCSO, Homeland Security Investigations, OSP, Medford Police Department, and the Jackson County District Attorney’s office.
Investigations are open and ongoing with detectives working additional leads. No further information is currently available for release.
BHO Lab Explosion in Glendale
On Saturday evening (08/03/2024) at approximately 9:00 PM detectives with the Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT) investigated a suspicious structure fire that had occurred earlier in the evening in the 1400 block of Tunnel Road in Glendale.
The fire was initially reported to 911 at approximately 4:14 PM, at which time Glendale Fire responded and prevented the fire from spreading. The structure however, a 1,500 sq. foot general purpose building, was a total loss. It was fortunate the fire did not spread, as the structure was surrounded by dry forest fuels. Nearby residences were certainly under threat from possible fire spread.
Deputies with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office also responded, and notified DINT when it was discovered the fire was likely caused by an illegal BHO lab. Due to the nature of the case, and the need for thorough investigation, DINT applied for, and was granted a search warrant for the property, structures, and residence at this location. Detectives executed the search warrant at approximately 3:30 AM Sunday morning (08/04/2024). Detectives found evidence indicating this was a suspected illegal marijuana extraction lab and production facility.
BHO labs are known to be very dangerous due to the use of extremely volatile and flammable solvents. Butane is the most common solvent used, and appears to have been used in this case. These clandestine labs are often run by people without adequate knowledge or safety equipment in place. They are often located in closed buildings without adequate ventilation or other safety systems. Without proper safety measures in place, sometimes even the tiniest spark can ignite the collecting vapors, causing explosions and fire. Often these explosions cause major property damage, personal injury, and even death.
It is currently unknown if any injuries occurred in this case. Two persons of interest fled the scene prior the arrival of first responders. Two others, 38 year old Christopher Drezek of Glendale, and 35 year old Kendall Jorgensen of Ashland, were both contacted at the scene and were uninjured.
There were no permits in place allowing this location to be a marijuana production facility of any kind. No OLCC permits for recreational marijuana, no ODA permits for hemp production, and no medical marijuana licensing of any kind.
Detectives found lots of evidence of illegal black market marijuana production to include thousands of pounds of processed marijuana and approximately 5 pounds of finished BHO product. It appears a tremendous amount of processed marijuana was destroyed in the fire.
A further search of the premises revealed evidence of several other controlled substance crimes. Detectives seized notable amounts of suspected fentanyl, psilocybin mushrooms, ketamine, MDMA, DMT, and LSD. All of these substances are routinely laced into marijuana products and/or used together with marijuana products. Sometimes these substances are added to marijuana products and then sold on the black market without the knowledge of the end user, or in dosages that are misreported or unknown. This is an example of why using substances from unknown sources, with unknown contents has never been more dangerous.
8 firearms were also seized from the premises.
Christopher Drezek was arrested and lodged at the Douglas County Jail on the following charges:
- Arson Incident to Manufacture of Cannabinoid Extract 1st degree
- Unlawful Manufacture of Marijuana
- Unlawful Delivery of Marijuana
- Unlawful Possession of Marijuana
Kendall Joregensen was arrested and lodged at the Douglas County Jail on the following charges:
- Arson Incident to Manufacture of Cannabinoid Extract 1st degree
- Unlawful Manufacture of Marijuana
- Unlawful Delivery of Marijuana
- Unlawful Possession of Marijuana
- Unlawful Possession of Sch. I Controlled Substance (2 counts)
- Unlawful Possession of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)
- Unlawful Possession of Sch II Controlled Substance
DINT is actively seeking the the whereabouts of the two persons who fled the scene prior to law enforcement arrival. The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests are anticipated.
Did you get help from FEMA, insurance, or others after the 2020 Almeda and South Obenchain Fires?
https://firebrandcollective.org/harp/
Rogue Valley Humane Society We are very low on cat and almost out of kitten food for our Community Food Bank.
Many pets have benefited from the community’s generosity, and we can’t thank you enough for your kindness.
Historic Lithia Water Fountain Reopens In Ashland
The historic Lithia water fountain in downtown Ashland recently reopened after being closed for months while officials debated its water quality.
