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
Friday, September 6, 2024
Rogue Valley Weather
Wildfires continue to produce smoke in the Pacific Northwest. Breathe a little easier by keeping up to date on air quality conditions and concerns at Fire.AirNow.gov.
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
Vehicle Crash on I-5 Near Canyonville Starts Fast Moving Wildfire
UPDATE 9/6 2am — MILE POST 98 – Douglas County – Canyonville – There has been a little bit of growth & the fire remains approximately 120 acres, but the fire activity has died down quite a bit per Incident Command. EVACUATIONS LEVEL 3 GO NOW 
& Level 2 BE SET CLICK LINK 
, click Map tab and then go to upper right 
search box . Put in your address to get evacuation level: https://geo.maps.arcgis.com/…/a6c8f8e58ad642f4813732233…
VIDEO on FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/GlendaleOregon.org/videos/535100832300543
A new fire started Thursday September 5, 2024, on the Tiller Ranger District of the Umpqua National Forest.
Named Devils Knob, the fire is located near Devils Knob Road and north of Joe Hall Creek in Tiller, Oregon, just southeast of the Dixon Fire footprint. The fire is currently estimated between 800 and 1,000 acres. Aerial and ground resources arrived on scene and have been actively engaging in an aggressive initial attack. Multiple agencies responded including Umpqua National Forest Tiller Ranger District Fire, Douglas Forest Protective Association, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Tiller Rural Fire Department, and local landowners.
An Incident Command Team has been ordered and will be mobilizing Friday, September 6, 2024. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Douglas County Sheriff’s Office have issued evacuation notices for the Devils Knob Fire and information can be found at https://www.dcso.com/EVACUATIONS
Shady Cove Under State of Emergency Due to Water Shortage
Jackson County has activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) due to an ongoing water shortage, with the City of Shady Cove declaring a state of emergency at a special meeting today.
Some Shady Cove residents are going into their fourth day without water access after a pump failure cut off water access to about 300 Hiland Water customers.
The water shortage has been happening since Monday, the release said. Bottled water is available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Fire District 4 headquarters located at 21200 Highway 62. Crews have also brought out bulk drinking water, which will be available through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. unless full water service is restored before then.
“We are committed to meeting the needs of our affected customers,” David Roy, public information officer for Hiland Water Corporation, said in a news release. A state of emergency involves cooperation among local, county and state partners to provide resources like drinking water.
Jon Ball, mayor of Shady Cove, said crews are still working to restore water service. “We are taking action now and collaborating with the County and Hiland Water Corporation to ensure the safety of our citizens,” Ball said.
Volunteers and firefighters with Jackson County Fire District 4 gave out both drinking water and non-potable water to community members on Thursday. Anyone in Shady Cove with water service is under a “Boil Advisory” and is asked to limit water use to essential services like cooking and cleaning. In the meantime, Jackson County Fire District 4 will be providing water from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. this week.
Bear Swims in Crater Lake to Wizard Island
The 10th annual Ride the Rim Days will be held at Crater Lake National Park the next two Saturdays — Sept. 7 and 14. The event is hosted by the park in partnership with the Friends of Crater Lake and Discover Klamath.
On both days East Rim Drive from the North Junction to Park Headquarters will be closed to motorized vehicles at 7 p.m. on the Fridays before the event until 4 p.m. on Saturdays to allow for non-motorized recreation including biking, hiking and running. The event is free, but normal park entrance fees apply.
In accordance with National Park Service policy, e-bikes (low-speed, electric bicycles with power assistance) are permitted as part of this event. The operator of an e-bike may only use the motor to assist pedal propulsion. The motor may not be used to propel an e-bike without the rider also pedaling, except in locations open to public motor vehicle traffic. The closed route around the lake is about 25 miles long with 3,500 feet of climbing at elevations over 7,000 feet. In a statement, park officials suggest, “Make sure your battery power, or leg power, will last this long, or consider a shorter out-and-back route. There is no SAG wagon provided.”
Park visitors on the Ride days should expect a large number of bicyclists on park roads. Cyclists and motorists on West Rim Drive are asked to ride and drive with “caution and patience.” Cyclists should ride single file when sharing the road with motorists. West Rim Drive will be open for all travel. North Entrance Road will also be open beginning at 7 p.m. on Fridays before the rides. Park staff recommend that cyclists avoid riding on West Rim Drive, if possible, because of increased traffic from Ride the Rim participants, shuttles, and other park visitors.
Ride the Rim parking will be available at the North Junction, Park Headquarters, and the Picnic Hill area of Rim Village. Participants are encouraged to share rides to help ease parking congestion.
A free shuttle will transport participants to the start of the ride or to their vehicles after the event. The shuttle will run between North Junction, Rim Village and Park Headquarters. The shuttle will not carry bicycles to accommodate more people. “A person or people from each party will need to remain with bicycles while members of their party park or retrieve vehicles. For single riders, there will be a limited bike valet at North Junction and Park Headquarters,” note park officials.
Smoke from wildland fires in and near park did increase some days but has lessened. Participants are encouraged to check weather, fire and smoke forecasts and make decisions based on their personal needs. Smoke information is available at Current Smoke Outlook for Central Oregon. For more information: www.RideTheRimOregon.com.
