November 1, 2022

Oregon Department of Forestry     -     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Southwest Oregon District
5286 Table Rock Rd.
Central Point, OR  97502
Contact: Natalie Weber, Public Information Officer

Restrictions on Industrial Slash Burning Lifted,
Expect Additional Burns During Cool, Wet Weather

JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Nov. 1, 2021) – A persistent weather pattern of cooler temperatures and consistent rain has prompted a decrease in restrictions for industrial slash burning, effective immediately. As a result, prescribed fire and industrial slash burning may increase in high-elevation, remote areas throughout Jackson and Josephine Counties. Additional information can be found here: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/Pages/burn.aspx

These restrictions are specifically for industrial use and are separate from general public debris burning regulations. Before a debris or barrel burn, members of the public should first contact their local fire district for any needed permits, and on the day of the debris burn, contact the appropriate county burn line to confirm it is a burn day:

• Jackson County: (541) 776-7007

• Josephine County: (541) 476-9663

Even though the fire season is officially over, please continue to practice fire prevention when burning debris by ensuring a burn pile is never left un-attended and using caution when using machinery that could cause a spark. Please be aware that fires can still spread during dry periods in fall and winter conditions. This region is extremely prone to wildfire, and for that reason, fire knows no season.

Fire prevention tips and information from the ODF Southwest Oregon District is available online at our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest and our website, www.swofire.com.

Thank you,

Natalie Weber
Public Information Officer
Oregon Department of Forestry
Southwest Oregon District

Online: www.swofire.com | Facebook: @ODFSouthwest | Twitter: @swofire

10/31/22 - ODF News & Updates:

With the end of fire season, dispose of yard debris responsibly

SALEM, OR – The Oregon Department of Forestry and other fire prevention experts urge the public to exercise caution when disposing of yard debris this fall.

With the end of fire season, many Oregonians have debris piles ready to be disposed of that cured over the summer. Preferable options for removal, aside from burning, include composting or recycling. Check with your local disposal company for recycling options.

If burning now is the only option to dispose of yard debris, fire prevention specialists ask people to follow safe burning practices. The following tips can help stop run-away burn piles:

Call before you burn – Burning regulations vary by location depending on the weather and fuel conditions. If you are planning to burn, check with your local Oregon Department of Forestry district, fire protective association, fire department, or air protection authority to learn about current burning restrictions or regulations, and if you need a permit.

Know the weather – Burn early in the day and never burn on dry or windy days, because fires can spread out of control more easily.

Clear a 10-foot fuel-free buffer around the pile – Scrape a ten-foot trail down to mineral soil around the perimeter of the pile to keep the fire contained in one place. Make sure there are no tree branches or power lines above

Keep burn piles small – Large burn piles can cast hot embers long distances. Keep piles small, maximum of four feet by four feet. Add debris to the pile in small amounts as the pile burns.

Always have water and fire tools nearby – When burning, have a charged water hose, and shovel on hand to put out the fire. Keep the area around the pile damp during the burning process. When finished, drown the pile with water, stir the coals, and drown again, repeating until the fire is out cold.

Stay with the fire until it is out cold – State laws requires monitoring of debris burn piles from start to finish until it is out cold. This law is intended to ensure sparks or embers that jump from the fire can be put out quickly.

Recheck burn piles. They can retain heat for several weeks and restart when the weather warms up and winds blow.

Never use gasoline or other flammable or combustible liquids to start or speed up your fire.

Burn only yard debris – State laws prohibit burning materials or trash that create dense smoke or noxious odors.

Costs of run-away debris burns– State law requires the proper clearing, building, attending and extinguishing of open fires all year. If your debris burn spreads out of control, you may have to pay for suppression costs, as well as the damage to your neighbors’ properties. This can be extremely expensive.

More tips on wildfire prevention, including campfire safety, motorized equipment use, and fire-resistant landscaping can be found on the Keep Oregon Green website. Find public use restrictions for Oregon Department of Forestry protected lands before your burn.

Fire season ended Oct. 26th.

In a news release on Tues. 10/25/22, the Oregon Dept. of Forestry declared the official end to the 2022 fire season, effective at 12:01 am Wed., 10/26/22.

"The termination of fire season removes fire prevention regulations on equipment use and the use of fire for debris burning. This applies to the public and industrial operations on forestlands; however, industrial slash burning is still prohibited."

The text of ODF's 10/25/22 news release is posted on our Current Fire Restrictions page.

In an era of increasingly challenging fire seasons, and while lightning is always the wild card, everyone's participation in wildfire prevention and cooperation with fire season regulations is essential for avoiding human-caused fires. We would like to thank our community for helping us all to get through this past fire season safely.

As we head into the wet season, here are some fire safety reminders:

If you do any outdoor debris or slash burning this fall, please follow proper safety procedures. And while we do not require permits, a call ahead of your burn helps us to avoid false alarms.

Test your smoke alarms (every month), and replace batteries as needed; also check the dates on the back and replace any alarm that is over 10 years old. This small time investment can help save lives in the event of a fire, and is one of the most important (and easiest) things you can do to keep yourself and your family safe.

If you heat with wood, clean your stove pipe or chimney before use this fall and periodically during the winter to avoid creosote build-up. This is crucial: creosote build-up can cause a sudden, extremely hot fire, threatening lives and property. Cleaning maintenance and safely operating wood-burning appliances are key elements of home fire safety.

Stock up on food, water, any necessary medications, and other basic essentials: prepare for emergencies by having enough supplies to last for at least several weeks. Arrange emergency contacts ahead of time, and discuss plans with family members. Sign up for Emergency Alerts (Jackson County’s Citizen Alert!) to get emergency information quickly (phone, cell phone, email, text), at: www.jacksoncounty.org/alert.

Please drive safely and within posted speed limits. The roads in our district were not designed for high-volume, high-speed travel and have many blind turns and narrow or one-lane sections. Avoidable accidents is a sad way to have to use our resources.

Information on home fire safety, slash burning safety, emergency preparation and more is available here on our website. If you have any questions or concerns, call us at 541-488-1768 or call Chief Steve Avgeris directly at (cell) 541-821-8339.

Thank you for continuing to practice fire safety and for being a part of our volunteer fire district’s fire prevention efforts. Have a pleasant and safe fall and winter.

