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
Tuesday, September 3, 2024
Rogue Valley Weather
...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 8 PM PDT THURSDAY... * WHAT...High temperatures of 100 to 105 will be around 20 degrees above normal. * WHERE...In California, Western Siskiyou County. In Oregon, Central Douglas County, Eastern Curry County and Josephine County, Jackson County, and South Central Oregon Coast. This includes the lower Klamath, Rogue, Illinois, Umpqua, upper Coquille, and Camas valleys. This includes the cities of Somes Bar, Happy Camp, Ashland, Medford, Grants Pass, Cave Junction, Roseburg, Agness, and Powers. * WHEN...From noon to 8 PM PDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
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.
We’re not out of the woods yet — 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.”
Seasonal Climate Forecast September – November 2024
https://www.oregon.gov/oda/programs/naturalresources/documents/weather/dlongrange.pdf
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
Over Labor Day weekend, Oregon had lots of wildfire activity. We also had more lightening in Oregon. We are now at 105 fires vs 75 before the weekend. Many counties were affected that caused larger Wildfires.
LIGHTENING STRIKES FROM YESTERDAY
Task Force Busts Phoenix Black-Market Cannabis Grow; Watermaster Issues Notice of Violation; Code Enforcement Issues $44K in Fines —Jackson Co. Sheriff’s Office
PHOENIX, Ore. – Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET) detectives served a search warrant yesterday morning at a black-market cannabis grow in the 4400 block of Colver Road in rural Phoenix. IMET detectives seized approximately 850 illegal marijuana plants, 40 lbs. of processed cannabis, and an assortment of THC and psilocybin mushroom products. There was no licensing for any type of cannabis growing, handling, or processing at this location. IMET was assisted by Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies, and Oregon State Police (OSP) detectives.
IMET arrested two suspects on the property and charges are being referred to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office. The suspects are Steven Robert Mialocq, 47, and Alyssa Monique Valverde, 34, both of Phoenix. The two are charged with three felony counts each including unlawful possession, distribution, and manufacture of a marijuana item.
The Oregon Water Resources Department Enforcement section will issue a Notice of Violation (NOV) to the responsible party for unauthorized use of a well to water the cannabis crop. This type of water violation is subject to both civil and criminal penalties.
During the search warrant, Jackson County Code Enforcement responded to the scene and issued a total of $44,000 in fines to the responsible party. Fines were for building code violations, non-permitted electrical installations, and failure to obtain land use approval for marijuana production.
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.
Children Subject of California Amber Alert Located, Two Arrested in Roseburg
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. – On Friday, August 30, 2024, at 1:30 p.m., Douglas County Deputies received information from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department that a kidnapping suspect’s phone was near the Love’s Travel Stop in the Green District.
Detectives from Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office indicated that 53-year-old David James and 39-year-old Tiffany Bryant had taken their children, ages 4 and 2, from a supervised visit and fled with them against child custody orders on August 14, 2024. The pair were believed to be in a brown Buick Enclave SUV and both had active warrants out of California for Kidnapping. A California Amber Alert had been issued for the children but had not been activated in Oregon.
Douglas County Deputies, along with multiple other agencies, began searching. Approximately 1 hour later at 2:29 p.m., a Deputy located the vehicle at the 103 Chevron in Tri-City which was unoccupied. They located David James inside of the Chevron and took him into custody.
During an interview with Detectives, James agreed to show law enforcement where Bryant and the children were and took them to a camp approximately 12 miles out Cow Creek Road. Once on scene, deputies located the children in the company of Bryant who was taken into custody. The Oregon Department of Human Services – Child Welfare Division was contacted and took custody of the children.
James and Bryant were lodged at the Douglas County Jail on the Kidnapping warrants out of California. Douglas County Detectives continue to assist the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department with the investigation.
Assisting agencies included the Oregon State Police, Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team, Myrtle Creek Police Department and Oregon Department of Human Services – Child Welfare.
Aedes Aegypti Mosquitoes Found in Jackson County
PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Jackson County Vector Control and Jackson County Public Health Division have confirmed the identification of Aedes aegypti (Ae. Aegypti) mosquitoes in the county – the first time the mosquito species has been found in Oregon.