Marijuana Cases – Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT) 
Over the past two weeks the Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team (DINT) has executed search warrants at several massive illegal marijuana production sites in Douglas County. As stated in previous reports, it’s important to explain there are legal ways to produce and consume marijuana in Oregon. However, in recent years Oregon has been overrun with massive illegal grow sites that have been devastating to our local environment and water supply. Many of these sites are operated and staffed by foreign organized crime organizations.
These organizations have demonstrated a complete disregard for our local laws, and environmental protections, creating incalculable damage to our local ecosystems. It is common to see improper use of toxic chemicals or in many cases using banned chemicals, unpermitted and/or overuse of water resources, water and land pollution, dangerous working conditions, human trafficking, and many other associated problems. The size of these operations can be difficult to describe. Many of these sites can produce millions and in some cases hundreds of millions of dollars worth of illicit, black market marijuana. This black market marijuana is sold locally, around our nation, and is even shipped around the world.
In recent years DINT has investigated grow sites run by criminal organizations from all over the world, to include places like China, Russia, Ukraine, Mexico, The Honduras, Laos, and many others. There are also some sites run by domestic criminal organizations either on their own, or in partnership with foreign groups.
On August 15th, DINT executed a search warrant at a property in the 200 block of Mobley Drive in Azalea. There detectives seized approximately 668 marijuana plants, 35 pounds of processed marijuana, and 256 pounds of marijuana edibles. 27 year old Luis Flores-Melendez or Rogue River, and 34 year old Paul McCausland of Largo, Florida were both arrested and lodged at the Douglas County Jail on charges of Possession, Manufacture, and Delivery of Marijuana.
On August 22nd, DINT executed a search warrant at a property in the 8,000 block of Hwy 99S in Dillard. Detectives seized approximately 154,000 marijuana plants, along with some other marijuana products. 29 year old Jose Tejeda was arrested and lodged at the Douglas County Jail on charges of Possession and Manufacture or Marijuana.
In a related case on August 27th, DINT executed a search warrant at a property in the 600 block of Dillard Gardens Road in Dillard. Detectives seized another approximately 75,000 marijuana plants from this property, as well as a small amount of methamphetamine. Both cases in Dillard are connected, run by the same organization. These are two of the biggest grow sites ever seen in Douglas County. The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests are anticipated.
On August 29th, DINT executed a search warrant at a property in the 1,300 block of Backside Baldy Lane, Yoncalla. Approximately 9,500 marijuana plants were seized, along with approximately 500 pounds of processed marijuana. 26 year old Eduardo Reyes was arrested and lodged at the Douglas County Jail on charges of Possession, Manufacture, and Delivery of Marijuana.
On September 4th, DINT executed a search warrant at a property in the 4,000 block of Goodrich Hwy, Oakland. DINT seized approximately 1,700 marijuana plants and other associated evidence. Four persons were arrested at this site: 40 year old Youfu Wu, 49 year old Shinan Li, 42 year old Jiaming Wei, and 51 year old Weinan Fu, all males of unknown origin. They were lodged at the Douglas County Jail on charges of Unlawful Possession, Manufacture, and Delivery of Marijuana.
Medford’s Asante Hospital Hit With $303M Lawsuit After Nurse Accused Of Replacing Fentanyl With Tap Water
Attorneys representing both living and deceased patients of an Oregon hospital filed a $303 million lawsuit against the facility on Tuesday after a nurse was accused of replacing prescribed fentanyl with nonsterile tap water in intravenous drips.
The wrongful death and medical malpractice complaint accuses Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford of negligence. The suit says the hospital failed to monitor medication administration procedures and prevent drug diversion by their employees, among other claims.
A spokesperson said the hospital had no comment.
Dani Marie Schofield, a former nurse at the hospital, was arrested in June and charged with 44 counts of second-degree assault. The charges stemmed from a police investigation into the theft and misuse of controlled substances that resulted in patient infections. She has pleaded not guilty.
Schofield is not named or listed as a defendant in the complaint filed Tuesday. A separate suit was filed against Schofield and the hospital earlier this year on behalf of the estate of a 65-year-old man who died.
The 18 plaintiffs in the new suit include nine patients and the estates of nine patients who died. According to the suit, the hospital began informing them in December that an employee had replaced fentanyl with tap water, causing bacterial infections.
“All Plaintiff Patients were infected with bacterium uniquely associated with waterborne transmission,” the complaint says.
All of the plaintiffs experienced mental anguish, according to the suit, which seeks millions of dollars in damages for medical expenses, lost income and the pain and suffering of those who died.
Medford police began investigating late last year, after hospital officials noticed a troubling spike in central line infections from July 2022 through July 2023 and told police they believed an employee had been diverting fentanyl.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that has helped fuel the nation’s overdose epidemic, but it is also used in legitimate medical settings to relieve severe pain. Drug theft from hospitals is a longstanding problem. (SOURCE)
More Info on Invasive 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.
Please click this link to report if you seen this invasive mosquito around your home https://jcvcd.org/mosquito/aedes-aegypti/
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/
Southern Oregon hosting workplace safety and health conference Oct. 15-17
– A three-day event in southern Oregon will feature a variety of workshops and presentations designed to help employers and workers improve on-the-job safety and health. Topics include fall protection, hazard recognition, safety committees, excavation safety, and injury prevention.