For updates on fires in Jackson & Josephine Counties (Southwest Oregon), see:

www.swofire.com
ODF's Facebook page @ODF Southwest Oregon District
Rum Creek/Hog Creek fires https://www.facebook.com/rumcreekfire2022

For the latest on the McKinney Fire (Northern CA): 

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8287/
https://www.facebook.com/KlamathNF

Posted 5/10/22  -  Oregon Dept. of Forestry issues a News Release (5/9/22)

"Wildfire Awareness Month: Prevent wildfire: Wait for the right time to burn debris."

An excerpt: "SALEM, OR – The Oregon Department of Forestry and other fire prevention experts urge the public to exercise caution when disposing of yard debris this spring. The drought conditions this year put Oregon at a higher risk of wildfire.

"May is Wildfire Awareness Month, which is a great time to trim trees, bushes, and tidy up plants around your home that could catch fire. This is what we call creating a “defensible space” around your home and property. [ . . . ]

"If burning now is the only option to dispose of yard debris, fire prevention specialists ask people to follow safe burning practices. The following tips can help stop run-away burn piles: [ . . . ]

Read the complete news release re-posted on our Open Burning (Slashburning) page, or on the Oregon Dept. of Forestry's website.

Re-posted 5/1/22 from ODF Southwest Oregon District's website at swofire.com:

ODF Southwest Oregon District now hiring for fire season 2022

"JACKSON & JOSEPHINE COUNTIES, Ore. (Jan. 6, 2022) – The Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District is recruiting for multiple positions for the upcoming fire season, including entry-level and experienced firefighters, dispatchers and detection specialists, totaling approximately 130 jobs in Jackson and Josephine counties. These seasonal positions generally span from June through October, however, duration may vary depending on conditions. Both Medford and Grants Pass offices are actively hiring; benefits include medical, dental and vision health coverage and paid holidays, as well as personal business, vacation and sick leave.

"The deadline to apply for all positions is June 30, however interviews will take place from March on; applying early is highly encouraged. Job descriptions and applications can be found" [online at ODF Southwest Oregon District's website at:]

https://swofire.com/2022/01/06/odf-southwest-oregon-district-now-hiring-for-fire-season-2022/

Jackson fifth Oregon county to declare drought emergency - 3/24/22

"On Wednesday, Jackson County joined four other counties in Oregon declaring a drought emergency.

"Low water storage and snowpack levels in Southern Oregon have prompted the fifth Oregon county to declare a drought emergency this year, ahead of what’s expected to be an extremely dry summer.

"The Pacific Northwest continues to face a prolonged drought, and this year is predicted to be worse than the past two years. [ . . . ]

“ 'In addition, this multi-year cumulative drought has resulted in decreased fuel moisture and early onset fire danger,' he [Jackson County Administrator Danny Jordan] says.

"It’s expected fire season could begin as early as May this year. [ . . . ]"

View this article (By Roman Battaglia, Jefferson Public Radio, 3/24/22): https://www.opb.org/article/2022/03/24/jackson-county-oregon-drought-emergency/

Of related interest:

Climate experts predict ‘tough times’ ahead as drought conditions continue ("Central and Southern Oregon are bearing the brunt of an extensive drought that could bring early wildfire and more water shortages this summer...") - 3/3/22 - https://www.opb.org/article/2022/03/03/climate-experts-predict-tough-summer-northwest-drought/

Oregon and the West may be stuck in perpetual drought, study says ("What’s now considered a long and intense drought in Oregon and parts of the American West is becoming the norm, according to new research.") - 3/17/22 - https://www.opb.org/article/2022/03/17/drought-oregon-climate-change-perpetual/

West megadrought worsens to driest in at least 1,200 years ("The American West’s megadrought deepened so much last year that it is now the driest in at least 1,200 years and is a worst-case climate change scenario playing out live, a new study finds.") - 2/14/22 - https://www.opb.org/article/2022/02/14/west-megadrought-hits-worst-case-scenario-driest-since-800/

The ODF issues a statement on debris burning following an escaped burn:

March 7, 2022

Oregon Department of Forestry
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Southwest Oregon District
5286 Table Rock Rd.
Central Point, OR  97502

Contact: Natalie Weber, Public Information Officer
      [contact information withheld by request of ODF]

Escaped Debris Burn Stopped at a Half-Acre Outside of Gold Hill

GOLD HILL, Ore. (March 7, 2022) – Firefighters have stopped the forward spread of an escaped debris burn, reported on the 1300-block of Sardine Creek Road, northwest of Gold Hill. Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District, Jackson County Fire District #1, Jackson County Fire District 3 and Evans Valley Fire District #6 all responded and were able to quickly line the fire; mop-up operations are nearly complete.

The fire was first reported around 4:15 this afternoon by the landowner. It was caused by a debris burn pile that escaped and started to move uphill following a wind direction change. The landowner had a water source at the ready and tried to stop the fire, however, due to the dryness of the vegetation, the wind and topography, it spread beyond control. The landowner called 911 to report it, and then used their excavator to begin lining the fire. When firefighters arrived, they were able to build on that work and quickly stop the forward spread of the fire.

This is a great example of how to handle an escaped debris burn; the landowner had a water source at the ready, did what they could, and reported it by calling 911 right away. With the current lack of substantial rain, fuels are dry and ready to burn.

If you have debris burning to do, consider the following:

 Only burn on a burn day. Call your county’s burn line to ensure you’re not breaking the law and starting an illegal burn pile.

 Check the weather. If it’s warm, sunny and windy, consider putting off your debris burn until the next cloudy or rainy day- even if it’s a scheduled burn day.

 Make sure you have any needed permits from your local fire department or district, and know the regulations associated with it.

 Clear the area directly around your pile and make sure there isn’t any dry vegetation nearby that could cause it to spread.

 Keep a water source nearby, such as a charged hose.

 Never leave your burn pile unattended.

 When you’re finished, extinguish your burn pile with water and dirt until you can’t feel any heat in the area. Check for heat with the back of your hand.

 Monitor your prior debris burns. Extinguished piles can reignite months later in warm, windy conditions weeks after your burn.

No one thinks their debris burn will be the one that starts a fire. Please be aware of the current conditions and monitor your piles - it could mean one less wildfire in our valley this spring.

Additional information is also available online on our website, www.swofire.com,  our Facebook page, @ODFSouthwest and our Twitter account, @swofire.

Thank you,

Natalie Weber
Public Information Officer
Oregon Department of Forestry
Southwest Oregon District
[contact phone withheld by request of ODF]

Online: www.swofire.com | Facebook: @ODFSouthwest | Twitter: @swofire

COLDER TEMPERATURES PROMPT REMINDER TO BE FIRE SAFE WHEN HEATING YOUR HOME

News Release from Oregon State Fire Marshal - December 14th, 2021

SALEM, Ore. – With the cold months of winter upon the state of Oregon, the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal would like to remind people to be safe when it comes to keeping warm and heating their homes.