Jackson County Vector Control identified the Ae. aegypti mosquito as part of its routine mosquito surveillance, which monitors different mosquito populations in the county and tests for diseases such as West Nile virus and Western equine encephalitis that are common to the Culex mosquito genus. Mosquito surveillance provides Jackson County Vector Control the ability to determine human risk and implement strategies to control these insects and prevent disease spread.
Adult Ae. aegypti mosquitoes are relatively small and have a black-and-white pattern due to the presence of white/silver scale patches against a black background on the legs and other parts of the body. Ae. aegypti mosquitoes most likely originated in Africa. Since then, the species has been transported globally throughout tropical and subtropical regions, and parts of the temperate world, through global trade and shipping activities. Ae. aegypti cannot fly far, only about 500 feet. These mosquitoes prefer warm and wet weather, and to live in or near homes or in neighboring woods. Changes in climate are allowing Ae. aegypti mosquitoes to expand their range to the western United States.
“Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are a concern in the United States because they can carry and transmit various diseases that can have serious health consequences such as Zika virus, chikungunya, dengue and yellow fever,” said Emilio DeBess, D.V.M., state public health veterinarian based at OHA’s Public Health Division.
These viruses spread to humans through the bite of an infected Ae. aegypti mosquito. The mosquitoes become infected when they bite and feed on someone who is infected with the virus. These mosquitos primarily feed in the daytime and prefer to feed on humans.
“The risk of these infections to local residents is low and depends on the presence or arrival of someone who is currently infected with one of these diseases after infection outside the U.S.,” DeBess said. He added there have been no reports of anyone having acquired viruses from Ae. aegypti mosquitoes within Oregon.
John Mahan, M.D., chief medical officer of Jackson County Health & Human Services, said, “Jackson County Vector Control and Jackson County Public Health are working closely with OHA and vector-borne disease specialists regarding control of these mosquitoes and risk-reduction approaches.”
Invasive Ae. aegypti mosquitoes need only a quarter inch of water to complete their life cycle. The key to preventing these mosquitoes from becoming an established vector in Jackson County will be to eliminate standing water, even small amounts, and moisture from yards and gardens. Common mosquito breeding sources include flowerpot saucers, tires, kiddie pools, rooted plants in water, containers/buckets, and pet water bowls.
“Many prevention methods that work for other types of mosquitoes apply to Aedes aegypti,” said Geoff Taylor, manager of Jackson County Vector Control.
Those methods include:
- Dumping or draining any standing water around the home.
- Removing containers or objects that can hold water from your yard, such as water saucers from under plants, old tires, tarps, buckets, containers, toys, and other equipment.
- Repairing leaky outdoor faucets.
- Keeping rain gutters cleared.
- Covering, screening, or removing rain barrels, trashcans, bins, buckets, or tubs.
- Wearing mosquito repellent outside. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, some lemon eucalyptus, and para-menthane-diol products are most effective at preventing mosquito bites.
- Sleeping under a mosquito net when outside or in a room without screens.
“Discovery of Aedes aegypti underscores the importance of our mosquito trapping system,” DeBess said. “Tracking and monitoring the types of mosquitoes that exist in Oregon communities is critical. This, in turn, helps us identify potential public health implications and implement measures to reduce risk.”
For more information:
- Aedes aegypti, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/about/life-cycle-of-aedes-mosquitoes.html
- Potential range of Aedes mosquitoes, CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/php/toolkit/potential-range-of-aedes.html
- Aedes aegypti in California: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/pages/Aedes-aegypti-and-Aedes-albopictus-mosquitoes.aspx
- Jackson County Vector Control District: https://jcvcd.org/
- JCVCD’s Aedes aegypti page: https://jcvcd.org/mosquito/aedes-aegypti/
Diamond Complex and Middle Fork Fire (30 fires)
- Location: Umpqua National Forest and Crater Lake National Park
- Acreage: 11,141 total acres for Diamond Complex; 5,282 acres for Middle Fork Fire
- Cause: Lightning
- Began: Various dates
- Containment: 78% for Diamond Complex (level varies from fire to fire and 23 of the original 29 fires are 100% contained); 46% for Middle Fork Fire
- Closures: Closures are in place on the Umpqua National Forest, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and Crater Lake National Park.
- Evacuations: None.
- More info: Visit the Diamond Complex entry on Inciweb.
