Category Fire
Bill that could have offered utilities protection from fire lawsuits gets fix
A single sentence change in House Bill 3666 ensures certificates awarded to utilities for wildfire prevention plans are not used to determine their legal liability in a wildfire.
Bill would create $1 billion fund to aid utilities in paying wildfire victims
In a document circulated last fall, Oregon power brokers argue wildfires endanger the entire state’s economic health.
New program will help people recover from opioid withdrawal, connect with treatment
Starting March 10, people in opioid withdrawal will have easier access to medication that treats their symptoms, which include physical pain, nausea and emotional distress. The aim is to help people who have just overdosed break the cycle of using again and make treatment easier.
Oregon Democrats in U.S. House, others warn that firings could mean dire wildfire season
Federal employees not only put out fires, they also manage prevention work, like controlled burns to clear out undergrowth that can fuel catastrophic blazes under dry, windy conditions.
Bill on wildfire prevention work could give utilities immunity from lawsuits
House Bill 3666 would set minimum standards for wildfire prevention work by utilities but lawyers say it also offers statutory immunity from lawsuits.
Gov. Kotek, Legislature want to pause action on wildfire hazard map to quell public frustration
Kotek directed the state forestry department to pause any further action based on the map until the Legislature decides to keep, update or repeal it.
PacifiCorp was grossly negligent in Oregon’s 2020 wildfires. Now it’s asking lawmakers for protection.
PacifiCorp has waged a campaign, in the courts and now in the halls of the state Capitol, to reduce its financial obligation to wildfire survivors.
Salem firefighters saw devastation, received local support while helping fight Palisades Fire
Salem firefighters recently returned from a two-week deployment in California to help fight the Palisades Fire, which burned over 23,000 acres.
Police investigating suspected arson at Salem Tesla dealership
At around 3:45 a.m. Monday, Salem police and firefighters responded to a report of a vehicle fire at the Tesla dealership in south Salem. Salem police are investigating the case as arson.