In addition to addressing many standard safety and health topics, the Southern Oregon Occupational Safety & Health Conference – to be held Oct. 15-17 at the Ashland Hills Hotel & Suites in Ashland – offers a professional development workshop on safety culture, leadership, and business; a pre-conference workshop on drug and alcohol reasonable suspicion for supervisors; and first aid and other emergency training.
The conference is a joint effort of the Southern Oregon Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals and Oregon OSHA.
The three-day event will feature keynote speaker James Boretti, president and CEO of Boretti, Inc., a professional safety, health, and environmental firm in California that provides technical and business safety solutions. Boretti has more than 33 years of experience with an extensive background in occupational safety and health. He has been a certified safety professional since 1997.
On Wednesday, Oct. 16, Boretti’s keynote presentation, “The Business of Safety: Intersection of Organizational Needs with Safety Values,” will explore the challenges of understanding three key components of all organizations: business, culture, and leadership.
Other conference topic areas include:
- Construction safety
- General industry safety
- Human resources
- Health, wellness, and industrial hygiene
- Safety Committee University
Conference registration fees include early-bird pricing and discounts (fees increase Oct. 1), as well as different pricing for workshops and conference days (ranging from $65 to $210). More information, conference options, programs, and registration are all available online. Register now. For more information about upcoming workplace safety and health conferences, visit Oregon OSHA online.
About Oregon OSHA: Oregon OSHA enforces the state’s workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit osha.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.
Wild River Medford — Are you a Southern Oregon small business owner, crafter, artist or creative entrepreneur interested in showcasing your work?
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
Here One Minute, Gone the Next —– PART 2 – Josephine County Sheriff Dave Daniel joins investigative journalist Alex Rogue to speak with Here One Minute, Gone the Next about the disappearance of Fauna Frey, the growing friction between citizen investigators and law enforcement, and the lack of resources in missing persons cases. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-disappearance-of-fauna-frey-pt2-feat-sheriff/id1707094441?i=1000630100040 PART 1 – John Frey joins Newsweek to discuss exclusive details about the case of his missing daughter that until now have been unavailable to the general public. READ MORE HERE: https://www.newsweek.com/exclusive-what-happened-fauna-frey-new-clues-uncovered-1827197?fbclid=IwAR3Z3Glru5lIgqiYXbs_nA1Fj8JuCIzM11OHSVHfwIucfq2f_G5y9y5bnmQ If you have any information on the whereabouts of Fauna Frey, call the anonymous tip line at 541-539-5638 or email FindFaunaFrey@gmail.com.
Help Find Fauna Frey #FindFaunaFrey FACEBOOK GROUP
Fire Season In Oregon Above Average – 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑:
The Oregon Department of Forestry wants to remind Oregonians that with weather fluctuating across the state, fire is still on the landscape and fire season is still in effect. Oregon is still experiencing one of the worst seasons we’ve seen in the past decade, and the department warns the public against complacency. “East winds are very common around this time of year, making now the time to prevent the next large wildfire. There is still potential for more fire starts and the season isn’t over yet.” Chris Cline, Fire Protection Division Chief, said. “The fewer human caused fires we have, the less strained our resources will be.
”East winds come to the Pacific Northwest every year around the end of August and last through the fall months. They occur from the crest of the Cascades to the Oregon/ Washington coast. Though the winds come annually, significant east wind “events” do not occur every year. If an event does occur, it usually lasts about 48 hours. Current low humidity combined with sustained winds can increase fire behavior and risk west of the Cascades.
Conditions this week are a mix of warm temperatures, wind, and dry fuels, increasing the risk of wildfire. So far this year, according to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, there have been 1,697 fires in Oregon that have burned 1,535,304 acres. Within 24 hours this past weekend, the department deployed two incident management teams to assist with fast growing fires in Klamath (Copperfield Fire 2024) and Wheeler (Shoe Fly Fire) Counties. If the Oregon Department of Forestry knows that an east wind event is going to happen, which can be determined at least 5 days in advance, the agency will preposition resources, adjust schedules, and take necessary precautions to respond to new starts or increased fire behavior quickly.
“With the approaching fall like conditions, it’s easy to think that fires are lessening. However, we are still seeing new fire starts daily throughout the state of Oregon.” Cline said. Wildfire prevention means:• Debris burning is prohibited during fire season without a permit. Cover your pile and wait until fire season is over. A dry, covered pile is cleaner and safer to burn later, during wet fall and winter conditions.• Don’t park your car over dried grass, and make sure your vehicle or ATV is regularly serviced.• Dispose of your cigarette using designated receptacles, and NEVER discard butts on the ground or in vegetation outdoors.• Check local restrictions before lighting a campfire.
Several ODF districts have updated their fire danger levels recently. Visit Oregon.gov/odf to find local fire restrictions and keeporegongreen.org for more wildfire prevention tips.
This year so far, 1.5 million acres have already burned across Oregon compared with the 10-year average burned in an entire fire season of 640,000 acres. The western side of Oregon got more of a break this summer as most of the aggressive activity has been in eastern Oregon.
With around 5,000 firefighters currently dispatched across the state, they have worked for almost two months straight and are experiencing fatigue.
Kotek said that the state has been able to protect a lot of communities but the team has been pushed to the brink this season. She also predicts that fire seasons are not going to get easier and Orgeon must figure out how to have consistent funding to do the necessary work.