In 2020, heating was the number two cause of home structure fires in Oregon. Firefighters across the state responded to 487 home structure fires or 17% of all fires where the cause was determined to be from heating

“As the temperatures drop and winter weather encourages us to spend more time inside it is important to heat your home safely,” Assistant Chief Deputy Claire McGrew said. “Every winter across the state we see house fires that could have been prevented. We want to remind Oregonians of simple home heating tips to protect themselves and their families this winter.”

When heating your home, the OSFM offers the following tips:

All Heating Types

  Use heating equipment that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.

  Keep things that burn, such as paper, curtains, bedding, or furniture, at least three feet away from all heating equipment, including fireplaces, wood stoves, and pellet stoves.

  Keep a three-foot “kid and pet-free zone” around all heating equipment.

Heaters

  Use newer, portable space heaters with an automatic shut-off so they will shut off if they’re tipped over.

  Clean them each year before using them and check for product recalls.

  Unplug portable space heaters when not in use, before going to bed, or leaving the room.

  Make sure fuel-burning heaters are designed for indoor use and are properly ventilated. Heaters not designed for indoor use pose a carbon monoxide risk.

  Plug portable heaters directly into wall outlets, never into a power strip or extension cord.

Wood and Pellet-Burning Heating Equipment (fireplaces, wood stoves, pellet stoves)

  Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected at least once a year by a qualified professional.

  With wood stoves and fireplaces, burn only dry, seasoned wood. In pellet stoves, burn only dry, seasoned pellets.

  Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from escaping.

​  Place ashes in a metal container, soak with water and keep them at least 10 feet away from the home or anything that can burn. Dispose of the ash only after it is cool. ​

Another item OSFM asks Oregonians to do is check their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly. These alarms should be installed on every level of your home (including the basement), inside each bedroom, and in the hallway outside each bedroom. Working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms save lives.

For more information about home heating safety visit OSFM’s Home Heating Safety Page.

FIRE SAFETY IN THE KITCHEN     Posted 11/20/21

Cooking is the leading cause (49%) of reported home fires and home fire injuries (42%) and the second leading cause (20%) of home fire deaths.

Unattended cooking is a contributing factor in 31% of home fires related to cooking equipment, 53% of the associated deaths and 44% of the associated injuries.

Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires involving cooking equipment, with more than 3 times the average number, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve. 

Do you know what to do if you have a cooking fire? What can you do to prevent one? Do you know the key dangers of frying a turkey, and how to avoid a turkey fryer fire? To learn more, visit:

   The National Fire Protection Association - Public Eduction page: Cooking

  The U.S. Fire Administration - Prevention: Cooking Fire Safety Outreach Materials

Meanwhile, practice fire safety in the kitchen, and "keep an eye on what you fry."

The 2021 fire season is over

as of Wed. October 20th, at 9:00 am.

All restrictions on the public use of regulated equipment have been lifted.

Open burning is now allowed; remember to check with Jackson County's Burn line to make sure it's a burn day before you conduct a burn, at 541-776-7007.

The ODF also states that: "While fire season is officially over, fire prevention must continue. Please be vigilant while burning debris, ensuring that a burn pile is never left unattended. Also, please use caution while using machinery that could produce a spark. Fall weather in Southern Oregon can vary greatly. This region is extremely prone to fire, and for that reason, fire knows no season; please be aware that fires can still spread in fall and winter conditions." ODF's news release is posted on our Current Fire Restrictions page.

ALERT: The Oregon Dept. of Forestry is asking anyone who sees smoke in the aftermath of the recent lightning storms to report it immediately to 9-1-1:  "...new fires will likely emerge throughout the day as temperatures heat up. Residents in areas where lightning struck should report any smoke by calling 911."

ODF's 8/2/21 news release "Nearly 50 Fires Reported on ODF-Protected Land From Sunday Thunderstorm in the Southwest Oregon District" is available at: www.swofire.com.

8/3/21 update:  "... Smoke from wildfires burning in Northern California remains in the air over Jackson and Josephine Counties. Information on general smoke reports can be found online at https://fire.airnow.gov/." (See ODF's website for complete update info.)

Interdependent factors can influence WUI (Wildland Urban Interface) fire home survivability

"The WUI is the zone of transition between unoccupied land and human development. It is the line, area or zone where structures and other human development meet or intermingle with undeveloped wildland or vegetative fuels. Communities adjacent to and surrounded by wildland are at varying degrees of risk from wildfires."

"Learn how factors such as weather, terrain, building materials and property layout play a role in WUI fire home survival and the actionable steps that communities can take to reduce wildfire-related loss."

"What they [researchers] have found so far is that it is important to emphasize to community residents that there is not just one individual factor that can determine whether a home survives a wildfire; it is the relationship between everything on the landscape surrounding the home that can make a difference in whether a home survives or not."

Read the article: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/current_events/021021.html

For more, see https://www.usfa.fema.gov/wui/what-is-the-wui.html

For further information, visit the U.S. Fire Administration & Federal Emergency Management Agency online at: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/index.html.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE DURING WILDFIRE AWARENESS MONTH

News Release from Oregon State Fire Marshal  -  Posted May 3rd, 2021

The Office of State Fire Marshal wants to remind Oregonians that YOU are the greatest resource in protecting homes and neighborhoods.  With some simple steps, you can protect your home and community from wildfire. Now is the time to prepare your home and your property for the 2021 fire season.

Remember to keep your defensible space defined, keep grass and weeds cut low and always be prepared to respond to wildfire. With this in mind, the Office of State Fire Marshal urges you to take a look around your property in the "home ignition zone," where glowing embers can ignite spot fires and vulnerable areas like decks, patios, and fences that can spread flames to your home. The most significant risk of structures catching fire during a wildland fire event is from the advancing ember shower that can reach your property long before an actual flame front. 

Good defensible space can not only prevent ember ignition of your home, but it can also prevent the flames from reaching your home at all. We can reduce the vegetation within 30 feet of home and eliminate flammable plants from touching our home.

"Wildfire safety starts with all of us and our property. Now is the time to take action to prepare our homes, families, and communities for wildfires by starting on our property before there is smoke on the horizon," says Mariana Ruiz-Temple, State Fire Marshal.

