August 22, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Distribution:
Major Media
August
21, 2015
Contact: Shirl Fredenburg,
(541) 336-2273
Northwest
Oregon is currently experiencing fire danger not seen in recent memory and
weather forecasts don’t provide any relief. Forest fuels are at record dry
levels and forecasts for this weekend indicate it will continue to be hot and
dry. Everyone should be concerned.
The
Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) West Oregon District is currently engaged
in fighting the Willamina Creek Fire approximately 9 miles north of the
community of Willamina. Four cabins were evacuated as a result of the fire and
forest resources have been lost. Estimated to be about 140 acres, this fire is
under investigation, but it is believed to have been human-caused, possibly by
recreational activities. In addition to the Willamina Creek Fire, the
District’s firefighters continue their daily work of responding to reports of
smoke and fire throughout the District. All of these fire activities stretch
available resources very thin.
This
fire season gives managers pause and calls attention to the need for everyone
to exercise extreme caution in the forest and elsewhere. Land managers have
tightened fire restrictions over the last week over much of the state.
On
lands protected by ODF in the West Oregon District, public use restrictions,
which limit campfires, chainsaw use, and mowing of dry grass and require forest
travelers to carry fire tools, have been in place since mid-June, weeks earlier
than in recent years.
Before
you head out to the forest, parks or beaches for your weekend plans, take a
moment to learn the fire restrictions for that area. You can find out more
about fire rules by contacting the local ODF office.
In Benton County contact the
ODF – Philomath office (541) 929-3266
In Lincoln County contact the
ODF – Toledo office (541) 336-2273
In Polk and southwest Yamhill
County contact the ODF – Dallas Office (503) 934-8146
Every
person has a role in preventing wildfires.
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August 21, 2015
Gov. Kate
Brown invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act at 7:37 p.m. Aug. 20 in
response to the Grizzly Bear Complex fires burning in Wallowa County. At the
time of the declaration, the fire threatened more than 100 homes and
structures, including a local school.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) deployed its Green
Incident Management Team – Incident Commander Ted Kunze. OSFM has mobilized
four task forces from Marion, Yamhill, Clatsop and Columbia counties to assist with structure protection.
Washington Incident Management Team 2 is leading the fire suppression effort.
The Grizzly Bear Complex Fire was caused by numerous lightning fires. It
originated in Washington Aug. 13. Currently the fire is
approximately 50,000 acres. Three residences and 20 outbuilding have been lost.
August 20, 2015
News media contact: Joanie Schmigdall,, U.S. Forest Service, 503-569-2200
An approximately 10-15 acre fire is burning on Willamette National Forest lands just southwest of Detroit Lake. The fire was reported by a log truck driver at approximately 3 a.m. today. Fire crews have been on scene since then. The fire is on the uphill (SW) side of Forest Service Road 2212 (Kinney Creek Road), and smoke is visible from Highways 22 and 46 and from the community of Detroit. No structures are threatened at this time.
Visitors are asked to avoid the area, including the lower portion of Kinney Creek Road, so that firefighters and helicopters can do their suppression work.
Firefighting is being conducted in cooperation with the
Oregon Department of Forestry.
For additional information throughout the day; follow us on
twitter at: twitter.com/willametteNF.
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August 20, 2015
The Willamina Creek Fire was reported at 4:30 a.m. Wednesday nine miles north of Willamina. It is estimated at 100
acres, burning on ODF-protected private and BLM lands, in
inaccessible, rough forested terrain. Last evening, local rural fire departments in
the area assisted Oregon Dept. of Forestry with initial attack. Driven by 20-25 mph winds, the fire was casting embers and starting spot fires
ahead of the main flame front.
ODF has activated a local team of personnel
drawn from the agency’s northwestern Oregon districts. The team was briefed at
6 a.m. today at the Dallas Unit office and is currently engaging the fire. A small
number of structures (4-6) have been evacuated, and East Creek Road north of
Willamina remains closed to all public access.
August 19, 2015
August 19, 2015
Contact:
Oregon Department of Forestry, Astoria District Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office
Dan Goody/Neal Bond Sheriff
Tom Bergin
(503) 325-5451 (503) 338-0803 cell (503) 325-8635 (503) 791-0072 cell
dan.b.goody@oregon.gov tbergin@co.clatsop.or.us
neal.bond@oregon.gov
Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation Clatsop
County Fire Defense Board
Mike Stein/Teri Wing Jeff Golightly, Fire Chief, LCFD
(503) 861-3170 (503) 325-4192 (503) 298-9348 cell
mike.stein@oregon.gov lewisclarkfire@gmail.com
teri.wing@oregon.gov
State and County officials in Clatsop County are stepping up restrictions on
recreational activities in the County due to record low fuel moistures and the
high wildfire danger. Effective at 1:00 am August 20, all open flames will be
prohibited on all lands in Clatsop County.