School is Back in Session! Please be extra cautious and mindful of the school zones across Medford.
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.
ALERT: MISSING PERSON: SPECIAL ATTENTION ALONG HWY 138 EAST
Myrtle Creek Police Department is working on a missing person case involving 69-year-old Kathleen Wilson, who left the Myrtle Creek area on the morning of August 5. Her vehicle, a red or maroon 2012 Chevy Cruz bearing Oregon license plate#747EDB, was last seen heading east on Highway 138E leaving Roseburg just before 7:00 AM.
Her intended destination is Chiloquin, Oregon in Klamath County, where she never arrived. Information so far is that she has medication she did not take with her and was getting confused while driving. She is currently listed as missing and endangered. If you see her or her vehicle, please call 541-440-4471 immediately.
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.
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 more than 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
3 Dead After Small Plane Crashes Into Townhomes in Fairview Near Troutdale Airport
The crash sparked a fire that spread to four of the townhome units, according to fire officials. About 9,000 people lost power for hours due to downed power lines.
Three people are confirmed dead after a small plane with two occupants crashed into a residential area near the Troutdale Airport Saturday morning, striking a set of power transmission lines and then hitting a row of townhomes, setting multiple units ablaze. The twin-engine Cessna 421C crashed at around 10:30 a.m. in Fairview, about 11 miles east of Portland.
Gresham fire officials confirmed Saturday evening that there were at least three fatalities in the incident, but said they could not confirm any other details about who died. The Federal Aviation Administration previously confirmed that there had been two people onboard the plane, and Gresham Fire Chief Scott Lewis said that one townhome resident was unaccounted for.
There were also multiple injuries in the incident, according to Lewis and Multnomah County Sheriff’s Deputy John Plock, but the extent of the injuries and the number of injured people were not known.
Video shot by people at the scene late Saturday morning showed at multiple units on fire in the row of townhomes, with debris strewn in front and visible flames in the upper story of one house and smoke billowing from a window of the other, with a large number of fire personnel responding.
There was a “somewhat large” debris field, Plock said, and there were two main crash areas because some pieces apparently began to break off after the plane hit the power equipment.
The crash side is located near a power transmission line, and video from the scene on Saturday showed multiple wires apparently knocked off of one of the transmission towers. Some of the lines landed in a nearby field and sparked a brush fire, Plock said, although the fire didn’t spread far.
The damage to the lines also caused a power outage; Portland General Electric confirmed that around 9,000 customers in the Fairview area had been impacted. PGE later said service had been restored to all impacted customers as of 3 p.m.
PGE told KGW on Saturday evening that its crews were onsite and working with National Transportation Safety Board officials to safely access the power equipment and assess the damage before beginning repairs. The transmission tower itself was still in place, PGE said; most of the damage appeared to be to the lines.
Lewis said fire crews were first notified of the incident by staff at the Troutdale Airport control tower, who reported a column of smoke west of the airport. Arriving crews found heavy fire in the row of townhomes, initially involving two units but later spreading to impact four in total.
The incident became a five-alarm fire, Lewis said, in part because the high temperatures on Saturday meant that fire personnel needed to frequently take breaks to avoid overheating. Portland Fire & Rescue and Vancouver Fire Department crews responded in addition to Gresham Fire Department crews.
The crash impact caused structural damage to the building, he added, so fire crews couldn’t safely work inside the building as much as they’d normally be able to in a residential fire, and had to focus more on exterior operations with overhead water from a ladder truck. He said it wasn’t clear if fuel from the plane helped feed the fire, but that the size of the smoke column in the initial reports suggested that it was possible.
A total of five families have been displaced, Lewis said, with the possibility of a sixth displaced family depending on the condition of their unit once fire crews assess it.
Plock added that volunteers from the Trauma Intervention Program had responded to the site to help the people who were displaced, and the Red Cross later told KGW that the agency had sent team members to scene and that all the affected families had safe places to stay lined up for Saturday night.
The FAA said the NTSB will lead the investigation into the crash, with the FAA also involved. An NTSB spokesperson told KGW that the agency has dispatched two investigators to the site who will document the plane wreckage and then move it to a secure facility for further evaluation.