To address the risk of wildfire, the Office of State Fire Marshal recommends the following steps that people can take right now to help protect themselves against the upcoming fire season:

Clear roofs and gutters of dead leaves, debris, and pine needles that could catch embers

Ensure your roof is in good repair

Move any flammable material away from exterior walls, i.e., mulch, flammable plants, leaves and needles, firewood piles

Remove anything stored underneath decks or porches

Give your home a non-combustible area where a fire in the landscape can't reach your home, strive for a 5-foot perimeter

Keep lawns and native grasses mowed to a height of four inches.

Remove ladder fuels (vegetation under trees) so a surface fire cannot reach the crowns.  Prune trees up to six to ten feet from the ground; shorter trees do not exceed 1/3 of the overall tree height.

With firefighting resources doing their best to tackle large wildfires, communities that focus on neighborhood-wide Firewise ideals can not only increase an individual home's survival but the whole neighborhood's.

"A neighborhood-wide approach can increase the chances of homes surviving a wildfire. By taking a neighborhood approach to defensible space and community preparedness, you are also protecting our firefighters," Ruiz-Temple explains. "Ultimately, individuals taking the right steps on their property before fire season make firefighters safer and more effective," she adds.

Creating whole neighborhoods that are holistically preparing for wildfire is a large piece of Fire Adapted Communities. A fire-adapted community acknowledges and takes responsibility for its wildfire risk by taking actions to address resident safety, homes, neighborhoods, businesses and infrastructure, forests, parks, and open spaces all Oregonians enjoy.

For more defensible space tips, visit: https://www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/sfm/Pages/Wildland-Urban-Interface.aspx

During May, a new wildfire prevention topic will be introduced each week to help homeowners and recreationists learn how to prevent their outdoor activities from sparking the next wildfire. For more wildfire preparedness and prevention information, visit the websites for Keep Oregon Green at https://keeporegongreen.org/, the Oregon Department of Forestry's restrictions map https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/Pages/fireprevention.aspx, OSU's new Fire Program at https://extension.oregonstate.edu/fire-program and OSU's Oregon Wildfire Risk Explorer tool: https://oregonexplorer.info/topics/wildfire-risk?ptopic=62

####

3/28/21 - The Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center, or KS Wild, has released a new guide entitled the "Forest and Fire Toolkit: Rural Living in the Siskiyou Mountains." This 28-page publication, free to download from kswild.org/forest-fire-toolkit, allocates the final section (Part 3) to "Preparing for Wildfire."

Part 3 covers: Fire in the Siskiyous, Living with Smoke, How to Prepare Your Home for Wildfire, Defensible Space, Home Hardening, Fire-Resistant Landscaping, Working on Your Land, Permits and Procedural Steps to Burning on Your Property, Emergency Preparedness ("plan and be ready for a wildfire emergency and evacuation"); Insurance, Post-Fire Checklist and Financial Assistance, and Funding Opportunities Aimed to Reduce Fire Risk and Hazard.

Other sections include "a resource directory of national forest districts, fire districts and more," how to "engage in public and industry forest decision-making," and other similar topics.

Without endorsing any particular land or forest management strategy, we encourage all landowners and residents to ensure defensible space around homes, outbuildings, etc., and to reduce fuels on woodland and/or forest properties. The guide provides up-to-date resources and information that can assist with these goals.

The Mail Tribune published a review of KS Wild's Forest and Fire Toolkit ("New guide offers tips for dealing with fire danger: Residents can take action before start of season" by Vickie Aldous) in the Fri. 3/26/21 print edition; an online version of the same ("Guide offers fire preparation tips," published Thurs. 3/25/21) is available at: https://www.mailtribune.com/environment/2021/03/25/guide-offers-fire-preparation-tips/.

2/28/21 - A video from a unique perspective, “Saving the Ranch: Wildfire Preparedness Tips from a Firefighter, Veterinarian and Ranch Owner,” is available on YouTube. This is very informative for anyone who lives rurally, as well as for animal owners. It's 30 minutes in length, and is very clear and coherent. It may seem too early for thinking about this, but planning ahead is what it’s all about:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31-QCHnmkYE&feature=youtu.be

Fire regulations on outdoor burning increase throughout Jackson County

Posted 12/9/20:  Jackson County has increased the fire regulations on outdoor burning. The increased regulations are in effect, and will remain in effect, until further notice:

Now, even though we are technically out of fire season, due to the air quality throughout the greater portion of the county, all residents wishing to conduct open burning or use burn barrels MUST contact Jackson County.

The number to call is 541-776-7007 where callers will receive a recording telling them whether or not they can burn that day.

This only affects burn barrels and open (outdoor) burning of slash or debris. It does not involve wood stoves, fireplaces, or any other indoor heating devices that utilze burning.

Fire Chief Steve Avgeris is required to enforce the regulations. If there are any questions, call Steve at: 541-488-1768 or (cell#) 541-821-8339.

ROGUE VALLEY/SOUTHERN OREGON FIRES:

 

9/18/20: The Almeda (Drive) Fire: Sweeping northward from Ashland through Talent and Phoenix on Tues. 9/8, this fire burned a total of 3,200 acres. As of Tues. 9/15, it was declared 100 percent contained. Thus far, the Jackson County Sheriff's Office has determined that three people died in the fire. 2,800-plus residential structures have burned, and 57 more were damaged; at least 100 businesses were also destroyed or damaged. (Structures include homes, businesses, outbuildings, and other structures; the exact numbers of each haven't yet been determined.) Estimates as of 9/17 are that at least 2,000 homes burned. One person has been arrested for starting a second fire near Medford that contributed to the blaze. The fire's origin near Ashland is thought to be human-caused; an investigation is continuing.

9/18/20: The South Obenchain Fire: Burning in northern Jackson County (east of Eagle Point near Butte Falls to Shady Cove), this fire has consumed 32,833 acres and is 35 percent contained. No human deaths have been reported, but 153 structures have been lost. Evacuation levels continue to be slowly downgraded as cooler weather has allowed firefighters to reinforce control lines on several sides, except for the east side which is in steep, rugged terrain where it is very difficult to operate heavy equipment. The fire's cause, while still under investigation, is considered "not suspicious."

9/18/20: The Slater Fire (from Happy Camp, CA to near Cave Junction along Hwy 199 in OR): Currently estimated at 143,092 total acres - 41,395 acres in Oregon - with 10 percent containment. To date, an estimated 150 structures have been lost near Happy Camp, CA.; no structures have been lost in Oregon.