This ban applies to all public and private property, the entire Clatsop
State Forest, Clatsop County Parks, and all properties owned and managed by the
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department including ocean shores. Camp fire permits and burn barrel permits
that have been issued by the Oregon Department of Forestry and Rural Fire
Departments are rescinded until further notice.
Open fires are already banned outside of designated sites and campgrounds,
including campfires, charcoal fire, cooking fires and warming fires. Use of
wood-burning devices, used in conjunction with temporary dwellings, including
tents and trailers, is prohibited.
Portable cooking stoves using
liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed.
This ban is in effect until further
notice. There will be another notice
sent out when the ban is lifted. We
appreciate you help and cooperation during this time of critical fire danger.
For more information call the Astoria Office of the Oregon Department of Forestry,
the Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation, Clatsop County Sherriff’s Office
or the Clatsop County Fire Defense Board.
August 19, 2015
he
Oregon Department of Forestry issued this news release today.
Fire Bans widens for Tillamook County
August 19, 2015
Contact:
Ed Wallmark
503-842-2545
Edward.H.Wallmark@oregon.gov
Due to extreme fire conditions statewide
and elsewhere around the region, local officials are banning campfires
throughout Tillamook County effective immediately.
Campfire permits that have been issued
by the Oregon Department of Forestry and rural fire departments are rescinded
until further notice. This ban applies
to the entire Tillamook State Forest, Tillamook County Parks, Bureau of Land
Management lands, all properties owned and managed by the Oregon Parks and
Recreation Department including ocean shores, and ODF protected public and
private lands.
This
means NO
· Campfires (prohibited even in established fire
rings/pits
· Cooking fires (including charcoal and briquettes)
· Tiki torches
· Candles
· Sky Lanterns
Campers may continue
to use portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels where
permitted, with extreme caution.
In addition, the public is reminded that
a campfire ban is already in place for Siuslaw National Forest lands east of
Highway 101.
Your
cooperation and efforts are greatly appreciated during this period of extreme
fire danger. As many fire managers have
reemphasized across the region, “we don’t need any more fires on the
landscape.” This closure will be
monitored closely and when conditions warrant, the campfire ban will be lifted.
###
August 19, 2015
Oregon
National Guard Activated by Governor Brown to Fight Wildfires
(John Day, OR) — While in Grant County today, Governor Brown
announced that she activated Oregon National Guard members to assist in fire
fighting. About 125 soldiers will begin training this week at the Department of
Public Safety Standards and Training in Salem.
“Oregon National Guard members will join first responders who are working
tirelessly to battle these unpredictable wildfires,” said Governor Brown. “We have
weeks of fire season left, and it is incumbent upon us to make sure that above
all else, we continue to protect the public’s safety.”
Already this summer, the National Guard has dedicated resources to fighting
wildfires, with 4 Blackhawk helicopters and support personnel assisting in the
effort.
“Prevention is crucial. We need every Oregonian and visitor to be fire-savvy
and aware of fire restrictions and common-sense practices,” said Governor
Brown.
After their training, Oregon National Guard members are expected to join the
fire line late next week.
###
August 18, 2015
Governor Brown to Tour Canyon Creek Fire Incident Command Post
(Salem, OR) — Tomorrow, August 19, Governor Kate Brown will travel to Grant County to take part in a wildfire briefing and tour the Canyon Creek incident command post.
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Wednesday, August 19
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10:45 am
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Briefing and tour, followed by a media availability
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Canyon Creek incident command post
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Grant County Fairgrounds
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411 NW Bridge Street
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John Day, OR
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August 18, 2015
August 17, 2015
Contact:
Kate Skinner
(503) 815-7001
Kate.j.skinner@oregon.gov
State and Federal land management agencies in NW Oregon are
stepping up restrictions on recreational activities in the forest due to
increasing wildfire danger. Effective Aug. 18, campfires will be prohibited in
campgrounds, day-use areas and designated sites. This ban applies to the
Clatsop and Tillamook State Forests and Bureau of Land Management lands.
