Residents in the area of the 2022 Vitae Springs Fire said at the time that evacuation alerts left them confused and uncertain about conditions. City officials say now they have improved their emergency messaging system since the southwest Salem fire to provide quicker and clearer public information.
Tag: WILDFIRE
Liberty Fire contained after burning 25 acres, threatening hundreds of homes
A fast-spreading grass fire that came close to south Salem subdivisions Wednesday was controlled within hours thanks to help from a nearby construction crew, air support and over 100 firefighters. Fire crews are monitoring the area as Salem’s forecast calls for high temperatures and low humidity in the coming days.
Oregon emergency officials look to 2020 wildfires for lessons learned
State officials said more needs to be done to share data between agencies when responding to wildfires so survivors see fewer delays and don’t have to repeat their stories dozens of times.
As Oregon fires rage, Chavez-DeRemer joins push for higher firefighter pay
Federal wildland firefighters received temporary raises last year that are set to expire at the end of September. A bipartisan group is pushing to make raises permanent.
Oregon Gov. Kotek, fire officials say wet winter could delay wildfires, but drought persists
A heat wave will bring temperatures in the 90s to the Willamette Valley and other parts of the state later this week.
UPDATED: With fire risk high, power shut off in parts of Santiam Canyon, Scotts Mills, Silver Falls
Power is out for thousands in rural Marion County as local utilities and agencies contend with a hot, dry forecast and high winds that have led to fire warnings across the state.
State forester rescinds wildfire risk map in response to public, political outcry
Several Republican lawmakers in southern and eastern Oregon said the map was flawed, causing people to lose insurance or face doubled premiums.
Access to some county parks, roads in Santiam Canyon remains limited
Some county parks and roads in the Santiam Canyon damaged by wildfire will remain closed for repairs and hazard removal as the U.S. Forest Service recently reopened other spots in the area to the public. The areas of Salmon Falls, Bear Creek, North Fork, Niagra and Minto are staying closed,[Read More…]
Wildfire-affected area of Santiam Canyon reopening after 2-year closure
Visitors to the Santiam Canyon can now access some campgrounds and trails that have been closed since the Beachie Creek Fire in 2020. The Willamette National Forest on Monday reopened access to the Elk Lake, Humbug and Fox Creek Group campgrounds in the Detroit area. The Stahlman Point and Tumble[Read More…]
UPDATE: Now a new threat: Possible flash floods in Santiam fire zone
Gov. Kate Brown reviews fire damage in the Santiam Canyon on Thursday, Sept. 17, after she received a briefing from fire officials. (Office of Gov. Kate Brown photo) UPDATE 11 a.m. Thursday: The Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries warned people to be alert to potential floods and debris[Read More…]