9/18/20: For a summary of current Oregon fires and acreage burned, see KTVL News 10's article at: https://ktvl.com/news/more-than-1m-acres-have-burned-in-oregon-nearly-double-the-10-year-average-odf-says.

"Record-breaking heat in September combined with a rare wind event created the perfect storm for fast-moving fires in Southern Oregon and elsewhere in the state." (The Mail Tribune, 9/11/20, Numbers, A2)

 

The Almeda Fire:  For anyone looking for fire recovery resources, or wishing to contribute to recovery resources, the City of "Ashland is coordinating local and regional resources, volunteers and donations with the regional emergency response network through roguevalley.recovers.org. Rogue Valley Recovers is the centralized site for needs, donations, and volunteers." For more information: https://www.ashland.or.us/Page.asp?NavID=18041

 

From KDRV TV, Medford - Sat. 9/12, 7:30 pm:

Air quality in our region, from Ashland down to Yreka, and encompassing much of the Rogue Valley, is now classified as 'Hazardous.' "The wildfires smoke is and will continue to impact air quality through the weekend. Air quality could be very bad at times in the days ahead. [. . .] For more, see https://www.kdrv.com/.

 

From the Mail Tribune, Medford, Thurs. 9/10:

"FEMA estimates 600 homes burned from Almeda Fire" and other fire news; see https://mailtribune.com/.

From Klamath National Forest, via Rogue River - Siskiyou NF, Supervisor's Office, Thurs. 9/10, 10:55 am: [file name says August, should say September (this is how tired and taxed resources are)]:

"This morning’s update from the CA IMT 10" (So. OR/no. CA fire southwest of Cave Junction down to Happy Camp; includes map - 2 MB): 2020 August 10--Slater Fire Morning Update_FINAL.pdf

 

From ODF, Wed. 9/9, 10:36 pm:

Update: South Obenchain Fire 9.09.2020

"EAGLE POINT, ORE. – The South Obenchain Fire, located north of Eagle Point and extending east towards Butte Falls, is estimated at 20,500 acres. The fire is primarily mountainous-forestland, but structures are threatened. Oregon Department of Forestry – Southwest Oregon District’s (ODF – SWO) day operations started a dozer line on the south end heel of the fire with efforts from 120 firefighters, 7 helicopters, and 1 large air tanker. Dry southeast winds pushed the fire towards Shady Cove resulting in the evacuation of 5000 residents. A spot fire that ignited near Reese Creek on Tuesday night has merged with the main South Obenchain Fire.

" Night operations will continue work on the south-end dozer line and begin a line towards Butte Falls Road. There are numerous Level 3 Evacuations for areas closest to the fire.. Verify evacuation levels: https://jcgis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=3caa39804db54631a61007180d-5ef415 or call the Jackson County Emergency Management Call Center 541-776-7338."

Winds remain strong, at 94-96.

 

From KTVL News 10, Medford:

As of 1:30 pm Wed. 9/9, "the South Obenchain Fire is now estimated at between 25,000 and 30,000 acres; all of Shady Cove is under evacuation Level 3" (Go immediately). [Other news sources report this fire at around 20,000 acres.] For more: https://ktvl.com/.

From KOBI5 NBC News, Medford:

11:18 am: "MEDFORD, Ore. – As traffic alert was issued by Medford Police Wednesday morning for Interstate 5. Police say the freeway is being shut down intermittently for retardant drops. Police say there is also a significant traffic back up on arterial routes, as people try to find a way around Highway 99, which remained closed Wednesday morning.

"Drivers are urged to find a different route to the east of I-5 or wait until the freeway reopens." For more: https://kobi5.com/.

 

From Rep. Pam Marsh, Oregon House Dist. 5 - Southern Jackson County, Wed. 9/9, 10:32 am:

"Advising Talent and Phoenix residents not to return yet:

"My heart goes out to each and every one of you who are impacted by this fire event and grappling with what to do next. As the morning rises on this tremendous devastation, we are all seeking information and news, but are unable to find many answers yet. I will do my best to share helpful resources and details as I learn more.

"For now, I am sending this message to advise that residents of Talent and Phoenix do not attempt to return home. The situation is still very dangerous. Water and power are down. Some roads are still closed. Please find a safe place to hunker down out of harm’s way.

"Please be safe and take care of each other."

 

From ODF Southwest Dist. Public Affairs Officer Kyle Novy-Riley, Wed. 9/9, 10:15 am:

South Obenchain Fire 9.09.2020

"JACKSON COUNTY, ORE. – At 1:52 p.m. the Oregon Department of Forestry – Southwest Oregon District (ODF – SWO) detected smoke six (6) miles East of Eagle Point. Due to yesterday’s east wind event, in addition to Southwest Oregon’s ongoing high-heat and low humidity, the South Obenchain Fire quickly grew to 8000 acres. The strong wind gusts carried embers near Reese Creek, where a 1000-acre spot fire ignited. Structures are threatened, and a structural task force is on scene. The Jackson County’s Sheriff’s Office issued Level 2 and Level 3 evacuations.

Verify your evacuation level at https://jcgis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=3caa39804db54631a61007180d5ef415

"At 6 a.m., ODF – SWO begun [sic] its day operations with approximately 120 firefighters, 7 helicopters, and 1 large air tanker; additional resources are expected. The team aims to draw a dozer line on the south face of the fire, and has established points of protections for a concentration of houses near highway 62."

[The above-referenced map also shows evacuation zones for the Ashland-Medford area.]

 

From the Oregon State Fire Marshal, Tues. 9/8, 10:22 pm:

"Gov. Kate Brown has declared the Alameda Fire in Jackson County a Conflagration.

"The Alameda Fire is currently threatening lives, structures and property in Jackson County, impacting the communities of Talent, Phoenix and Medford.

"The invocation of the Conflagration Act by Gov. Brown cleared the way for the State Fire Marshal to mobilize firefighters and equipment to assist local resources battling the fires.
The Office of State Marshal’s Blue Incident Management Team has been mobilized and will be leaving tonight for Jackson County. 

"The deployment follows the deployment earlier today of the OSFM’s Green Incident Management Team to what is now called the Santiam Fire, in Marion County, and what is now called the Holiday Farm Fire, in Lane County, with the Red Team.

"Evacuation orders in Jackson County have been issue by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
Currently, the state is seeing multiple fire starts. Strong winds and extremely dry conditions helped accelerate the growth of multiple new and existing fires in the last 24 hours statewide, impacting the Oregon fire service and state and federal wildland firefighting agencies throughout the state.

"Calls for assistance from impacted fire districts continue to be managed through the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System.