Anyone who witnessed the accident or has surveillance video or other relevant information is asked to contact witness@ntsb.gov. The NTSB spokesperson said the agency would not discuss the cause of the accident during the on-the-ground investigation phase, and that it will be up to local authorities to release any information about victims or injuries. (SOURCE)
Large wildfires has burned more than a million 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.
WILDFIRE OUTLOOK FOR SEPT 2024 – DEC 2024 – Looks like Oregon will hopefully end NEW active fires in September based on this prediction. FIRES in red.
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.
24 LISTED-9/3/24 – NEW ACTIVE FIRES @4 am – with evacuation levels3 Fires are now out!!
The figures below are up to date as of Sept. 2, 2024, unless otherwise noted.
Emergency Conflagration Act invoked for the Copperfield Fire, OSFM mobilizes resources
On Sunday night, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the Copperfield Fire east of Chiloquin off Sprague River Road in Klamath County. As of 8:00 Saturday night, the fire was estimated between 1,500 to 2,000 acres. Gusty winds near 40 miles per hour pushed the fire to rapidly grow.
The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office has levels 2 and 3 evacuation notices in place. Those near the fire should follow the sheriff’s office for any changes to evacuation levels.
Southern Oregon is under a Red Flag Warning through tomorrow evening.
“The weather drove this fire, and Oregon will continue to face challenging weather conditions over the next three weeks. Fire season isn’t over yet and I encourage everyone to stay vigilant,” Chief Deputy Travis Medema said. “I cannot thank our incident management teams and task forces headed to this fire enough. They have had a busy season and responded no matter the time, no matter the situation.”
The OSFM Red Incident Management Team and eight task forces are being mobilized to the fire. Two task forces from Lane County and Central Oregon are part of the response and were sent through Immediate Response earlier Sunday evening.
The OSFM Red Incident Management Team will be briefed Monday at 10 a.m. and will be in unified command with the Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 3.
Level 3 evacuations in place as high winds fuel rapid growth of Copperfield Fire near Chiloquin. For the latest on the fire, please follow the South-Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership.
From Klamath County School District: Because of uncertain fire conditions and air quality issues related to the Copperfield Fire, Chiloquin Schools will be closed today, Sept. 3, 2024. All after-school activities are canceled. The Klamath County School District will update families later today. Read more about the fire on BasinLife.com
Copperfield Fire
- Location: About 20 miles north of Klamath Falls near Chiloquin
- Acreage: 3500 acres as of the morning of Sept. 2
- Cause: Unknown
- Began: Sept. 1
- Containment: Unknown
- Closures: Sprague River Road is closed east of Chiloquin.
- Evacuations: Level 3 evacuations for areas north and south of Sprague River Road east of Chiloquin. Evacuation points set up at the Klamath County fairgrounds.
- More info: Visit the Klamath County Emergency Management webpage for more evacuation information.
Monday, September 2nd, was a day of transition on the Copperfield Fire. Oregon Department of Forestry’s Incident Management Team 3 and Oregon State Fire Marshal Red Incident Management Team are currently managing the fire under unified command as of 6 pm this evening. The fire grew to an estimated 3,241 acres, driven by strong afternoon winds. Fire growth, which occurred mainly on the fire’s western flank, resulted in new spot fires up to half a mile from the fire perimeter. Fire crews worked with heavy equipment operators to put in and solidify dozer line on the east and north end of the fire. As those lines were solidified throughout the day, they continued to hold in part due to fuels treatments completed along the east flank of the current fire footprint, and crews have been mopping up to extinguish hot spots. On the fire’s west flank, fire crews were challenged by changing wind direction and active fire behavior.
Firefighters from across the state continue to arrive to battle the blaze and were supported by a half dozen aircraft. The focus for tonight’s night operations is to take advantage of low temperatures and high humidity to solidify the containment lines established today. Crews are focused on preserving life and property and keeping the current fire footprint as small as possible to minimize impacts to timber, rangeland, and cultural sites.
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.
Whisky Creek Fire and Sandstone Fire
- Location: Mount Hood National Forest
- Acreage: 2,092 acres (Whisky Creek Fire); 702 acres (Sandstone Fire)
- Cause: Human caused (Whisky Creek Fire); Lightning (Sandstone Fire)
- Began: July 20, Aug. 5
- Containment: 25% for Whisky Creek, 75% for Sandstone Fire
- Closures: Mt. Hood National Forest, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and Hood River County have issued closures.