Kotek confirmed that Oregon received approval for seven FEMA grants that will provide help in the form of significant levels of reimbursement. Other states and even other countries like Australia and New Zealand have sent help to Oregon.
Wildfires have burned more than 1 million acres across the state, making Oregon by far the worst off out of all the states in terms of acres burned this summer.
Governor Kotek issued an emergency declaration on July 12, which allows the Oregon fire agencies to get out-of-state support. She has also issued emergency conflagration declarations for several fires, allowing for more resources to be mobilized.
The details of all major wildfires currently burning in Oregon are listed below, and the details will be continually updated. No fire that is more than 90% contained will be listed unless evacuation orders are in effect. Information about fire acreage and containment percentages is approximate.
Copperfield Fire
| Current as of | Thu, 09/05/2024 – 19:59 |
|---|---|
| Incident Time Zone | America/Los_Angeles |
| Incident Type | Wildfire |
| Cause | Unknown |
| Date of Origin | Sun, 09/01/2024 – 15:00 |
| Location | 10 miles east of Chiloquin, Oregon |
| Incident Commander | ODF Incident Commander – Tyler McCarty OSFM Incident Commander – Ian Yocum |
| Coordinates | 42° 32′ 45.1” Latitude -121° 45′ 33.9 ” Longitude |
PLEASE Help Prevent Human-Caused Wildfires
- Immediately call 911 to report fires.
- Drones and other unmanned aircrafts are illegal to fly near fires.
- Fireworks, incendiary/tracer ammunition and exploding targets, are prohibited during fire season (May-October).
- Use caution when target shooting. Clear a 20-foot radius around the target by removing all vegetation and rocks.
- Ensure vehicles and trailers are properly maintained
- Make sure chains and other metal parts are not dragging.
- Keep exhaust systems clean and use spark arrestors.
- Do not park on dry grass.
- Carry extra water, shovel, and/or a fire extinguisher with you.
- Ensure your campfire is completely extinguished before leaving your campsite by making sure it is cool to the touch.
- Please don’t smoke and if you do, don’t throw out cigarette butts.
- Please be mindful and think about your actions
To ensure all Oregonians remain safe during the 2024 wildfire season, we urge everyone to stay tuned into these communications channels and follow all official safety guidelines related to air quality and recreation:
Watch Duty app: Download this app on your smartphone to understand where wildfires are in real time as well as monitor air quality and other metrics. https://app.watchduty.org
Northwest Interagency Coordination Center: During fire season, this web-based interactive map is updated daily with current fire perimeters and locations. This website acts as the wildfire resource coordination center for the Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service, Oregon Dept of Forestry, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Washington Dept. of Natural Resources and the National Park Service. https://gacc.nifc.gov/nwcc/index.aspx
InciWeb the Incident Information System: The federal interagency all-risk incident information management system provides an interactive map with real-time location information on wildfires. https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/
Oregon Department of Forestry Wildfire News: The official wildfire news blog for the Oregon Department of Forestry. Look here for all wildfire news related to state forest lands. https://odffire.com/
Keep Oregon Green: A partnership comprised of statewide and interagency groups working together to promote awareness of the risk and causes of wildfires and how to be prepared in case of a wildfire emergency. https://keeporegongreen.org/
OregonLive Wildfire Map: A project managed by OregonLive that incorporates data from InciWeb, National Interagency Fire Center, Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, Oregon Office of Emergency Management, NOAA into an easy-to-use map tool. https://projects.oregonlive.com/wildfires/map
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality – Air Quality Monitoring Data: A real-time map and cell phone application you can use to track air quality, including wildfire smoke impacts, across the state. Check your app store for OregonAir. https://oraqi.deq.state.or.us/home/map
Purple Air – Air Quality Map System: Real-time air quality information using crowdsourced data and data from EPA air sensors. https://map.purpleair.com/1/mAQI/a10/p604800/cC0…
NOAA High Resolution Rapid Refresh Data Visualization: The High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency(NOAA) is an experimental data visualization tool for wildfire smoke. Be sure to turn on the “Vertically Integrated Smoke” layer to see smoke paths. https://hwp-viz.gsd.esrl.noaa.gov/smoke/index.html
Preventing wildfires requires a collective effort from everyone—help mitigate the risk of human-caused wildfires and protect our forests and communities.