The fountain was shut off out of an abundance of caution after the city shared water sample data with OHA and they considered the chemical contaminants inside to be unfit for public drinking system regulation.
OHA found higher than allowed levels of manganese, sodium, boron and barium, as well as a higher than allowed level of turbidity, or the cloudy quality of the water.
With its reopening to the public, many are celebrating its comeback. It is currently reopened in the midst of an assessment by OHA and the city to determine whether it is being used as a historic landmark or as a drinking source.
While it is currently running the assessment of how many people use it will dictate what it is classified as: The requirement for it to be a public drinking system, or true form of public drinking water supply, is if more than 10 people drink the water from the fountain more than 60 days out of the year.
If it meets that criteria then it will be considered for public drinking use and will need to meet the standards set for public drinking systems.
Many residents are not concerned about this, saying the waters flavor proves it to not be a source of drinking water.
Fire season is in full swing, and we have several resources designed to help keep you and your loved ones safe:
Sign Up for Citizen Alert (the City’s primary notification system): Citizen Alert – Sign In (everbridge.net)
Know Your Zone (to help you prepare for an emergency evacuation): medfordoregon.gov/evaczones
Preparedness Tips (to help you plan ahead): medfordoregon.gov/bepreparedDavid Grubbs’ Murder Investigation Remains Active
The Ashland Police Department’s investigation into the murder of David Grubbs on November 19, 2011 remains open and active. Recently two new detectives have been assigned to look into new leads that have come in.
It has been Four Years since Fauna Frey, 45, disappeared in Oregon on a road trip, June 29, 2020, following her brother’s death
PART 2 – Newsweek Podcast Focusing on The Disappearance of Fauna Frey From Lane County
Help Find Fauna Frey #FindFaunaFrey FACEBOOK GROUP
Oregon on Track to Set New Wildfire Record for Acreage Burned
The wildfire season in Oregon likely has not yet peaked and already 1.3 million acres have been blackened or are ablaze, with 34 large fires burning.
And five of them have spread to more than 100,000 acres each.
“We are on a trend of possibly setting a record in the state of Oregon for the amount of acres affected by fire,” Carol Connolly, a spokesperson for the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, which coordinates fire resources, told the Capital Chronicle. “Typically the Northwest peaks around Aug. 14, so we still have a while to go in this fire season.”
The fires have prompted the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality to issue air quality alerts, with the most recent one on Monday, Aug. 5. DEQ officials said that people in Crook County, along with Deschutes, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine and Lake counties, could face intermittent smoke, which can irritate the eyes and lungs and worsen some medical conditions. Children and older adults along with those who are pregnant or have heart or lung disease are especially at risk.
DEQ also warned residents of unhealthy, smoky conditions in eastern Douglas, Grant, northern Harney, northern Klamath, eastern Lane, northern Malheur and eastern Wheeler counties.
Over the past 10 years, only the 2020 Labor Day Fires came close to record-breaking, with about 1.2 million acres burned in 11 counties. But those blazes were much more destructive to communities, killing nine people and destroying more than 5,000 homes.
This year, the fires have destroyed several dozen homes so far and more than 60 other structures, with hundreds of buildings remaining under threat. No deaths have been reported.
Gov. Tina Kotek has invoked the Conflagration Act eight times, the most recently on Monday, Aug. 5, in connection with the Telephone Fire in Harney County. As of Tuesday, it has scorched more than 50,000 acres northeast of Burns and threatened more than 150 homes and about 350 smaller structures, with evacuation orders in place.
“Conditions are prime for high fire activity today, and the fires continue to test our crews’ fortitude and resilience, but lines are holding,” the Harney County Sheriff’s Office said in a Tuesday update on Facebook.
Kotek’s invocation of the Conflagration Act allows the state fire marshal to unleash resources to protect homes and people threatened by the Telephone Fire, which the sheriff’s office said is likely to remain active this week.
The weather across much of Oregon has been cooler in recent days but the forecasters predict hotter and drier conditions later this week.
“Ongoing incidents will see increasing areas of active fire behavior as both cloud cover and surface moisture is transported away this week,” the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center said in a morning briefing.