- Evacuations: None
- More info: Visit the Whisky Creek Fire on Inciweb for updates on both fires.
Homestead Complex (7 fires)
- Location: Douglas County, in the Umpqua National Forest.
- Acreage: 5,913 acres (7 fires combined)
- Cause: Lightning
- Began: July 16
- Containment: 60% (level varies from fire to fire)
- Closures: The Umpqua National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management have issued closures.
- Evacuations: None
- More info: Visit the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page or the Homestead Complex’s entry on Inciweb.
South Willamette Complex (formally Oakridge Lightning Fires)
- Location: Lane County, about halfway between Eugene and Bend (near Homestead Complex and Ore Fire)
- Acreage: 13,242 acres (7 fires combined)
- Cause: Lightning
- Began: July 17
- Containment: Level varies from fire to fire, 64% overall
- Closures: The Willamette National Forest is closed around the fire.
- Evacuations: None
- More info: Visit the South Willamette Complex entry on Inciweb.
North Willamette Complex (Ore and Pyramid fires)
- Location: Lane County, about halfway between Eugene and Bend.
- Acreage: 3,296 acres for Ore Fire, 1,312 acres for Pyramid Fire
- Cause: Human-caused (Ore Fire); Lightning (Pyramid Fire)
- Began: July 16
- Containment: 42% for Ore Fire; 98% for Pyramid Fire
- Closures: The Willamette National Forest is closed around the fires. Check here for further details.
- Evacuations: None
- More info: Visit the North Willamette Complex entry on Inciweb.
Red Fire –
- Location:Deschutes National Forest northwest of Crescent Lake.
- Acreage:784 acres as of Sept. 1
- Cause:Lightning
- Began: July 17
- Containment:0%
- Closures: The Deschutes National Forest is closed around Crescent Lake and in the Diamond Peak Wilderness, see the closure orderfor details.
- Evacuations:Level 1 evacuation notice is in place for Crescent Lake, Odell Lake and Crescent Junction areas, as of Aug. 20.
- More info: Visit the Red Fire entry on Inciweb.
Oak Canyon Fire
Started over weekend and now 5,000 acres 0% contained. Near Oak Canyon Wasco & Sherman Counties OR. Oak Canyon Fire has jumped the Deschutes River . The fire is wind driven moving southeast towards Maupin. Fire cause was lightning.
The Shoe Fly Fire is now 8,000+ acres. Wheeler County, OR. 𝐎𝐃𝐅 𝐈𝐌𝐓 𝟏 𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐞 𝐅𝐥𝐲 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞, 𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐥, 𝐎𝐫𝐞. The fire started early Monday morning. The team will inbrief Tuesday at 10:00 a.m and take command of the fire at 6:00 p.m.
Here’s what evacuation levels mean
Level 1 Notice – Be Ready: Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area and monitor local media outlets for information. Residents with special needs should take note and begin making arrangements to evacuate. Evacuations at this time are voluntary.
Level 2 Notice – Be Set: This level indicates there is significant danger to your area, and residents should either voluntarily relocate to a shelter or outside of the affected area, or if choosing to remain, to be ready at a moment’s notice. Emergency services cannot guarantee that they will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate.
Level 3 Notice – Go Now: Danger to your area is current or imminent, and you should leave immediately. Listen to local media and watch for emergency personnel who may be coming by to give further instructions regarding the evacuation.