Open fires are already banned outside of designated sites
and campgrounds, including campfires, charcoal fire, cooking fires and warming
fires. Use of wood-burning devices, used in conjunction with temporary
dwellings, including tents and trailers, is prohibited. Portable cooking
stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed.
For more information call the Tillamook, Forest Grove or
Astoria offices of the Oregon Department of Forestry.
###
August 15, 2015
Oregon Department of
Forestry
August 15, 2015
Media Contact: Paul
Ries, 503-508-0990
State Forester calls
on Oregonians to prevent all human-caused fires
“Wildfire activity in Oregon has escalated significantly
since Friday, particularly in eastern Oregon,” said Doug Decker, Oregon State
Forester. “If you couple these major fires with increasing shortages of
firefighting resources and add in the extreme fire danger and conditions
statewide, you can see just how critical it is to prevent the next fire.”
“I’m asking every Oregonian and visitor to help us eliminate
the risk of any new human-caused fire through the rest of fire season,” said
Decker. “Now is the time for vigilance and fire awareness.”
Fire regulations are in effect across Oregon’s wildlands, pertaining
directly to anyone living, recreating or working there. The Department of
Forestry uses its citation authority to enforce fire restrictions on lands in
its jurisdiction, and investigates every fire. Liability for fire costs goes to
responsible parties.
Multiple fast-moving fires have ignited in eastern Oregon in
the past 48 hours. The 13,742-acre El Dorado Fire, the 34,000
acre Canyon Creek Complex,
the 23,000-acre Windy Ridge
and the 26,000-acre Cornet
fires are burning forest resources, threatening homes and transportation
corridors, and prompting evacuations and closures. On Friday, Governor Brown
invoked the Conflagration Act to mobilize structural firefighting resources for
the Canyon Creek Complex of fires near John Day. Additional structural task
forces have been mobilized elsewhere in the state.
Important wildfire prevention resources:
###
August 15, 2015
Today’s map of large fires burning in Oregon.
August 14, 2015
Baker City, Oregon: The Eldorado Fire is currently burning near the junction of Forest Service Road 16 and Highway 26, 8 miles Southeast of Unity. The fire is approximately 2500 acres in size. There are several dozers and fire engines on scene as well as air resources and a Type 3 Incident Commander. A Type 1, Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) team, with Incident Commander Link Smith, will be taking over management of the fire on Saturday, August 15th.
The fire was reported Friday morning and is burning in sage brush and grass. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. Fire officials are recommending that people avoid driving near the fire due to increased firefighting traffic. The safety of the public and firefighters is very important. Additional Eldorado Fire can be found at: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4502/
Baker County Sheriff has issued evacuation notices for the following locations:
– Level 1 (READY):
Shirts Creek
Job Creek & South of Job Creek Road
East of Bull Run Road
South of Campbell Lane
– Level 2 (GET SET):
Dry Gulch Area
Ripley Gulch Area
– Level 3 (GO):
Beam Creek Area
Eldorado Ditch Area
Long Creek Area (Baker Co.)
Long Creek Reservoir
Camp Creek South of Highway 26
Highway 26 is closed between Milepost 231 and Milepost 213 in Unity. Oregon Department of Transportation and Fire Officials recommend checking www.tripcheck.com before traveling in the area.
The National Fire Preparedness Level is at 5, the highest possible. The preparedness level ranges from one, indicating minimal activity, to five, which signals very high activity. It assesses the degree of wildfire activity, the current commitment of fire resources, and the probability of continued severe conditions. A red flag warning with strong, gusty winds and low humidity is in effect through Friday evening.
Fire officials want to remind everyone that the current fire danger rating remains at EXTREME and Public Use Restrictions involving campfires and chainsaw use are in effect on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. Regulated closures are in effect on State and private lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) in northeast and central Oregon.
For more information about the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest’s Public Use Restrictions:
August 13, 2015
Fire crews from the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) Western Lane District are getting the upper hand on a fast-moving wildfire two miles south of the community of Lorane. To date, the Chambers Mill Fire has blackened 180 acres and is predominantly burning on private forestlands protected by ODF.
The fire is 80 percent lined with a combination of bulldozer and hand lines and is estimated at 40 percent contained. Fire managers expect to fully contain the blaze by tomorrow night.
“Yesterday’s initial attack was supported by a heavy air tanker and three single engine air tankers. Today’s game plan calls for using dozers and hand crews to strengthen existing control lines. Our ground game will be supported by two helicopters dropping water to slow the spread of the fire,” said Link Smith, District Forester for the Western Lane District of the Oregon Department of Forestry.