Connolly of the coordination center said Tuesday that in Oregon, the Diamond Complex of nine fires that have scorched more than 6,600 acres east of Roseburg in the Umpqua National Forest is a top priority. It threatens four houses, 70 mixed commercial and residential buildings and 39 small structures along with utility services and access to Crater Lake along Highway 230.
Officials have deployed more than 550 people to the fires along with four helicopters to fight the blazes from above. It could take until mid-October to snuff the blazes, the coordination center said.
Among the five fires over 100,000 acres, the Durkee Fire in Baker and Malheur counties remains the biggest in Oregon. It has burned nearly 295,000 acres and destroyed four homes and 19 other structures. It is now 86% contained, which means firefighters have stopped the spread on most of the perimeter.
The Battle Mountain Complex of four fires west of Ukiah has scorched more than 188,000 acres. The fires have destroyed seven homes and 10 other structures and are 39% contained.
The Northwest Interagency Coordination Center said on Tuesday, “Crews will continue mop-up operations around the entire perimeter of the fire.”
The Falls Fire northwest of Burns has burned more than 146,444 acres and is 75% contained. The fire is running through timber and evacuation orders are in effect, the coordination center said, with road and trail closures in the area. The fire has destroyed 13 homes and 15 other structures.
The Lone Rock Fire southeast of Condon has burned more than 137,000 acres and is 92% contained. The Gilliam County Sheriff’s Office said on Facebook on Tuesday that the acreage blackened is not likely to grow, with a few acres in forestland in Wheeler County “proving difficult to contain.”
“However, the fire crews in those areas are working hard to ensure any activity is contained within the already burnt areas of the landscape and will not become an external threat to the areas,” the sheriff’s office said.
And the Cow Valley Fire in Malheur County northwest of Ontario, which scorched more than 133,000 acres, is now 99% contained. It destroyed two homes and five smaller structures. (SOURCE)
Oregon leaders call for federal aid for farmers and ranchers impacted by summer wildfires
A helicopter drops flame retardant on the Cow Valley Fire in eastern Oregon on July 12, 2024. (Matt Fisher of Umatilla Task Force/Northwest Interagency Coordination Center)
Gov. Tina Kotek is seeking federal relief for farmers and ranchers in two-thirds of Oregon counties impacted by wildfires and smoke this summer, with the potential to add more counties to the list.
Kotek first wrote to Tom Vilsack, head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, on July 31, asking for support for crop and livestock farmers who are grappling with the effects of dozens of fires that have burned more than 1.3 million acres this summer. In the days following, Oregon’s congressional delegation and Oregon House Republicans also wrote to Vilsack backing up the Democratic governor’s requests.
“Oregon is currently grappling with severe wildfires that have ravaged our communities, working lands and natural resources. The scale and intensity of these fires demand immediate federal intervention to aid in our state’s recovery efforts,” Oregon’s House Republicans wrote.
Representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture did not respond to questions and requests for comment Tuesday.
In her letter, Kotek asked Vilsack for three things. First, to declare a disaster for 23 of Oregon’s 36 counties, allowing farmers and ranchers to apply for special USDA loans and financial assistance programs. Next, she asked for Vilsack to coordinate with the head of the U.S. Forest Service, Randy Moore, to authorize emergency leniency on federal grazing areas, allowing ranchers flexibility about where and when they can graze to accommodate disruptions from wildfires.
Matt McElligott, president of the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association, asked Kotek to further extend her request for aid to the U.S. Department of the Interior, which oversees the Bureau of Land Management. He asked that she request the agency open up any vacant or retired grazing permits so ranchers can move some of their cattle onto the public land. Kotek wrote to the agency’s leader, Deb Haaland, requesting assistance Tuesday.
“You know, there’s over a million acres that have burned, and much of it is rangeland. So those cattle that made it through the fire and got moved off have to have a place to go,” he said
McElligott said he spoke with a rancher who sold off most of his cattle due to the wildfires.
“When you lose all of your grazing ground, you’ve got to find other grazing ground or sell your cattle,” he said. “This isn’t just a right-now problem. When all of your grazing ground burns up, you have no fall feed, you have no winter feed, and you really don’t have any spring feed, because you have to let that grass regrow its roots.”