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 9/3/24 7:00am per INCIWEB
| Incident | Type | State | Incident Size | UpdatedSort ascending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Willamette Complex – ORWIF | Wildfire | Oregon | 4588 Acres | 9 minutes 13 seconds ago |
| Diamond Complex – ORUPF | Wildfire | Oregon | 11141 Acres | 48 minutes 53 seconds ago |
| Red Fire – ORDEF | Wildfire | Oregon | 851 Acres | 1 hour 20 minutes ago |
| Homestead Complex – ORUPF | Wildfire | Oregon | 5918 Acres | 9 hours 47 minutes ago |
| Copperfield Fire – OR98S | Wildfire | Oregon | 3241 Acres | 10 hours 10 minutes ago |
| Cottage Grove – Lane 1 – OR77S | Wildfire | Oregon | 25305 Acres | 10 hours 35 minutes ago |
| Willamette Complex Fires – South – ORWIF | Wildfire | Oregon | 13242 Acres | 10 hours 50 minutes ago |
| Sandstone Fire – ORMHF | Wildfire | Oregon | 702 Acres | 12 hours 34 minutes ago |
| Whisky Creek Fire – ORMHF | Wildfire | Oregon | 2092 Acres | 12 hours 38 minutes ago |
| Middle Fork Fire – ORCLP | Wildfire | Oregon | 5282 Acres | 20 hours 18 minutes ago |
| Crazy Creek – OROCF | Wildfire | Oregon | 86968 Acres | 21 hours 17 minutes ago |
| Microwave Tower Fire – OR95S | Wildfire | Oregon | 1313 Acres | 1 day 15 hours ago |
| Lone Rock Fire – ORPRD | Wildfire | Oregon | 137222 Acres | 1 week ago |
| Dixon Fire – ORUPF | Wildfire | Oregon | 1970 Acres | 1 week 3 days ago |
| Falls Fire – ORMAF | Wildfire | Oregon | 151689 Acres | 1 week 4 days ago |
| Telephone Fire – ORMAF | Wildfire | Oregon | 54005 Acres | 1 week 4 days ago |
| Battle Mountain Complex – OR97S | Wildfire | Oregon | 183026 Acres | 1 week 6 days ago |
| Warner Peak Fire – ORSHR | Wildfire | Oregon | 65866 Acres | 2 weeks 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/
More than a thousand people participated in this year’s Hands Across the Bridge walk in Portland and shared their stories of recovery.
September is National Recovery Awareness Month and here in the Pacific Northwest more than a thousand people participated in this year’s Hands Across the Bridge walk and shared their story of recovery.
The sidewalks along the I-5 bridge across the Colombia River were packed as recovering addicts, their families, and their support systems participated in the 23rd annual Hands Across the Bridge event. They walked from Washington into Oregon despite the rain.
“I’m overjoyed! It is pouring raining out and these people aren’t going anywhere,” Event organizer Macrae Bogdanod said, “I guess we are all used to being out in the rain through our addiction, so nobody is leaving, we just wanna show every person how great recovery is!”
For the last 23 years Hands Across the Bridge has been bringing together recovering addicts and area treatment organizations to highlight the progress they have made by choosing recovery. Hands Across the Bridge wants to celebrate everyone’s milestones. And show that recovery is for everyone.
People from all walks of life can struggle with addiction, so Hands Across the Bridge has been building leadership in the recovery community, challenging the stigma against addiction, and connecting folks to the help they need, no questions asked.
The US Department of the Interior (DOI) has released the scheduled date for the first-ever offshore wind energy lease auction off southern Oregon.
The US Department of the Interior (DOI) | Floating Wind energy lease auction off southern Oregon.
The two areas have the potential to provide up to 3.1 GW of generation capacity and, if fully developed, could power approximately one million homes with clean energy, according to DOI. Areas in the federal waters off Oregon are deemed most suitable for floating wind technology.
The two Wind Energy Areas (WEAs) in Oregon, the Coos Bay WEA and the Brookings WEA, will be auctioned on 15 October 2024 by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM).
The Coos Bay (Lease Area P-OCS 0566) Wind Energy Area offshore Oregon is located approximately 32 miles (approximately 55 kilometres) from shore and covers 61,203 acres (approx. 248 square kilometres).
The bigger Brookings (Lease Area P-OCS 0567) Wind Energy Area spans 133,792 acres (approx. 541 square kilometres) and is located approximately 18 miles (approx. 29 kilometres) from shore. (READ MORE)
Oregon’s Ban on ‘Ghost Guns’ Takes Effect
“Ghost guns,” which are 3D-printed firearms without serial numbers, will be prohibited across Oregon starting Sunday September 1st.
Jonathan Levinson / OPB
The unserialized guns are assembled at home and can be easily purchased online, but can’t be picked up in a metal detector. The ban comes after a federal judge denied a legal challenge that tried to block the prohibition.
In 2023, the Oregon Legislature passed House Bill 2005 banning ghost guns. Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, a Democrat, pushed for years to get legislation banning ghost guns.