Fire crews are staging equipment and personnel along Territorial Highway south of Lorane. To ensure public and firefighter safety, the Oregon Department of Transportation has restricted access on Territorial Highway to one lane with a pilot car. Drivers are advised to avoid the area if possible and use caution when traveling near the fire.
The Chambers Mill Fire is burning on private and public lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry. Cooperators on the incident include Weyerhaeuser Co. and the Bureau of Land Management.
FIRE AT A GLANCE
Size: 180 acres
Cause: Under Investigation
Containment: 40 percent
Expected Date of Containment: 8/14/15
Crews and Equipment:
Hand Crews: 4
Helicopters: 2
Engines: 4
Dozers: 4
Water Tenders: 6
For More Information:
541-935-2283 ext 242
https://www.facebook.com/oregondepartmentofforestry
https://www.tripcheck.com
August 13, 2015
Aug. 13, 2015
Fire investigators working on
the Stouts Creek Fire have determined that the fire was human caused and
appears to be related to an individual mowing grass. Fire officials say
that the responsible party was allegedly in violation of a Regulated Use Closure because
they were mowing after the shutdown time when the fire occurred.
Because of the violation, the individual may be liable for fire suppression
costs and damages resulting from the fire.
Fire officials with Douglas Forest Protective Association (DFPA) want
to remind everyone to know and follow the current fire restrictions which are
in effect on the Douglas District.
To date, the Stouts Creek
Fire has burned 23,841 acres and suppression costs have reached $22.4 million.
For more information about
public or industrial restrictions currently in effect on the Douglas District,
visit www.dfpa.net or call the 24-hour information line at 541-672-0379.
###
News contact:
Kyle Reed
Fire Prevention
Specialist
Douglas Forest
Protective Association
Office: (541)
672-6507 ext. 136
Cell: (541)
817-7186
August 13, 2015
August 13, 2015
Media Contact:
Chris Pair, 503-559-5938
Gov. Brown invokes the Emergency Conflagration Act in response to the Cornet Fire
(Salem, OR) — Governor Kate Brown invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act at 3:28 a.m. August 13, 2015 in response to the Cornet Fire burning in Baker County. After growing very quickly, the fire threatens approximately 170 structures.
“The Cornet Fire reminds of us how quickly a fire can grow and how dangerous these dry conditions can be,” said Governor Brown. “I encourage Oregonians to take every step possible to prevent even the slightest spark from becoming a life threatening blaze.”
In accordance with ORS 476.510-476.610, Governor Brown determined that a threat to life, safety, and property exists due to the fire and that the threat exceeds the firefighting capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment.
The Governor’s declaration authorizes the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) to mobilize structural firefighters and equipment to assist local resources battling the fire.
The emergency was declared for the Cornet Fire only and is effective immediately. OSFM will assume command of the fire at 11:30 a.m. Thursday.
###
August 6, 2015
STOUTS
FIRE – NIGHT OPERATIONS VIDEO
Night operations are an important part of the plan to help
stop the Stouts Fire. This video shows crews monitoring the progression of the
fire along the 3230 Road south of Tiller, OR. Even with increased humidity
levels during the overnight hours, the fire remains active. The latest
estimates have the Stouts Fire at 17,500 acres and 15% contained.
For more information, videos and photos from the fire, find Stouts Fire on
Facebook or on Twitter (@StoutsFire).
###
August 1, 2015
July
31, 2015
Contacts:
Greg
Wagenblast, South Cascade District
Phil Hunter, Western Lane
District
High temperatures and low
humidity have set the stage for any new wildfires to burn hot and spread fast.
In response, the Oregon Dept. of Forestry’s South Cascade and Western Lane
districts today further tightened fire safety restrictions in the forest. The changes
include:
§
Campfires are now banned completely in the two
districts. Previously they were allowed in designated campgrounds but no
longer. Campstove that use bottled fuels are allowed.
§
Mowing of dry, cured grasses is prohibited at
any time.
§ Some
other fire safety rules already in place include: bans on smoking except in a closed
vehicle or building, grinding and welding of metal, driving/riding motorized
vehicles off of established roads.
Firefighting personnel
and equipment have become scarce due to the Cable Crossing and Stouts fires in
Douglas County, and local fire managers are concerned that any new fires in
South Cascade or Western Lane would stretch resources thin.
“Given the rapid growth
of those fires south of us and the resulting drawdown of resources, we decided
to increase restrictions here,” said Phil Hunter, protection unit forester with
the Western Lane District.