The last request from Kotek was for Vilsack and Moore to waive rules that require ranchers supply certified weed free hay and feed crops for their animals. Feed crops must still be weed free, according to Kotek’s letter, but waiving the requirement that the feed be certified weed-free will ensure animals are fed and that ranchers don’t turn instead to grazing them on forage that should be kept on the landscape.
“Our communities look to us for leadership and action in times of need,” Kotek wrote to Vilsack. “The timely review and approval of our request will provide critical support to the affected farmers and ranchers, helping them recover and rebuild.”
Counties seeking emergency declarations from wildfire:
Baker, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Klamath, Lake, Lane, Linn, Malheur, Morrow, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco and Wheeler (SOURCE)
Mile Marker 132 Fire In Bend Fire Started at Camp On Vacant Lot
A cooking fire at an encampment on a vacant lot was the source of the Mile Marker 132 Fire north of Bend last Friday, Bend Fire and Rescue said Wednesday.
The fire burned 78 acres and led to multiple evacuations as the flames threatened homes, knocked out power and internet to thousands and brought traffic on Highway 97 to a crawl.
Bend Fire said the fire started on a vacant, privately owned 13-acre lot at 64010 N. Hwy 97. The only structures are wood and wire fencing. The origin was narrowed down to a cooking fire at a camp on the property. Bend Fire said the resident is unknown and was not located.
During the response last Friday, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Sgt. Jason Wall told Central Oregon Daily News that deputies encountered someone in the Juniper Ridge area claiming to have started the fire, but Wall said at the time he could not corroborate that the person was, in fact, responsible. (SOURCE)
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/
From Fire Camps to Helicopters: Oregon Guard Top Leadership Tours Wildfire Response
HARNEY COUNTY, Ore. —Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, the Adjutant General of Oregon, and senior leaders visited National Guard members deployed for wildfire response efforts on Tuesday, Aug. 6, underscoring the Guard’s crucial role in protecting Oregon’s communities.
Gronewold’s itinerary included stops at the Harney County Fire Camp and a helicopter staging area near Cottage Grove, where he interfaced with soldiers and airmen on the front lines of the state’s wildfire battle.
At the Harney County Fire Camp, Gronewold and senior leaders shared breakfast with Soldiers and Airmen currently fighting the Telephone Fire. During this time, he awarded challenge coins to top performers from the four deployed crews, recognizing their exceptional efforts in the ongoing firefighting operations.
Later, during the visit to the Cottage Grove site supporting the Lane 1 fire complex, an ORANG CH-47 Chinook helicopter was ready for water bucket operations. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jeremiah Williams, a maintenance test pilot and production control officer with the Oregon National Guard, highlighted the importance of their mission.
“The Oregon National Guard brings a special set of skills and the ability to deploy type one aircraft to assist in firefighting operations,” Williams said. “We’re augmenting civilian assets with our 2000-gallon water buckets, allowing us to put a lot of water on the fire quickly.”
Williams and his team have been on station for three days, flying water bucket operations for two of the days. Their efforts complement those of civilian firefighting assets assigned to the fire.
Brig. Gen. Gronewold’s and senior leaders visit is part of the broader mobilization of approximately 90 Guard members who processed through Joint Reception, Staging, Onward Movement, and Integration (JRSOI) on Jul. 31 and Aug. 1. These personnel formed four hand crews, each consisting of 22 firefighters and additional support staff.
The Guard also deployed three HH-60 Black Hawk helicopters alongside the CH-47 Chinook. Two Black Hawks are on standby for medical evacuation, while one is available for fire bucket operations.
“It’s a real privilege to be out here to support the community, helping out local neighborhoods, and saving structures across the state,” Williams added, noting the positive impact of their presence on local morale.
As Oregon battles another challenging wildfire season, the National Guard’s efforts remain crucial to the state’s response. Brig. Gen. Gronewold emphasized the Guard’s role: “These operations exemplify why the Oregon National Guard is the military service of choice for Oregonians,” underscoring their commitment to protecting the state in times of crisis.
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.