"Additional updates for the incident may be accessed on the Oregon State Fire Marshal Facebook page: www.facebook.com/OregonStateFireMarshal/.

"Evacuation information in Jackson County can be found on the Jackson County Sheriff’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pg/JacksonCountySheriff/.

"To learn more about wildfire evacuation readiness, go to: www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/sfm/Pages/Wildland-Urban-Interface.aspx#evacuation."

 

From the Jackson County Sheriff via the Jackson and Josephine County Emergency Notification System, Tues. 9/8, 4:03 pm:

"Per the Jackson County Sheriff, all residents are asked to please stay home unless under an evacuation order. Avoid South County including Ashland, Talent and Phoenix. There are multiple fire operations and many first responder vehicles. Public traffic is creating dangerous impacts. Please stay home and avoid all active fire scenes. Thank you."

ALERT:  The fire danger level is EXTREME as of Friday, July 31st, with a total shutdown on the public use of regulated equipment. "Triple-digit temperatures recently have increased the wildfire danger in forests and wildland areas..." See Current Fire Restrictions for details.

This year's fire season began on May 1st, a month earlier than normal. Fire managers across our region anticipate a potentially serious (explosive?) season. We are already in declared drought emergency status due to low rain and snowpack this past year, and long-range regional forecasts are indicating hotter than normal temperatures and lower than average rain through September. (See the National Interagency Fire Center's Predictive Services most recent "National Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlook," released July 1st.) We are also in a state of emergency due to the COVID-19 threat.

Given these conditions, adhering to regulations is crucial this year. We can't control lightning strikes, but we can each make a difference in limiting human-caused fires by being very vigilant and very careful in all that we do, with the steady goal of getting through this season safely. Thank you for participating in fire safety and prevention.

Posted: 19 May 2020
REMINDER: KS Wild (The Klamath Siskiyou Wildlands Center) is hosting the Fire & Climate Summit Webinar Series 2020 this month. There are two more webinars ahead:

"KS Wild is pleased to work alongside fire experts, restoration professionals, and indigenous eco-cultural specialists to bring you the Fire & Climate Summit - Webinar Series. We have two more important webinars remaining in the month of May. Please join us for both! 

"The peoples native to southern Oregon and northern California have been using fire as an ecological caretaking tool since time immemorial. This next panel explores topics including the cultural landscape of the Klamath-Siskiyou ecoregion, fire ecology, indigenous stewardship practices, colonialism and its impact on the land and people, and climate change impacts. We have partnered with Lomakatsi Restoration Project who will be leading this upcoming webinar:

The First, Best Stewards: Aboriginal Fire and the Klamath Siskiyous
Wednesday, May 20th, 6:00-7:30 PM

"The rate of development in forested and fire prone landscapes has left homes and communities vulnerable—but you can protect your home from wildfire. In this final webinar of the summit we focus on defensible space and available resources to help landowners minimize fire threats to their homes and communities. We have partnered with Fairbanks Forest Management, Firesmart Merlin and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) on this webinar. Tune in to learn how to access public resources to help protect your home from wildfire:"

Reducing Fire Hazards in the Wildland Urban Interface
Thursday, May 28, 7:00 - 8:00 PM

Webinars are being held using the online platform Zoom; panelists are professionals and recognized authorities in the subject area.

To learn more and to register, visit https://www.kswild.org/fire-climate-summit. Previous webinars from this Summit series are also available as audio recordings.

The Fire & Climate Summit was developed in collaboration with the following:
Lomakatsi Restoration Project, Southern Oregon Climate Action Now, Jackson County Fuel Committee, Northwest Forest Worker Center, Red Earth Descendants, Southern Oregon Land Conservancy, Vesper Meadow, Fairbanks Forest Management, KS Wild, and many partners with local, state, and federal fire and land management agencies.

WILDFIRE AWARENESS MONTH FOCUSES ON MAKING HOMES SAFE FROM WILDFIRE

News Release from Oregon State Fire Marshal
Posted on FlashAlert: May 4th, 2020 7:30 AM

May is Wildfire Awareness Month in Oregon, and federal, state and firefighting agencies are encouraging Oregonians to make sure their homes and property are protected from wildfire.

The Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal and Keep Oregon Green, in collaboration with Oregon forest protective associations, the Office of Emergency Management and federal wildland agencies, are taking this opportunity to promote defensible space around homes before fire strikes this summer. With many Oregonians spending more time at home because of statewide efforts to control the spread of COVID-19, residents can use the coming weeks to reduce risks and make their homes and communities safer.

“The roof is one of the most critical parts of the house when it comes to wildfire protection,” says Oregon State Fire Marshal Jim Walker. “Embers can collect and ignite on the roof, in gutters and enter unscreened openings around the house. Non-combustible roofing material is preferred. Regardless of the construction, please keep your roofs, gutters and eaves clear of all leaves, pine needles and other flammable debris.”

To reduce the risk, fire officials suggest removing dead vegetation a minimum of 30 feet around homes and other structures. In most cases, trees and healthy plants do not need to be removed. However, trees should be pruned and grass kept short and green to keep fire on the ground and more manageable by fire crews. Maintain a five-foot fire-free area closest to the home using nonflammable landscaping material and fire resistant plants.

“Defensible space is a property’s first line of defense against wildfire,” says Oregon Department of Forestry Fire Prevention Coordinator Tom Fields. “Creating and maintaining defensible space around homes can improve your property’s likelihood of surviving a wildfire. Having defensible space also makes it safer for firefighters who may have to defend someone’s home.”

Homeowners should also consider access issues for large fire trucks. Long driveways should be at least 12 feet wide, have 10 feet of vegetation clearance from the centerline out, and about 14 feet overhead. Large vehicle turnaround areas are critical for your safety as well as firefighter safety.

Should a fire occur near a community, Oregon Office of Emergency Management Director Andrew Phelps encourages residents to be prepared if an evacuation is necessary. “Wildfires can come without warning and move quickly, so residents need to prepare now in case they have to leave their home,” Phelps said. “Make sure to put together a ‘Go Kit,’ register for emergency notification systems in your community and make a plan where your family will go and how you will stay in contact if evacuated.”

It is the homeowner’s responsibility to protect their homes by building defensible space. For more information, visit the websites for the Office of State Fire Marshal, the Office of Emergency Management, Keep Oregon Green and the Oregon Department of Forestry, or call your nearest ODF or forest protective association office.

Additional information on preparing for wildfires can be found on the Ready.gov website.