South Cascade District
Forester Greg Wagenblast concurred, noting that all industrial activity in the
forest has been shut down due to the extreme fire danger.
“These stepped-up rules
for recreational activity aim for the same result: Reduce the chance of human-caused
fire starts,” he said.
###
July 31, 2015
July 31, 2015
Media Contacts:
Melissa Navas, 503-378-6496Chris Pair, 503-559-5938
Governor Brown Invokes Conflagration Act in Response to Stouts Fire
(Salem, OR) — Governor Kate Brown invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act at 9:50 p.m. July 30, 2015 in response to the Stouts Fire burning 11 miles east of Canyonville in Douglas County. At the time of the declaration, the fire threatened about 50 homes and another 300 were at risk. Today, this fire remains challenging due to very difficult conditions.
“The Stouts Fire has grown very quickly since beginning early Thursday and is already putting homes at risk,” said Governor Brown. “As temperatures rise across Oregon this week, the Stouts Fire has explosively grown amid record setting fuel conditions and extreme drought. This declaration allows us to quickly dedicate more resources to the fire in the effort to save lives and property.”
The Stouts Fire was first reported at 1:00 p.m. Thursday afternoon and quickly grew from a few hundred acres to about 6,000 acres by day’s end.
In accordance with ORS 476.510-476.610, Governor Brown determined that a threat to life, safety, and property exists due to the fire and that the threat exceeds the firefighting capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment.
The Governor’s declaration authorizes the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal to mobilize structural firefighters and equipment to assist local resources battling the fire.
The emergency was declared for the Stouts Fire only and is effective immediately.
###
July 30, 2015
The 200-acre Stouts Fire was reported today burning 11 miles
east of Canyonville near the community of Milo in Douglas County. An ODF fire team has been deployed to manage the fast-moving blaze. Multiple resources from the Douglas Forest Protective Association and local fire departments are on
scene. The fire is exhibiting extreme behavior and
growing rapidly.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has issued a
Level 3 “GO” evacuation order for the homes on Ferguson Lane, Stouts Creek, and
Conley Lane. The ODF fire team will assume command of the fire suppression operation Friday. Cause of the fire is under investigation.
###
July 29, 2015
Contacts:
Tom
Fields
Oregon Dept. of Forestry
503-945-7440
Rich Hoover
Office of State Fire Marshal
503-934-8217
High Temperatures and
Threat of Lightning Forecasted
As the heat returns to the region this week, fire managers
are once again spreading the word of caution in efforts to prevent human-caused
fires. Fire weather meteorologists are anticipating temperatures in the high
90’s and low 100’s midweek with a chance of lightning in southern and eastern
Oregon arriving Friday. A Red Flag Warning is also in effect for much of the
Willamette Valley and southern Oregon calling for hot and dry unstable
conditions combined with low fuel moisture levels.
As fire season hits full stride, the chances of fires
starting and spreading rapidly are of grave concern.
“We’re looking at a formidable fire weather forecast,” said
Oregon State Forester Doug Decker. “The benefit of any recent moisture we’ve
received has now evaporated, and we’re looking straight at record-breaking
temperatures, extremely low humidities, and dry lightning: the trifecta of bad
wildfire conditions.”
“This is the time for all Oregonians and visitors to be
extremely aware of fire danger. One wrong move with power equipment, a cigarette,
or any open flame can spell trouble.”
Homeowners and outdoor enthusiasts alike can contribute to
the fire prevention campaign by reducing fire prone activities. Campfires are
only allowed in designated campgrounds on public lands and prohibited entirely
on all private lands under ODF’s protection. Outdoor debris burning also
remains prohibited throughout much of the state. While logging activity is
being curtailed under these extreme conditions, many large industrial
landowners have also closed their gates to public access in efforts to reduce
possible ignitions from off-road driving, target shooting, smoking and
campfires; all of which are illegal during fire season.
Should a fire occur close to communities, State Fire Marshal
Jim Walker is urging homeowners to be prepared in case an evacuation is
necessary. “A serious wildfire can come up in a moment’s notice, so residents
need to prepare now in case they have to leave their home, Walker said. “Make
sure to put together a “Go Kit” and make a plan where your family will go and
how you will stay in contact.” Find out more at www.wildlandfirersg.org .
To date, 621 fires have burned 3,393 acres on lands
protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry and forest protective
associations. Of these, 429 have been caused by people. ODF protects about 16
million acres of private and public forest and grazing land from wildfire in
Oregon.
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