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
| Incident | Type | State | Incident Size | UpdatedSort ascending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crazy Creek – OROCF | Wildfire | Oregon | 75024 Acres | 9 minutes 31 seconds ago |
| Telephone Fire – ORMAF | Wildfire | Oregon | 53388 Acres | 26 minutes 54 seconds ago |
| Falls Fire – ORMAF | Wildfire | Oregon | 147320 Acres | 27 minutes 36 seconds ago |
| Courtrock Fire – OR95S | Wildfire | Oregon | 20019 Acres | 27 minutes 47 seconds ago |
| Lone Rock Fire – ORPRD | Wildfire | Oregon | 137222 Acres | 30 minutes 9 seconds ago |
| Cottage Grove – Lane 1 – OR77S | Wildfire | Oregon | 15830 Acres | 43 minutes 45 seconds ago |
| Pyramid and Slate Fires – ORWIF | Wildfire | Oregon | 49 minutes 56 seconds ago | |
| Homestead Complex – ORUPF | Wildfire | Oregon | 2851 Acres | 59 minutes 5 seconds ago |
| Oakridge Lightning Fires 2024 – ORWIF | Wildfire | Oregon | 11734 Acres | 59 minutes 22 seconds ago |
| Durkee Fire – ORVAD | Wildfire | Oregon | 294265 Acres | 1 hour 22 minutes ago |
| Diamond Complex – ORUPF | Wildfire | Oregon | 6630 Acres | 11 hours 47 minutes ago |
| Battle Mountain Complex – OR97S | Wildfire | Oregon | 182241 Acres | 11 hours 58 minutes ago |
| Ore Fire – ORWIF | Wildfire | Oregon | 2001 Acres | 12 hours 13 minutes ago |
| Middle Fork Fire – ORCLP | Wildfire | Oregon | 2315 Acres | 12 hours 25 minutes ago |
| Microwave Tower Fire – OR95S | Wildfire | Oregon | 1313 Acres | 13 hours 46 minutes ago |
| Whisky Creek Fire – ORMHF | Wildfire | Oregon | 1330 Acres | 14 hours 1 minute ago |
| Porcupine Fire – ORBUD | Wildfire | Oregon | 5000 Acres | 14 hours 47 minutes ago |
| Sandstone Fire – ORMHF | Wildfire | Oregon | 350 Acres | 15 hours 16 minutes ago |
| Red Fire – ORDEF | Wildfire | Oregon | 498 Acres | 15 hours 38 minutes ago |
| Adam Mountain – ORUPF | Wildfire | Oregon | 12645 Acres | 1 day 13 hours ago |
| Badland Complex 2024 – ORVAD | Wildfire | Oregon | 54563 Acres | 1 day 13 hours ago |
| Winding Waters Complex – OR97S | Wildfire | Oregon | 752 Acres | 2 days ago |
| Cow Valley Fire – ORVAD | Wildfire | Oregon | 133490 Acres | 6 days 22 hours ago |
| Salt Creek – OR710S | Wildfire | Oregon | 4102 Acres | 2 weeks 1 day ago |
| Larch Creek Fire – OR95S | Wildfire | Oregon | 18286 Acres | 2 weeks 4 days ago |
Large Fires in Oregon 8/7/24 8:00am per INCIWEB
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.
Oregon Health Authority wants to expand health care, mental health access to cut inequities
The Oregon Health Authority wants to eliminate inequities in health care that block people from the services they need. The agency released a plan for the next three years. (Getty Images)
The Oregon Health Authority wants to expand access to health care, grow the state’s behavioral health system and connect more families to preventative health care.
The goals are foundational for the agency’s aim of eliminating inequities in health care by 2030. The health authority on Tuesday released its strategic plan that will guide that work. The plan covers the next three years and encompasses broad areas like access to health care, behavioral health care and tribal health.
The goal is to end systemic unfairness in the health care system that leads to different health outcomes for different communities, such as people of color, minority residents and immigrants. Inequities can lead to major life-changing consequences, with Black people and Native Americans having shorter average lifespans than white residents. Oregonians in rural regions struggle to access care and have more diabetes, heart disease and depression.
The inequities can manifest in different ways and contribute to a person’s overall health, including a lack of access to providers, unaffordable housing or a lack of translation services in health clinics.