-###-

ALERT:  FIRE SEASON COULD START IN EARLY MAY DUE TO ALREADY VERY DRY CONDITIONS
Posted: 4/22/20

While fire authorities across southern Oregon have been anticipating an earlier start to fire season, the Oregon Dept. of Forestry tipped its hand to the Jackson County Board of Commissioners, reported by the Mail Tribune* on Tues. 4/21/20, the same day that the Commissioners declared a local state of drought. They will next request Gov. Kate Brown to declare a "state drought emergency" for all of Jackson County.

In the article, County Administrator Danny Jordan states that "The area has received only about 65% of its average precipitation and 75% of its average snowpack for the water year, which starts in October..." Additionally, "the extended weather forecast for Jackson County projects higher than normal temperatures and below average precipitation."

Jackson County Commissioner Colleen Roberts is also quoted, saying that "county officials learned from the Oregon Department of Forestry that the fire danger has already hit levels not normally seen until summer... 'We're in mid-June conditions,' she said. ODF could declare the start of the fire season as early as May 1, she said."

The article also points out what we wish we didn't already know so well: "Droughts lead to lower moisture levels in flammable vegetation like grass, bushes and trees, the early onset of fire danger and longer, more intense wildfire seasons."

Practicing fire safety, pro-actively creating or renewing defensible space, and maintaining vigilance, all with an eye to preventing fires before they can begin, will be extremely important this fire season.

These last few days before fire season is officially declared is time to take stock and prioritize anything you can do (without open burning) to minimize your exposure and vulnerability to wildfire, and to make plans for how you will respond to a wildfire event if it happens. Preparation now is everything.

*The article is available on the Mail Tribune's website as "Drought Declaration: A disaster on top of a disaster," by Vickie Aldous; however, it was not in the print version of the paper on Tuesday.

ALERT:  A ban on any form of outdoor burning is now in effect as of 12:01 AM Monday, 4/20/20 within the Colestin Rural Fire District.

Until 4/20/20, a regional burn ban was voluntary; for some districts, it may remain voluntary for now, based on local conditions, resources, and call volume. Other districts, including ours, are already very dry and functioning with a bare-bones crew; increasing temperatures will only increase our challenges.

Escaped burns are notorious in a season such as we are facing; an open burning ban ahead of the official start of fire season is an effective mitigating tool under these circumstances. A burn ban will help limit the number and scale of potential incidents we must respond to, as well as protecting anyone who may be fighting COVID-19 from additional respiratory issues.

Thank you for observing this regulation during the next several months, and for helping all those living here in our district to be as safe as possible.

NEWS RELEASE - from the OREGON OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Posted: April 3rd, 2020
For more recent informtion, see the Burn Ban post above.

STATE AGENCIES ASK OREGONIANS TO VOLUNTARILY REFRAIN FROM OUTDOOR BURNING WHILE COMMUNITIES RESPOND TO COVID-19

"(SALEM, Ore.) — In response to the "Stay Home, Save Lives" Executive Order to reduce the effects of the COVID-19 virus, a coalition of Oregon state agencies are asking Oregonians to voluntarily refrain from conducting outdoor burning. [ . . . ]

Read the full news release: multi_agency_release_04032020.pdf

3/15/20 UPDATE:  

FIREFIGHTER TRAINING HAS BEEN CANCELLED FOR NOW

Training was slated to start on Friday, March 20th and run every other week through spring into fire season. However, concerns about the spread of the coronavirus (COVID 19), as well as Influenza Type A and Type B (both are currently prevalent in Ashland), have forced public service agencies to cancel group events that could hasten the spread of these viruses; a recent fire interagency meeting has specifically advised against holding firefighter trainings. Accordingly, as of 3/15/20, CRFD's Firefighter Training has been cancelled.

We don't know at this time if it will be possible to convene training sessions later in the spring, or not. What is known is that the coronavirus curve of the number of identified cases has not peaked yet, and even when it does, social distancing and other containment measures will likely be in place for some time, to help prevent a resurgence. We will post any updates to this information if and when the situation changes.

For now, we are all advised to follow good basic hygiene practices, avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth, clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, practice social distancing, and stay informed.

About the Coronavirus (COVID-19):

UPDATE - 3/24/20:  

On Mon., March 23rd, Oregon Governor Kate Brown issued Executive Order 20-12, "Stay Home, Save Lives." The OFDDA (Oregon Fire District Director's Assn.) explains this Order in an email on 3/24/20:

"Governor Kate Brown has issued statewide Executive Order No. 20-12 "Stay Home, Save Lives" to help combat the impacts of COVID-19. This order directs residents to stay home to the greatest extent possible and comply with the social distancing guidance issued by the Oregon Health Authority. It expands the list of required business closures and prohibits shopping at specific categories of businesses for which close personal contact is difficult to avoid, such as arcades, barber shops, hair salons, gyms and fitness studios, skating rinks, theaters, yoga studios and others. It also closes any other retail businesses unless the business designates an employee or officer to establish, implement and enforce social distancing policies in order to remain open.

"The order also defines further workspace restrictions. All businesses with offices in Oregon shall facilitate telework and work-at-home by employees when possible. When telework and work-at-home options are not available, businesses and non-profits must designate an employee or officer to establish, implement, and enforce social distancing policies consistent with guidance from the Oregon Health Authority. Such policies must also address how businesses or non-profits will maintain social distancing protocols for business-critical visitors. Included below are links to the news release from Governor Kate Brown's office and a link to the most recent executive order. Also included are helpful links to state and federal resources.

"The Oregon State Police have issued a FAQ regarding enforcement of the Governor's Executive Order. 

"Please remember to follow all local health authority, state health authority and CDC guidance on safe practices, social distancing and awareness for keeping yourself, your employees, the public and your families safe." 

3/23/2020 - Governor Kate Brown Press Release - Executive Order No. 20-12

Note the mention at the top of page 2 regarding non-urgent health care procedures:

"On March 19, 2020, I ordered the postponement of non-urgent health care procedures, in order to preserve personal protective equipment and hospital beds for the state's COVID-19 emergency response efforts . . . "

Some resource links listed by the OFDDA (site or page links different than those at end of this post):

State of Oregon Resources
Oregon Coronavirus Information & Resources 
Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 Updates 
          OHA Social Distancing Guidance 
          Guidance for Employers on COVID-19 
Oregon Office of Emergency Management (OEM)

Federal Resources
Centers for Disease Control COVID-19 
CDC Resources for Business and Employers
SBA Disaster Assistance
SBA Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources 

---

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) BASIC INFORMATION: 

OHSU's Chief Medical Officer states that:

"The virus is most likely spread like other respiratory viruses, so the care that you would normally take to avoid catching the flu is a good start for preventing the spread of COVID-19. The best way for all of us to prevent the spread of the new virus is to practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands frequently, covering your cough or sneeze in your elbow and not your hands, and staying home when ill.