Monitor Fires in Oregon – Updated Daily
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/state/oregon
Large Fires in Oregon Past 2 Weeks 9/4/24 9:00am per INCIWEB
| Incident | Type | State | Incident Size | UpdatedSort ascending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whisky Creek Fire – ORMHF | Wildfire | Oregon | 2097 Acres | 4 minutes 14 seconds ago |
| Sandstone Fire – ORMHF | Wildfire | Oregon | 702 Acres | 4 minutes 14 seconds ago |
| North Willamette Complex – ORWIF | Wildfire | Oregon | 4588 Acres | 7 minutes 5 seconds ago |
| Middle Fork Fire – ORCLP | Wildfire | Oregon | 5286 Acres | 20 minutes 34 seconds ago |
| Diamond Complex – ORUPF | Wildfire | Oregon | 11141 Acres | 24 minutes 3 seconds ago |
| Rail Ridge – OROCF | Wildfire | Oregon | 61433 Acres | 39 minutes 55 seconds ago |
| Willamette Complex Fires – South – ORWIF | Wildfire | Oregon | 13644 Acres | 2 hours 34 minutes ago |
| Copperfield Fire – OR98S | Wildfire | Oregon | 3656 Acres | 2 hours 48 minutes ago |
| Red Fire – ORDEF | Wildfire | Oregon | 851 Acres | 3 hours 5 minutes ago |
| Cottage Grove – Lane 1 – OR77S | Wildfire | Oregon | 25305 Acres | 11 hours 48 minutes ago |
| Homestead Complex – ORUPF | Wildfire | Oregon | 5918 Acres | 12 hours 22 minutes ago |
| Shoe Fly Fire – OR95S | Wildfire | Oregon | 20247 Acres | 15 hours 15 minutes ago |
| Crazy Creek – OROCF | Wildfire | Oregon | 86968 Acres | 1 day 22 hours ago |
| Microwave Tower Fire – OR95S | Wildfire | Oregon | 1313 Acres | 2 days 16 hours ago |
| Lone Rock Fire – ORPRD | Wildfire | Oregon | 137222 Acres | 1 week 1 day ago |
| Dixon Fire – ORUPF | Wildfire | Oregon | 1970 Acres | 1 week 4 days ago |
| Falls Fire – ORMAF | Wildfire | Oregon | 151689 Acres | 1 week 5 days ago |
| Telephone Fire – ORMAF | Wildfire | Oregon | 54005 Acres | 1 week 5 days ago |
| Battle Mountain Complex – OR97S | Wildfire | Oregon | 183026 Acres | 2 weeks 1 day ago |
| Warner Peak Fire – ORSHR | Wildfire | Oregon | 65866 Acres | 2 weeks 1 day ago |
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/
Organizations are collecting funds and resources for those impacted by Oregon’s wildfires
Salem, Ore – The impact of this year’s wildfire season continues to reverberate throughout the state as 2024 has shaped up to be one of the most destructive years on record.
At this time, the number of acres burned is four times the average when compared to the same point in past seasons. Residents in these communities have been deeply affected. As many as 18,000 residents were under a level 1, 2 or 3 evacuation level during the height of the response.
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 donation 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 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 OR-Alert 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.
- Wildfire resources for agriculture and livestock producers | OSU Extension Service (oregonstate.edu).
- Methods for mitigating soil erosion after a wildfire | OSU Extension Service (oregonstate.edu).
- 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 OR Alerts to get lifesaving alerts and instructions during emergencies to help you and others stay safe in Oregon.
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It is the mission of Oregon Emergency Management to proactively develop emergency response, risk reduction and disaster recovery programs to better serve Oregonians during times of disaster. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times in crisis. The agency leads collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters. For more information about the OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem.
PHOTO CAPTION: Photo taken by Tabetha Daugherty, OEM Regional Preparedness & Response Coordinator. The photo is of charred hills outside the contained portion of the Durkee Fire in Baker County.
Shots Fired At Lincoln City Police Officers
During the investigation, a subject in the bus fired at least three gunshots from inside the bus at Lincoln City Police Officers. Officers did not return fire into the bus. The male then fled the scene in the bus, eventually stopping in the parking lot of the Sea Gypsy Motel.
Officers secured the area around the bus and learned from witnesses that a male subject fled from the bus on foot and ran to the beach prior to officers’ arrival. LCPD requested assistance from area law enforcement agencies and multiple agencies responded, including Oregon State Police, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Newport Police, and Grand Ronde Tribal Police. LCPD K9 Nix and the Oregon State Police K9 team conducted a search of the area. Attempts to communicate with anyone who may still have been in the bus were unsuccessful, and Lincoln County SERT had to port several of the bus’s windows in order to ensure the bus was unoccupied.
An OSP SWAT-K9 tracked the suspect to a residence at 1905 NW Jetty Avenue. Further information was developed that led investigators to believe the suspect, identified as 38-year-old Walter O. Anderson of Nevada, was inside the residence. Because of the possible dangers involved, the OSP SWAT team was requested and responded to the scene. Over the course of several hours, OSP SWAT negotiators made numerous attempts to communicate with the suspect, as well as issuing verbal commands through the public address system, in an attempt to resolve the situation peacefully and without injury. Unfortunately, the attempts to negotiate with the suspect to surrender peacefully were unsuccessful, and he began firing out through the windows of the residence. A fire was started inside the residence, and the suspect exited the residence with a firearm. SWAT issued commands for the suspect to drop his weapon, but he refused and was ultimately shot. SWAT personnel attempted to render medical aid, but he was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The investigation into this incident at the residence is being conducted by members of the Lincoln County Major Crime Team with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office assuming the lead investigator role. Assisting in the investigations are Detectives from the Lincoln City Police Department, Newport Police Department, the Oregon State Police Criminal Investigation Team, and the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office.
The Lincoln City Police Department acknowledges that these events caused a significant disruption to area businesses, community members, and visiting citizens, and we would like to express our gratitude to everyone for their patience and understanding while these events unfolded. In addition, we would like to thank the citizens who provided the responding Officers with tips and information that helped us attempt to locate the suspect. Lastly, we express our appreciation to the Oregon State Police, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Newport Police Department, Grand Ronde Tribal Police, Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office, and North Lincoln Fire & Rescue for their quick response and all of their assistance with this incident.
