Salem-News.com Health articles

Help the Environment by Starting at Home

Cut back on your carbon footprint while simultaneously reducing your monthly bills.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The world is in an interesting position nowadays. Due to advancements in technology and the level of connection made possible by the internet more and more people are aware of the impact of the human race on the planet.

Though there are those that want to pretend as if this is not a problem, most sensible people can easily see that action must be taken in order to keep the planet thriving for the survival of the human species.

The City of Salem Continues Burn Ban During Red Flag Conditions

Questions? Call the City of Salem Fire Department at 503-588-6245.

(SALEM, Ore.) - With the extended weather forecast continuing to call for high temperatures and gusty winds, the City of Salem will continue to ban open burning until further notice.

All outdoor burning, including ceremonial and recreational fires, will continue to be prohibited within the City of Salem. This ban is based on weather conditions and community fire safety needs. The ban will remain in effect through this week.

Oregon Fire Marshall Urges Vigilance During Dangerously Dry Days

A Red Flag Warning has been issued for the majority of NW Oregon

(SALEM, Ore.) - With Oregon's hottest temperatures, gusty winds and low humidity occurring throughout the next few days, Oregon State Fire Marshal Jim Walker is urging all residents to take the utmost care and thorough caution to prevent wildfires.

"A majority of this year's wildfires have been human caused," says State Fire Marshal Jim Walker.

Local Red Cross Sends Eight Responders to Help With California Wildfires

Eight Red Cross disaster responders from Oregon and Southwest Washington deploy to California to help people affected by massive wildfires; Eighteen others still on the ground in Louisiana helping flood relief effort.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Explosive brush fires have ripped through more than 30,000 acres in San Bernardino County. More than 86,000 people have been forced to leave their homes. An unknown number of homes could be destroyed, and there is no containment in sight.

Two Red Cross shelters provided refuge to 173 individuals affected by the Blue Cut Fire.

Northwest Sizzles with High Summer Temps

RED FLAG WARNING is in effect from 1 p.m. Thursday to late Friday night

(SALEM, Ore.) - Extremely hot temperatures are coming to Oregon Thursday through Saturday with highs in the 80s along the Coast and near (or above) 100 inland. Critical fire weather conditions are expected to develop Thursday and continue through at least Friday night.

Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible; drink plenty of water; reschedule any outdoor activities to early morning or evening hours; anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded area.

Preparing Our Nation for Extreme Heat

Stay hydrated. Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages and increase your fluid intake.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - As a heat wave spreads across the country this week, the federal government is working overtime to help state, regional, tribal, and local communities prepare for potential extreme-heat events.

Extreme heat affects everybody – our family, friends and neighbors. Our nation’s most vulnerable include the elderly, children, emergency responders, outdoor workers, low-income households, athletes, and even our pets.

Fire Season begins July 5 in West Oregon District

Open burning has been banned in Benton and Polk counties.

(PHILOMATH, Ore.) - Due to increasing fire danger, the Oregon Department of Forestry has officially declared that fire season will go into effect at 1 a.m. Tuesday, July 5, in the West Oregon District.

This area includes private, state, county and Bureau of Land Management forestlands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry in Benton, Polk, Lincoln and southern Yamhill counties.

The Importance of Healthy Eating for Your Kids

All ages benefit from healthing up!

(SALEM, Ore.) - Healthy, sustainable eating is all the rage, and rightfully so. More and more, people are paying attention to what they eat, and where what they eat comes from.

A more symbiotic relationship between humans and food, namely how our food is produced, is necessary in order to reduce our carbon footprint as a whole.

Interagency Wildland Firefighting School Begins in Sweet Home

Classes begin today and continue through Friday.

(SWEET HOME, Ore.) - "Fire School provides crucial education and training in wildland fire to new firefighters and gives career firefighters a chance to refresh their skills, explore leadership opportunities and come together as a team working towards a common goal," said Sheldon.

"A nearby forest landowner, Cascade Timber Consulting, Inc., provides a new field site each year and we are very grateful," he added.

1200 Homes Threatened by 2,000-Acre Akawana Fire

The fire is burning in heavy brush and beetle-killed Ponderosa pine.

(SISTERS, Ore.) - The 2,000-acre Akawana Fire reported June 7 is burning 13 miles north of the town of Sisters in the Oregon Dept. of Forestry's Central Oregon District on private lands.

ODF fire managers expect continued growth over the next 24 hours as wind is forecast to persist. The fire is threatening approximately 1,200 homes in the Three Rivers subdivision near Lake Billy Chinook.