Salem-News.com Environment articles

Oregon Chetco Bar Wildfire Update

A pocket of dispersed heat from a low intensity ground fire was discovered, creeping and smoldering in the thick leaf litter on the forest floor.

(SALEM, Ore.) - As of today, two twenty person hand crews, support engines, and a chipper have been deployed along the 240 and 1205 roads to mop up the remaining fire within the Wheeler Creek area.

Firefighters continue to patrol the fire perimeter, checking any areas of concern and completing suppression repair as needed.

$350,000 Immediately Available to Help Homeless Veterans

"Our veterans have bravely served our country and we owe it to them to ensure that they have a safe and stable place to call home." -Margaret Salazar, Director OHCS

(SALEM, Ore.) - "In the last few years, we have made great progress in reducing the number of homeless veterans, but we still have a long way to go to meet our goal of ending veteran homelessness in our state," said Cameron Smith, director of the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs.

"This funding is essential as we continue to work to address the housing needs of all of Oregon's veterans and their families."

Eagle Creek Fire Containment Increased to 11%

On the high ridges to the south, away from populated areas, the fire continues burning at low intensity.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Last night, about 8:00 p.m., skies cleared and burning fuel pockets west of Herman Creek created an impressive plume visible for miles along the Columbia Gorge. The plume was caused by active fire, as light winds funneled up the Herman Creek drainage.

With darkness and cooling temperatures, winds were expected to blow the fire back down the drainage across already burned areas.

Utah Man Arrested For NW Fires Wildland Arson

Authorities say it is possible Wilson may be responsible for other fires in the northwest.

(LA PINE, Ore.) - An investigation began on August 29, 2017 into four wildland fires that occurred along the Highway 97 between the area of Lava River Cave and Mile Post 180 south of La Pine, Oregon.

Through a collaborative law enforcement effort and information obtained from the public, a suspect was developed.

Climate Change is Happening -- the Time to Act is Now

Climate change denial is a self-interested political decision, not a scientific one.

(SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.) - Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Jose collectively represent the most hurricane activity in the Atlantic Ocean, in terms of strength and size, in recorded history.

The National Hurricane Center scientist Eric Blake pointed out the three hurricanes are threatened land at the same time. Again, that’s never happened before.

Wildfire Causes Level 1 Evacuation for Breitenbush Hot Springs Area

A burn ban remains in effect in Marion County.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Today, the Marion County Board of Commissioners authorized a Level 1 Evacuation notice for the Breitenbush Hot Springs resort area and a portion of the Willamette National Forest.

The notice is in response to wildfires currently burning within approximately three miles of the Breitenbush Hot Springs resort area.

142nd Fighter Wing Send Support Teams for Hurricane Harvey Relief

Oregon is joining the efforts to save lives in Texas

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Members of the Oregon Air National Guard's 125th Special Tactics Squadron have been called to provide humanitarian support for Hurricane Harvey relief in Texas.

Approximately 15 Oregon Air National Guardsmen departed from Portland Air National Guard Base(PANG) at around 4:20 p.m. on a C-130 Hercules aircraft headed to Robert Gray Army Airfield in Texas.

Oregon Statewide Campfire Ban Lifted in Parks and Designated Campgrounds

The campfire ban is over, but the risk of wildfire continues.

(SALEM, Ore.) - A statewide ban on open fires in state park campgrounds has been lifted effective August 22, 2017. However, local and regional fire restrictions are still in effect in many state parks, and restrictions from other authorities often apply to state parks as well.

Visitors planning a trip to a state park or the ocean shore during the rest of the fire season should check for public fire restrictions for updates before traveling.

Oregon Eclipse Update: Stay a Little Longer ... Avoid Congestion

Check your entire route to make sure traffic is flowing before you head out @TripCheck.com.

(SALEM, Ore.) - What an amazing sight! #OREclipse was a huge success! Our thanks to Mother Nature for a most incredible Total Solar Eclipse in Oregon -- and for giving us clear skies over much of the viewing area.

Working with our local, state and federal partners, as well as the media and the general public, got the word out about arriving early. People had little trouble getting to their eclipse viewing spots -- and overall had an excellent experience

Red Cross Wildfire Evacuation Shelters House More Than Two Dozen People Saturday Night

Individuals and families affected by the wildfires and in need of shelter are encouraged to come for help and information.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The American Red Cross housed more than two dozen people at three shelters throughout Oregon last night.

Hundreds of people have been forced to evacuate from their homes due to the Milli, Chetco Bar and Nena Springs Wildfires burning near Sisters, Brookings, and Warm Springs, Oregon.