UPDATE: 12:16 p.m.
The ARCHES Project is keeping its Day Center open longer than normal Friday and Saturday for people needing to stay cool.
The facility at 615 Commercial St. N.E. will be open between 9 a.m and 7 p.m both days. The Day Center normally closes at 4 p.m.
Original story below:
The National Weather Service is urging Salem-area residents to take extra precautions as extreme heat and possible fire weather are expected through Saturday.
Salem is forecasted to see a high near 94 degrees on Friday. A high near 97 is expected Saturday, then down to 91 degrees Sunday, according to the Weather Channel.
The Willamette Valley will also be under a fire weather watch between 2 p.m. Friday and 8 p.m. Saturday. There is a 10-20% chance starting late Friday afternoon for critically dry air with wind strong enough to result in “critical fire weather conditions,” then rising to a 50-60% chance late Saturday afternoon into the evening, according to the weather service’s alert.
Winds between 10 and 15 miles per hour are forecasted, with gusts up to 20 to 25 miles per hour in the afternoon and evening.
“Conditions may be favorable for rapid fire spread which may threaten life and property. Use extra caution with potential ignition sources, especially in grassy areas. Outdoor burning is not recommended,” the agency said in its statement.
Greg Walsh, Marion County’s emergency management director, said Thursday that there are currently no burn bans in place, and the county’s Fire Defense Board does not plan to issue one for the weekend.
“If there is a reason to issue one they have the ability to do so rather quickly, but as of right now they’ll be monitoring but not putting a ban in place,” Walsh said in an email.
The weather service asked residents of the Willamette Valley to listen for later forecasts and possible red flag warnings, which alert fire managers that burns could lead to dangerous wildfire growth.
The region will be under a heat advisory between noon and 9 p.m. Friday, with hot temperatures forecasted which may cause heat illnesses, according to the alert.
The agency said residents should prepare by drinking plenty of water, staying in an air-conditioned room, staying out of the sun and checking on relatives and neighbors.
“Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening,” the alert said. “To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments.”
People seeking information about shelter and other services can dial 211 during business hours or go to 211info.org.
Contact reporter Ardeshir Tabrizian: [email protected] or 503-929-3053.
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Ardeshir Tabrizian has covered criminal justice and housing for Salem Reporter since September 2021. As an Oregon native, his award-winning watchdog journalism has traversed the state. He has done reporting for The Oregonian, Eugene Weekly and Malheur Enterprise.