“Unserialized guns are bad for everyone except criminals who don’t want to get caught,” she said at the time.
Starting on Sept. 1, 2024, all firearms built after Oct. 22, 1968, must have a serial number. Violating the law could result in a fine of $1,000 for first-time offenders. Repeat offenders could face higher fines and potentially incarceration.
Starting in July of 2023, Oregon law also prohibited the sale, transfer and import of unserialized firearms and the possession, sale and manufacturing of firearms that could not be detected by metal detectors or X-ray machines.
“Responsible gun ownership means respecting the gun laws of our state, and that now includes a ban on unserialized and undetectable ‘ghost guns.’” Rosenblum, who is not running for reelection, said in a statement. “For the safety of your families and communities, please make sure you understand our new law and that you are in compliance.”
The Oregon Department of Justice has issued a fact sheet to explain key parts of the new law and a list of federally licensed gun dealers in the state that can serialize firearms. (SOURCE)
The next chapter in Oregon’s fight against fentanyl starts this week
The new programs to treat drug users will look different across Oregon counties as law enforcement officials and outreach providers map out local strategies with limited resources
Oregon is about to embark on a new experiment as it seeks to stem the tide of fentanyl overdoses across the state.
Starting Sunday, 14 counties in Oregon will start deflection programs that are intended to help people enter recovery and avoid criminal charges and jail. The timing of the programs coincides with the start of a new misdemeanor penalty for low-level drug possession.
Both are the product of House Bill 4002, which state lawmakers passed this year after fentanyl overdoses killed about 1,400 Oregonians in 2023, up from 280 in 2019. The bill recriminalizes possession of small amounts of drugs, while prioritizing recovery instead of jail time.
The bill allows – but does not require – counties to set up programs to help people avoid criminal charges and get help, whether through treatment or other recovery services. The programs require law enforcement, community mental health providers and prosecutors to work together for the best response. Under the law, people who don’t have access to the programs or decline them will be offered treatment and the expungement of their charges if the case goes to court.
So far, officials in 28 of Oregon’s 36 counties intend to start new programs. Of those, 14 will start by Sept. 1, while the others will launch later this year or early next year, grant applications filed with the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission show.
The new law unwinds part of Measure 110, which voters passed in 2020. That measure decriminalized low-level drug possession and put a system of $100 citations in place to encourage people to seek help. But law enforcement said the citation system lacked teeth and failed to motivate people to enter treatment.
The new law didn’t entirely undo Measure 110. It preserves the provision to put a share of cannabis revenue toward addiction programs and services, including peer mentors, harm reduction and housing services.
In the upcoming months, lawmakers, prosecutors and treatment providers will closely watch the impact of the approach each county takes. READ MORE: https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2024/08/28/the-next-chapter-in-oregons-fight-against-fentanyl-starts-next-week/
 UPCOMING EVENTS – Virtual presentationSept. 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 is poised to undergo a significant policy shift on September 1, as House Bill 4002 comes into effect, reinstating criminal penalties for the possession of hard drugs.
This new legislation marks a substantial reversal from Measure 110, which was passed in 2020 and decriminalized the possession of small amounts of various drugs while emphasizing treatment over criminalization. House Bill 4002 seeks to undo many of the changes enacted by Measure 110, particularly regarding hard drugs such as heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine.
Under the new law, possession of these substances will again be subject to criminal charges, a move supporters believe will address concerns about public safety and drug misuse. Proponents of House Bill 4002 argue that reinstating criminal penalties is crucial for creating a clear deterrent against public drug use. They assert that this approach will ensure that individuals are aware of the serious consequences associated with drug possession, potentially leading to reduced drug use and improved public safety.
Local police officials have also voiced their support for the bill, stating that it will provide them with necessary tools to address drug-related issues more effectively.
Previously, under Measure 110, law enforcement had limited options beyond referring individuals to treatment programs, a situation they believe left gaps in their ability to intervene. However, the shift back to criminalization has faced significant criticism.
Opponents argue that reinstating criminal penalties could undermine the progress made in treating drug addiction as a public health issue rather than a criminal one. They worry that this approach may lead to increased incarceration rates among individuals struggling with substance abuse, potentially worsen social and economic challenges.
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