Officer Involved Shooting- Oregon State Police- Lincoln County
Oregon State Police
Lincoln County, Ore. 5 Sept. 24 – On Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, just after midnight, Oregon State Police SWAT responded to a Lincoln City residence to assist the Lincoln City Police Department with a barricaded suspect. Responding officers made multiple attempts to negotiate with the suspect who fired at police and refused to comply with commands. The suspect was ultimately shot by responding police and died at the scene.
On Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, at approximately 12:42 p.m., the Lincoln City Police Department requested assistance from local law enforcement agencies regarding an incident involving a suspect shooting at police officers while investigating a parking violation. The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle and later on foot.
Oregon State Police (OSP) responded and deployed a SWAT K-9 unit. The K-9 tracked the suspect to a residence at 1905 NW Jetty Ave. in Lincoln City. Occupants exited the residence and knew the suspect but denied seeing him that day. It was later confirmed the male suspect was within the residence and a search warrant was granted.
OSP SWAT personnel were activated and responded to the scene. Negotiators made numerous attempts at communicating with the suspect as well as issuing verbal commands through a public address system. The suspect made numerous threatening statements and at 2:45 a.m. the suspect began to shoot through windows from within the residence. For unknown reasons, a fire started within the residence. As the fire spread the suspect exited an upstairs window to the roof carrying a rifle. He refused commands to drop the rifle. Shots were fired and the suspect fell from the roof to the ground below.
OSP SWAT personnel secured the suspect’s firearm and pulled him away from the burning residence to render medical aid. He was pronounced deceased by medical personnel at the scene.
Four OSP SWAT members were determined to have fired rounds during the incident.
The Lincoln County Major Crimes Team was activated in accordance with the Lincoln County Deadly Force Plan. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is assuming the lead investigator role and is being assisted by detectives from the Lincoln City Police Department, Newport Police Department, and Oregon State Police Criminal Investigations Division.
Oregon’s U.S. senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley are denouncing the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) for the rushed process to get two zones off the coast leased on Oct. 15 for wind energy projects.
Below are statements from the senators.
By rushing this leasing process, BOEM’s actions undermine state-led efforts to build the necessary consensus among coastal communities, fishermen, conservation groups, and Tribes. As I have said before, BOEM should not accept bids off the coast of Oregon until the state can facilitate a robust process with significant stakeholder engagement. This is the spirit of the Oregon Way, and the state must be able to evaluate whether offshore wind best serves our coast and communities. – Sen. Jeff Merkley (D)
BOEM has faced scrutiny for the lack of dialogue between the government organization and local partners.
Brookings Mayor Isaac Hodges told NewsWatch 12 that at a previous meeting for the offshore wind energy projects, “not one” community member had a positive thing to say about the project or BOEM’s process so far.
“I believe it’s the truth — we’re dealing with a government agency that truly doesn’t care about the community that they’re directly impacting,” said Hodges.
BOEM said in a news release on Aug. 13 that they were working with community partners.
In February, the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians said BOEM is failing its obligations to Tribal Nations and other community members by not answering questions and concerns processed during BOEM’s multiple submission periods.
In this year’s legislative session, House Bill 4080 — titled “Offshore Wind Labor Standards & Roadmap” — was passed. Rep. Pam Marsh and Sen. Jeff Golden were sponsors on the bill.
HB 4080 outlined Oregon’s goals to reach the goal of creating three gigawatts of green energy while still staying true to the state’s sustainability, community and environmental goals.
Governor Kotek’s statement: The Department of the Interior’s announcement is a significant step in the process of evaluating offshore wind in Oregon. Governor Kotek believes that climate change requires bold action to meet our state’s clean energy goals, so Oregonians are prepared for and resilient to the impacts we’re already seeing across the landscape. Offshore wind development is unprecedented in Oregon, and Governor Kotek believes that any federal agency decision to award a lease should be made in cooperation with Oregon’s federally recognized sovereign Tribal nations, local and impacted communities, and in close consultation with feedback from the state of Oregon – including ensuring alignment with the work of the state roadmap. -Gov. Tina Kotek (D)
SAIF declares $60 million dividend
SAIF’s board of directors has announced a $60 million dividend for its policyholders today. This continues a 15-year tradition of providing dividends, marking the 27th instance since 1990.
SAIF stands out as one of the few insurance providers in Oregon that consistently returns dividends to its customers. As a not-for-profit company with a public mission to make workers’ compensation coverage available, affordable, and accessible, it’s an important part of our value to policyholders.
“Our commitment to serving our customers with expertise and heart remains unwavering,” said Chip Terhune, president and CEO of SAIF. “After careful consideration of the uncertainty in the current economic landscape and medical trends, we believe offering this dividend to our policyholders is the appropriate thing to do.”
The decision to issue a policyholder dividend is based on various factors, including capital levels, claim trends, and the overall economic conditions.
SAIF’s robust financial health, successful claims management, and effective safety and health services enable us to offer this year’s dividend.
“Beyond dividends, we pride ourselves on our focus on workplace safety and having the largest network of safety professionals of any insurance company in Oregon,” added Terhune. “Our goal is to make Oregon the safest and healthiest place to work, and we value our policyholders’ dedication and partnership to ensuring their workers’ safety.”
This year, 51,288 policyholders will receive the dividend, which will be calculated based on the premium for policies that ended in 2023 and will be distributed in October.
