Category Public Safety
After clearing 30,000 trees, crews reopen Highway 22 following wildfires
A sign along Highway 22 thanks firefighters on Sunday, September 20. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) Oregon Highway 22 reopened to thru traffic Tuesday night more than a month after wildfire swept through the Santiam Canyon, leaving roads strewn with trees and debris. Crews with the Oregon…
Wildfire victims face challenges finding housing in tight market
Smoke curls from fire still burning within view of the North Santiam River. The north side of the river was badly damaged by wildfires but large areas of the south side largely escaped. (Ron Cooper/Salem Reporter) Federal and local agencies are facing bureaucratic and logistical…
VIDEO: Mountain top video captures ferocity of Beachie Creek Fire
An image from a video taken on top of a mountain ridge near Detroit on Sept. 8, 2020, shows the Beachie Creek Fire as it burns out of control. (Oregon Department of Transportation video) On the night of Monday, Sept. 7, the Beachie Creek Fire…
Police investigating death of Willamette University sophomore
Salem police are continuing to investigate the death of a 19-year-old Willamette University student leader whose body was found by hikers in Minto-Brown Island Park on Friday afternoon. The Salem Police Department disclosed the investigation in a Saturday afternoon news release, identifying the victim as…
In wake of wildfires, concerns arise that tax relief for Santiam Canyon property owners will be too little and too late
Myron Shenk, of Albany, leans on the frame of a destroyed bunk bed at the remains of a weekend home he shared with his wife in Detroit on Saturday, Sept. 27. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) On top of badly damaged or destroyed homes and businesses from…
AROUND OREGON: Baby Yoda brings smiles to Oregon firefighters on the front lines
Oregon firefighters spend some quality time with Baby Yoda, donated by five-year-old Scappoose resident Carver. (Courtesy photo) Baby Yoda may be most famous as a resident of a galaxy far, far away, but he’s now supporting those on the frontlines of Oregon’s wildfires. After being…
With wildfire funds and dedicated volunteers, Santiam and Salem groups prepare for long-term recovery help
Red Cross volunteers pass out meals and supplies outside of Gates on Sunday, September 20. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) The Oregon State Fairgrounds are empty of livestock evacuated from wildfires, and a nearby warehouse that served as a donation center for evacuees has been cleared out.…
Was your life disrupted by the wildfires? You can still get your ballot
Ballots wait to be processed at the Marion County Elections Office on Tuesday, May 19. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) With the ballots for the November election set to go out in a matter of weeks, it’s a busy time at the Marion County clerk’s office.…
Salem police looking for stolen fire starters used to fight fires
A photo depicting equipment used for “back burning” that was stolen earlier this week from a truck parked in a Salem hotel. (Salem Police Department photo) Salem police are asking for the public’s help in finding the thief who stole fire-fighting devices out of a…