“These inequities go beyond health statistics,” Dr. Sejal Hathi, the health authority’s director, said in a press conference. “They rob people of dignity, of opportunity and quality of life, and when it comes to health, we’re all connected.”
The plan covers five broad areas:
- Expanding the behavioral health care system with more workers, preventative services for children and youth and adding more beds in treatment facilities.
- Expanding access to affordable health care. This includes outreach to enroll Oregonians in coverage, whether through the Oregon Health Plan, the state’s version of Medicaid, or a newly launched program for those who make a little too much to qualify for Medicaid. The state also wants to increase the number of providers through loan forgiveness programs and grow the number of certified traditional health workers, who have cultural ties to the communities they serve.
- Increasing services to keep families healthy. This includes preventative health services, especially for new parents before and after birth and putting in place the housing and nutrition benefits that the state’s Medicaid plan will provide in a new program.
- Working with Oregon’s nine federally recognized tribes. The agency has met with tribal members and hired a consultant to help officials finalize goals in this area.
- Making the health authority more responsive to communities with a more diverse workforce.
Measuring success
Officials will track various areas to monitor their progress, for example, by logging the number of people who get sick with diseases that can be prevented. They’ll also track access to health care and workforce numbers and will create public dashboards to show developments.
But the 42-page plan doesn’t spell out specific numeric goals for each area. For example, officials aim to decrease the number of people accessing the emergency department for behavioral health visits, but it doesn’t set a targeted goal.
Asked about the lack of metrics, Hathi said the state will track the performance internally.
“In addition to those high-level outcome measures for each strategy, every action in turn has outcome and process measures associated with it that we will ourselves track internally through our internal performance management system,” Hathi said. “Those get far more granular than perhaps is of interest to the public eye, but we are making sure that we incorporate those monitoring plans into our implementation planning work.”
The plan calls for increasing the number of behavioral health treatment beds statewide, but doesn’t identify a target for the end of 2027. The state needs 3,700 more beds, according to a report published in June.
It’s unclear how many more beds the state can add in three years.
Hathi said the state will publish a dashboard in the coming weeks that outlines the goals for different types of beds and how many beds have been funded from 2021 to now.
Currently, the state can treat about 4,000 people in its residential facilities and plans to add nearly 400 more beds by the fall of 2025. READ MORE: https://www.newsbreak.com/news/3552743588312-oregon-health-authority-wants-to-expand-health-care-mental-health-access-to-cut-inequities
Oregon utility watchdog asks state to intervene on proposed double-digit electricity rate hikes
If the state’s two largest electric utilities get what they’ve asked for, their 1.5 million customers in Oregon could pay 40% more for electricity next year than they did just three years ago.
Those utilities — Portland General Electric, or PGE, and Pacific Power — say their latest proposed increases are due to the rising cost of insurance and needed investments to expand electrical grids and to make them resilient to extreme weather.
But Oregon’s Citizens’ Utility Board, a watchdog group established by voters in 1984 to represent the interests of consumers, says the companies are using rate hikes to make massive investments in infrastructure in too short a period, as well as creating slush funds for potential wildfire payouts in the future.
PGE wants to raise residential rates by 11% next year while Pacific Power asked for a 15% residential rate increase. But the board asked the state’s Public Utility Commission to cap them at 7% plus the rate of inflation, or 10% annually, whichever is lowest. A rate increase to cover costs that go over that would need to be pushed to the next year or beyond.
The board asked the commission, which is charged with regulating the rates of privately owned utilities, to apply this cap to natural gas companies as well.
“In normal circumstances, it should be rare for utilities to increase rates by more than 10%,” the Citizens’ Utility Board said in a news release. “Unfortunately, we have seen a growing pattern of Oregon’s for-profit utilities asking for 15%-20% increases nearly every year for the last four years. This is a call to Oregon regulators to implement a cap for all for-profit utilities.”
The latest rate requests from the two utilities are not driven by the costs of producing electricity, but by factors such as capital investments, insurance, profit margins and employee pay. In November, when the electric utilities will incorporate the costs of energy production into the rate proposals, they could ask for higher rates again.
The Public Utility Commission will make a decision in December, and the rates will go into effect in January.