About SAIF
SAIF is Oregon’s not-for-profit workers’ compensation insurance company. For more than 110 years, we’ve been taking care of injured workers, helping people get back to work, and striving to make Oregon the safest and healthiest place to work. For more information, visit the About SAIF page on saif.com.
Summer EBT application deadline extended to Sept. 30, 2024
(Salem) – The application deadline for the new Summer EBT program has been extended to midnight Sept. 30, 2024. The program offers $120 per child to help cover grocery costs when school food programs are not as easy to access. Eligible families should act now.
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) urge families to check their eligibility and apply before the extended deadline. Remember, once benefits are received, they must be used within 122 days.
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 enrolled in a school during the 2023-2024 school year who were eligible for the National School Lunch or Breakfast Programs, should still apply to determine their eligibility.
Families are encouraged to visit sebt.oregon.gov or contact the Summer EBT Call Center to verify their eligibility and apply. ODHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht said, “We are grateful to our federal partners for making this extension. The extra time is so important for us to reach families who may be eligible because we know access to nutritious food is critical.”
“Staying engaged in school and active in life requires proper nutrition,” said ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams. “We know that there are many more families out there who have children who may be eligible for the $120 Summer EBT benefit and this important extension boosts our opportunity to reach them.”
Since June 28, 2024, more than 336,198 eligible school-aged children have been issued $40.3 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.
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 midnight Sept. 30, 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.
Recreational Trails Program accepting grant applications for trail projects
SALEM, Oregon— The Recreational Trails Program is accepting grant applications through Nov. 15 for the approximately $1.6 million in grant funds available for the 2024 grant cycle.
Grants are available for trail construction, heavy restoration, trailhead facilities, trail building and maintenance equipment, land or easement acquisitions, safety and education, trail assessments for accessibility or maintenance and water trails.
The federally funded reimbursement grant program provides matching grants to construct, expand or improve public trails for motorized and non-motorized use. Interested applicants must submit a letter of intent via https://oprdgrants.org by Sep. 30. Applications due Nov. 15.
An optional webinar is scheduled 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Sept. 11 to provide information on the program and how to navigate the application process. Registration is required: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YcBVw4OpQseoi6GZQgYffg#/registration. A recording of the webinar will be posted on the Recreational Trails Program web page shortly afterward at https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/GRA/Pages/GRA-rtp.aspx
The grant program is open to local governments, park districts, state and federal agencies, tribal governments, other public land managers, and nonprofits.
The Recreational Trails Program is funded through the Federal Highway Administration and administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). Since 1993, the program has funded over 550 projects across Oregon.
Information about the program, including the grant manual, application instructions and program schedule, is on the Recreational Trails Program web page: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/GRA/Pages/GRA-rtp.aspx
Questions can be directed to Jodi Bellefeuille, Recreational Trails Program coordinator, at ellefeuille@oprd.oregon.gov“>jodi.bellefeuille@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-856-6316.
Governor Kotek issues a proclamation recognizing September as Preparedness Month in Oregon
– Governor Tina Kotek has officially proclaimed September Preparedness Month in Oregon.
“I want to call out the extraordinary work of local and state leaders who made sure our state was prepared for this year’s unprecedented wildfire season,” Governor Tina Kotek said. “As firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the fires burning across the state, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management effectively mobilized shelters, evacuation support, and identified the resources each community needed.”
The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) will observe preparedness month by launching a new community-based initiative designed to help individuals and their communities prepare for emergencies and practice their skills as a group. The Be 2 Weeks Ready Toolkit is a step-by-step guide to individual and community resiliency.
The digital version of the kit is available at Oregon.gov/OEM and is offered in English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese and Vietnamese, with American Sign Language videos coming soon.
“As director of OEM, it’s a top priority for me to help people living in Oregon be ready for disasters,” Erin McMahon, said. “The Be 2 Weeks Ready program helps foster a culture of preparedness within established community groups such as faith-based organizations, neighborhood associations, local 4-H clubs, schools, and workplaces.”
Preparing for emergencies can feel overwhelming. It’s important to remember that being two weeks ready doesn’t have to be expensive or happen all at once. There are a lot of effective and low-cost to no-cost actions your community can take today to be ready for tomorrow. You can find more details about these on FEMA’s preparedness site Ready.gov, but here are a few:
- Visit ORAlert.gov to sign up to receive local emergency alerts or update your contact information
- Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on your mobile phone.
- Understand Oregon’s evacuation levels and know the evacuation routes in your area.
- Familiarize yourself with TripCheck.com.
- Make go bags with survival essentials for every member of your family, including pets.
- Store copies of important information or documents in a password-protected online drive or on a flash drive in a waterproof container in your go bag.
Also, look to your local leaders for additional tips on how your community is preparing. Connect with your local emergency management office, sheriff’s office, or Tribal police and follow them on social media to stay up to date during quickly changing emergencies.
When a disaster strikes, you are the help until help arrives. By working together, communities can enhance their collective resilience and ensure everyone is equipped to handle emergencies.
In addition to the Be 2 Weeks Ready Toolkit, people interested in helping their communities and deepening their basic disaster response skills can join a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and learn from peers.
There are four types of CERT programs: Community, Workplace, Campus, Teen. Each program is supported by a sponsoring organization. A sponsoring organization can be any government agency, such as a fire department, emergency management agency or city council.
