Salem-News.com Environment articles

Flash Flood Watch for Oregon`s Cascade Foothills

Be ALERT: the risk for landslides and flooding is higher in burn areas.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for a portions of the Cascade foothills, including portions of the following counties: Hood River, Multnomah, Clackamas, Marion, Linn, Lane, Douglas, Coos, Jackson, and Klamath for Thursday, September 17, 5 pm, through September 18, early morning.

Heavy rain can trigger landslides, rock fall, and debris flows in steep terrain.

Marion County Fire Evacuation Levels and Road Closure Barricades

Evacuation Level Updated for Lyons and Mehama

(MARION COUNTY, Ore.) - Evacuation levels were updated at 1:00 p.m. today for portions of the Mehama and Lyons communities, being downgraded to a Level 2 “Be Set” evacuation status. Those evacuation levels remain in effect.

Existing closures on Highway 22 will remain in effect due to continuing extreme hazards from falling trees.

Firefighters Achieve 15% Containment of Beachie Creek Fire

The Beachie Creek Fire and the Riverside Fire remain about one mile apart.

(MARION COUNTY, Ore.) - Firefighters will resume work Tuesday to secure the perimeter of the Beachie Creek Fire. Crews and heavy equipment continue to connect and strengthen existing control line together on the west and northwest portions of the fire.

Good progress was made in this area over the last couple days. Firefighters continue to work with landowners on the southeastern perimeter of the fire to build and secure control lines in that area. Firefighters will also continue mopping up and systematically assessing damage to structures inside the fire.

Oregon Health Authority Reports 519th COVID Death

Oregon reports 184 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 8 new deaths

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - COVID-19 has claimed eight more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 519. The Oregon Health Authority also reported 184 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 29,662.

The new cases are in the following counties:
Clackamas (11), Clatsop (1), Columbia (1), Crook (1), Deschutes (2)...

Fire Cause Determined for Chehalem Mountain-Bald Peak Fire

Residents need to remain vigilant and should call 911 to report any spot fires.

(TUALATIN, Ore.) - An improperly extinguished campfire on private property near the 20000 block of Neugebauer Lane has been determined to be the cause of the Chehalem Mountain - Bald Peak Fire.

Approximately 875 acres were impacted by the fire, though fire protection, suppression and patrols have been conducted throughout 1,555 acres.

Marion County Sheriff`s Office Wildfire Efforts Evening Update

Evacuees can get help and shelter for their livestock including sheep, goats, swine, horses, cattle, poultry, and domestic pets.

(SALEM, Ore.) - As we move into the evening, the evacuation levels continue to remain the same. We have received some additional updates regarding various aspects of the Beachie Creek Fire that we are including below.

We’re continuing to work with many partner agencies who are working on the wildfires impacting the Santiam Canyon. Due to the danger from falling trees, rock slides, and continued roadway hazards along Highway 22, access to the Level 3 evacuation zone for animal removal and feeding has been suspended.

Oregon DMV Call Centers and Most Offices Closed Tuesday

If you have an appointment this week and your office is closed, DMV will contact you to reschedule

(SALEM, Ore.) - DMV call centers and most offices including headquarters in Salem will be closed again Tuesday because of hazardous indoor air quality. Some offices may reopen during the day if air quality improves.

Due to heavy wildfire smoke affecting nearly every part of the state, air conditions are not safe for customers and employees inside most DMV buildings.

Air Quality Advisory for all of Oregon Extended at Least Through Thursday

NOTE: Cloth, dust and surgical masks DO NOT protect from the harmful particles in smoke. Stay Inside.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Lane Regional Air Protection Agency and the Southwest Washington Clean Air Agency extended an air quality advisory Monday for all regions of Oregon and Southwest Washington due to smoke from fires in Oregon, Washington and California.

DEQ expects the air quality advisory to last at least through Thursday.

Oregon COVID-19 Cases Nearing 30,000

Wildfires and hazardous air conditions have affected COVID-19 testing in Oregon.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - COVID-19 has claimed two more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 511, and there are 151 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 29,484.

The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties...

Oregon Fires Cause a Smokey Traffic Hazard

Here are some steps you can take to help stay safe if you encounter heavy smoke while driving.

(SALEM, Ore.) - There were a few crashes Sunday morning in and around Salem due to low visibility. With heavy smoke and fog blanketing much of the state, ODOT is reminding drivers the best thing they can do to stay safe is avoid driving unless absolutely necessary.

Remember to check conditions if you must head out. A number of roads remain closed throughout the state.