The commission declined to comment on the specific proposals. Kandi Young, an agency spokesperson, said it can’t discuss active rate reviews.
PGE – Portland General Electric’s request for an 11% residential hike comes on top of an 18% increase in January and a 15% increase in 2023.
PGEs rates have gone up more than 30% since 2022, according to the Citizens’ Utility Board.
The company said in its rate proposal that the increases were due to needed investments in grid resilience, energy storage and renewable energy.
But Bob Jenks, executive director of the Citizens’ Utility Board, said PGE is making massive and long overdue investments all at once on the ratepayers’ dime. He said big capital projects are appealing to investors who get a financial return on the money they lend to the company, but not to the ratepayers who have to pay those investors back.
“At some point, you’ve got to say you can’t do this all in a three- or four-year period of time. You’ve got to set priorities,” Jenks said. “If the customers can’t afford it, and if the company’s not going to try to manage this situation and set priorities and keep rates affordable, then the Public Utility Commission regulators are going to have to crack down and create restraints on the company.”
In April, three months after a cold snap in January, PGE shut off power to a record number of households — 4,700 in one month alone — due to nonpayment. Citizens’ Utility Board officials said this is clear evidence Oregonians are struggling to pay.
“Because utilities disconnect for nonpayment after 90 days, it is clear that the combination of rising rates and extreme temperatures has pushed customers into debt to PGE,” the board said in a news release.
Pacific Power – If Pacific Power gets its 15% increase in 2025, customers would face electric bills more than 40% higher next year than they were just two years ago. Pacific Power raised rates by 11% at the beginning of 2024 and 21% in 2023.
The company said that would translate to $21.50 more per month for an average consumer.
The company said in its proposal that about half of the 15% increase would cover infrastructure upgrades, including grid and clean energy expansion and weatherization. The other half would help pay for wildfire mitigation as well as insurance and liability coverage.
For both Pacific Power and PGE, corporate liability insurance has gone up rapidly.
Pacific Power, owned by the company PacifiCorp, settled in June with more than 400 Oregon victims of the 2020 Labor Day Fires, paying out nearly $180 million after a judge found the company was negligent and responsible.
Though Pacific Corp can’t raise rates to cover payouts from previous fires, it can start creating a slush fund for future payouts, Jenks said.
“There’s a point at which it’s better for them to just put together a pot of money and call it self-insurance that they could use in these cases,” he said. “But it means customers have to fund it up front and build that pot of money up.”
Both PGE and Pacific Power have also asked for some of the rate increases to cover higher staff wages and company profit margins.
Beyond asking for rate caps, the Citizens’ Utility Board asked that the electric utilities stop raising rates in the middle of winter. Bills are significantly higher during the winter because heating homes takes more energy than cooling them, and heat is often left on at night while air conditioning is not. For companies hoping to show big revenues for the first quarter, boosting rates in the lead-up to January when energy demand is high can be lucrative. But, Jenks said, it’s taking advantage of the utilities’ poorest customers. (SOURCE)
Wyden, Jayapal Support Effort to Block Kroger-Albertsons Merger
Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) are leading more than 25 Members of Congress in filing an amicus brief urging the Federal District Court for the District of Oregon to grant the Federal Trade Commission’s request for a preliminary injunction in the Kroger-Albertson’s merger case. The brief outlines three major concerns with the merger: harm to consumers, harm to workers, and the growing consolidation of grocery chains leading to monopolistic practices.
“A Kroger and Albertsons merger will mean higher prices and an even tougher time finding a pharmacy,” said Wyden, Chair of the Senate Finance Committee. “Every measure should be taken to ensure Oregonians can still fill their prescriptions and put food on the table. Blocking this merger would give mom-and-pop shops a strong line of defense against corporate giants—all while protecting our rural communities.”
“In Washington State alone, 124 grocery stores will be sold off if this merger goes through – including nearly 70 in the greater Seattle area,” said Jayapal, a Member of the House Antitrust Subcommittee. “There are many questions about what this merger could mean for store closures, or their quality if they remain. There is no doubt that this merger would mean fewer options, and it will likely lead to higher prices, more food deserts, and layoffs of hardworking, union employees. Greater competition, not increased consolidation is better for our economy, consumers, and workers.”