In the end, OEM wants to help people feel empowered, not frightened, when thinking about how they will respond in an emergency. The Be 2 Weeks Ready Toolkit and CERT programs can help individuals build meaningful connections with one another that will lead to better outcomes for everyone when disaster strikes.
More than 50 active CERT programs exist in Oregon. People can find contact information for teams in their area on the Oregon Department of Emergency Management website.
People who are interested in becoming a Be 2 Weeks Ready program coordinator or want to find a program near them can email eparedness@oem.oregon.gov“>community.preparedness@oem.oregon.gov.
Take action now during National Preparedness Month to get ready for emergencies – Prepare your household now for more extreme weather events and natural disasters.
The American Red Cross Cascades Region is encouraging everyone to take critical action during National Preparedness Month this September to be ready for worsening disasters. Deadly storms, raging wildfires and extreme heat are becoming more frequent and intense and families are experiencing the effects.
“Disasters can happen at any time, often without warning, changing lives forever in just minutes,” says Red Cross Regional Disaster Officer Jonathan Seibert.“ As our climate changes, it’s critical to help protect your loved ones and National Preparedness Month is the ideal time to get your household ready for emergencies.”
HOW TO PREPARE Get ready for disasters by making a plan to stay safe, gathering important supplies and knowing how you’ll stay connected. Follow these steps to prepare for emergencies:
- Depending on the emergency, you may need to stay where you are or go somewhere else to stay safe. If you may need to leave, think about where you will go, how you will get there, where you will stay and what you’ll take with you. Plan well in advance if you’ll need help leaving or use public transportation.
- Next, gather and organize critical supplies — like food, water and medicine — into a go-kit and a stay-at-home kit. Your go-kit should include three days of supplies that you can take with you. Your stay-at-home kit should have two weeks of food and water, and a one-month supply of medications, if possible.
- Customize your kit to meet your household’s specific needs. If you have young children, don’t forget formula and diapers. If you have pets, include leashes, carriers, food, bowls, litter and a litterbox.
- Make a plan to reconnect with loved ones if you are separated or if the phone or internet is down. Write down important phone numbers on a contact card and carry it with you.
- Finally, download the free Red Cross Emergency app for real-time weather alerts and expert advice in both English and Spanish. And don’t forget to sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government to get critical information during local emergencies.
CLIMATE CRISIS EFFECTS. This summer, a record-breaking 1.5 million acres have been burned by wildfires in Oregon. We’ve opened more than 20 shelters for level 3 “Go Now” evacuations since June.
So far in 2024, nationwide, 2.7 million more acres of land have been burned by wildfires compared to all of 2023. In July, Hurricane Beryl broke records as the earliest Category 5 storm ever recorded and in early August, Hurricane Debby brought widespread flooding to much of the East Coast. Plus, 2024 is on track to be the hottest year on record according to experts. Altogether in 2024, the U.S has experienced 19 climate disasters, each with losses of over a billion dollars — more than double the average from the last 40 years.
When these disasters happen, the Red Cross is there providing food, shelter and comfort to ensure no one faces this difficult time alone. To help families better cope with this worsening climate crisis, the Red Cross is also enhancing our support for those who need it most and increasing our capacity to respond to non-stop disasters.
“The best defense during an emergency is to be prepared, and that’s true for both our individual families and our entire community,” said Red Cross Cascades Region CEO Priscilla Fuentes. “During National Preparedness Month, consider donating to help people affected by disasters big and small, or making an appointment to give blood. If you have the time, take a first aid class or put on a red vest and join us as a volunteer.”
Visit redcross.org or call 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) to learn more today.
About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
Women hold 4 of 5 statewide elected offices in OR – for now
Tina Kotek, the former speaker of the state house, is the third woman to serve as governor of Oregon. (Oregon National Guard)Oregon is in the upper echelon when it comes to the number of women in higher office. Four of the five statewide elected positions in the state are held by women, including Tina Kotek in the governor’s office. It is a rare achievement.
Debbie Walsh, director of the Center for American Women and Politics, said the national average for women in statewide elected offices is about one in three. However, the number of women in the top positions in Oregon is guaranteed to go down in November, with men running for two of the five offices. Walsh acknowledged it is the nature of politics.
“No state can just say, ‘Well, we fixed the problem of women’s underrepresentation in politics. We don’t need to do the work of recruiting and supporting women to run.’” Walsh stressed. “That work is ongoing.”
Men will be facing off in Oregon’s Secretary of State and Attorney General races in November. But Walsh noted the state has set a high bar elsewhere too. Women hold half of its Congressional seats and women are in a little more than 40% of the seats in the state legislature.
Walsh pointed out women face a number of barriers to office. While they raise comparable amounts of money to men running in comparable races, they are less likely to self-fund their campaigns. She explained women are more dependent on small donors, which can be good because it means more people are investing in the campaign.
“The flip side of that is that the amount of time and energy and work that it takes to raise $1,000 is just exponentially higher and harder for a candidate who is more dependent on those low level dollars or those low dollar donations,” Walsh stressed.
Women running for office has become a big storyline this year with Vice President Kamala Harris’ run for president. Walsh noted if she wins, it will be a big breakthrough for women, especially women of color.
“The only downside to seeing a woman elected at the very top is that people then think that the problem is solved because we’ve elected a woman President of the United States,” Walsh added. “Complacency will not get us to gender equity across levels of office.” (SOURCE)
 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.
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