The FTC’s current challenge to the Kroger-Albertson’s merger, which threatens 617 stores nationwide, charges that the proposed deal will eliminate competition, leading to higher prices and lower quality products at stores. These negative impacts were seen in 2015 when Albertsons merged with Safeway resulting in store closures and higher consumer costs.
A potential Kroger-Albertson’s merger would also limit employment competition, reducing workers’ ability to negotiate higher wages, better benefits, and improved working conditions. For that reason, the FTC has focused this case on the likely harm to nearly 100,000 unionized grocery workers. Federal legislation protects workers from mergers that negatively impact employment, especially for unionized workers.
Finally, the merger is part of a larger trend toward consolidation in the supermarket industry. The U.S. has one-third fewer grocery stores than 25 years ago. Aside from the direct threats this poses to consumers and workers, it gives large grocery chains monopoly power to disadvantage smaller, independent grocers and farms.
This case is being heard by the Federal District Court for the District of Oregon where the FTC has requested a preliminary injunction.
The brief was also signed by Representatives Becca Balint (VT-At Large), Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-01), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Cori Bush (MO-01), Greg Casar (TX-35), Jesus G. “Chuy” García (IL-04), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (GA-04), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Summer Lee (PA-12), Ted W. Lieu (CA-36), Jerry Nadler (NY-12), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Mary Sattler Peltola (AK-At Large), Katherine Porter (CA-47), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Adam B. Schiff (CA-30), Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), Adam Smith (WA-09), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Nikema Williams (GA-05) and Senators Maria Cantwell (WA), Jacky Rosen (NV), and Elizabeth Warren (MA). —— The full brief can be read here.
Psychedelic Mushroom Edibles Could Soon Be Legally Available In Oregon For The First Time
Oregon’s legal psilocybin program broke new ground again last month when the first license was granted to manufacture psilocybin edibles.
Under Oregon’s legal framework, all psilocybin must be consumed at a licensed service center under the supervision of a trained and licensed facilitator. No psilocybin or psilocybin products can be sold over the counter for consumption off-site.
Users of the state’s program are limited to one species of mushroom – Psilocybe Cubensis – and since Oregon’s first legal psilocybin service center opened its doors in 2023, all of that has been ingested in a capsule form, as a tea or as dried mushrooms.
But now, one manufacturer said it has obtained a license to make edible psilocybin products, including chocolates and gummies.
Milwaukie-based Spiritus Oregon said in a press release in July that it became “the first legal psilocybin edible company in the United States” in July.
The first manufacture license was issued in March 2023 and edibles have been legal since the program launched, but Spiritus Oregon said it is the first company to obtain a license that would allow it to make edibles.
“Offering varied options for consumption may support accessibility needs,” said Angie Allbee, the manager of the Oregon Health Authority Psilocybin Services division.
Spiritus’ edible products go under the name Horizon Edibles.
Michael Briggs, president of the company, said in the press release that the process for creating edible products wasn’t just about masking the taste of mushrooms.
It also allows for more precisions when it comes to the dose of psychoactive compounds.
“A major problem with psilocybin treatment can be how variable it is,” Briggs said. “We have solved that problem.”
Briggs said the process also allows for an easier gastrointestinal experience.
According to Spiritus, the fiber in dried mushrooms can be difficult for the body to process. Removing that fiber means less physical distress.
“We hope to set the standard for the entire industry,” Briggs said. “We want people to be able to have something that tastes good, is easy to digest, and brings them a consistent experience.”
That digestion benefit, however, will have to wait. The initial offering from Horizon, chocolates, will still include ground mushrooms.
“We are currently finalizing our extraction endorsement,” Briggs said. “So once that is complete, we will also be offering psilocybin extract gummies.”
Spiritus is still cultivating the first batch of mushrooms that will become chocolates. The first batch should be available for sale later this month. Currently, no service centers have signed on to sell the product to clients but Spiritus is in talks with several, Briggs said. (SOURCE)
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.
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
The Oregon Coast Aquarium New Tufted Puffin Oregon License Plates on Sale
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
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1109674113319848