"If you have symptoms such as cough, runny nose, and fever, and your symptoms are mild, we recommend that you stay at home. Remember that it is cold and flu season, so there are many possible causes of these symptoms. If your symptoms are more concerning, please call your primary health care provider or [. . .] specialist (e.g., oncologist, cardiologist, etc.) before coming into a clinic, urgent care center or emergency room. Your primary care provider is your best resource for screening."

     If you are experiencing possible symptoms, call your health care provider.

     If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.

ADDITIONAL SOURCES FOR RELIABLE NEWS & INFORMATION:

Jackson County Health & Human Services - News & Information: COVID-19:
https://jacksoncountyor.org/hhs/General/News-Information/category/covid-19

The Oregon Health Authority - Coronavirus (COVID-19):
https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/DISEASESAZ/Pages/emerging-respiratory-infections.aspx or call 2-1-1 from a mobile phone, 503-222-5555 from a land line, or email help@211.com for general information

Oregon Office of Emergency Management - Oregon COVID-19 Response - Tools and Resources for Oregonians: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/6c96b225a8424992b56e59400a30dab4

Oregon Health & Science University -Coronavirus and COVID-19 Resources for Oregon: https://www.ohsu.edu/health/coronavirus-resources

The Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security:
http://www.centerforhealthsecurity.org/resources/COVID-19/

Consumer Reports' Guide to the Coronavirus:
https://www.consumerreports.org/issue/coronavirus-covid-19

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/ or call (800-232-4636)

The White House, CDC & FEMA joint website: https://www.coronavirus.gov/

The World Health Organization (WHO) - Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Pandemic: (Incl. Protect yourself, Q&A on Coronaviruses (COVID-19), and Daily situation reports):
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

[NOTE:  FIREWORKS ARE ENTIRELY PROHIBITED WITHIN OUR DISTRICT.  THE USE OF FIREWORKS AS DESCRIBED IN THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE ASSUMES THAT THE USE IS OCCURRING IN TOWN AT A FRIEND'S OR OTHER PLACE WHERE USE IS SAFE AND PERMISSIBLE.]

 Click here for a fireworks safety graphic from the U.S. Fire Administration.

Reminders:

* The best way to stay safe from fireworks is to not use them. Instead, attend a public fireworks display put on by professionals.

* Fireworks are dangerous to people and pets. Using them puts your property at risk.

* Hand-held sparklers burn at 1,200 F. Remember, wood ignites at 356 F and burns at 575 F.

 

HELPING OREGONIANS KEEP IT LEGAL AND KEEP IT SAFE WITH FIREWORKS

News Release from Oregon State Fire Marshal
Posted on FlashAlert: May 31st, 2019 4:33 PM

The Office of State Fire Marshal, Oregon Fire Service, natural resource agencies, Oregon licensed fireworks wholesalers, and safety experts encourage Oregonians to “Keep it Legal and Keep it Safe” when using fireworks.

The 2019 Oregon fireworks retail sales season opens June 23 and runs through July 6.

“To help inform Oregonians about the safe and legal use of fireworks in Oregon before legal fireworks sales begin, our office has prepared fireworks safety and education materials,” said Mark Johnston, assistant chief deputy fire marshal. “The downloadable items will help Oregonians understand what fireworks are legal to use in Oregon without a permit, where they are permitted to be used, and the important safety steps to take when using fireworks. We want Oregonians to share this information with their friends, families, and neighbors.”

The OSFM will also reach out to its fire service and other partners to share the information on their social media sites. OSFM’s fireworks materials can be found on its website.

The OSFM encourages everyone to use the four BEs of safe fireworks use:

* Be prepared before lighting fireworks: keep water available by using a garden hose or bucket.
* Be safe when lighting fireworks: keep children and pets away from fireworks.
* Be responsible after lighting fireworks: never relight a dud. Wait 15 to 20 minutes then soak it
    in a bucket of water before disposal.
* Be aware: use only legal fireworks and use them only in legal places.

The OSFM website also features FAQs for commonly answered questions about the sale and legal use of consumer fireworks, permits for the retail sale of fireworks, and state rules for their use and enforcement activities.

Remember, officials may seize illegal fireworks and charge offenders with a class B misdemeanor, which could result in a fine of up to $2,500 per violation and a civil penalty of up to $500. Those who misuse fireworks or allow fireworks to cause damage are liable and may be required to pay fire suppression costs or other damage. Parents are also liable for fireworks damage caused by their children. 

Despite their regulated sale and use, fireworks in Oregon represent a public safety and health threat every year. For the last reported five years through 2018, there were 1,264 reported fireworks-related fires in Oregon, resulting in more than $3.5 million in property damage. During that same period, fires resulting from fireworks resulted [in] one death and 26 injuries.  

-###-

Are you prepared for an earth-shaking event?

Is your home built to current codes for seismic resilience, or if it was built after codes were upgraded in 1994 in Oregon, has it been retroactively reinforced for seismic resiliency? Are large items in your house anchored, to prevent them from crushing you or your family members, and to prevent loss and damage? Are other items of value anchored, protected, or kept in places least likely to add to the damage or loss that a quake can cause? Do your water lines have flexible fittings? Do you know how and where to shut off your gas or other fuel supply? In the event of a significant seismic event, do you know what you will do? How and where you will get in touch and meet up with other family members? What to do, and what you should not do, when you first feel an earthquake? What you need to do once the shaking stops?

If there is significant widespread damage to transportation routes and you cannot get into town for any supplies, are you prepared to shelter in place and survive in isolation, for at least several weeks on your own? Do you have a 2-3 week supply of drinkable water (one gallon per person or pet per day minimum) and non-perishable food at your home, along with other basic supplies you will need? How do you plan to communicate with family members who may not be where you are, and how will you receive vital information from authorities? If your home is too damaged to remain in, are you ready to evacuate with grab-and-go packs ("go kits") for your car or on foot, and do you have a plan for where you will go? Does everyone in your household know what to do? What about your animals?

These and many more questions need to be answered in order to be as prepared as possible for a major seismic event. The list of considerations is often staggering, and can seem overwhelming; a common response is to simply shut out the thought of a disastrous earthquake occurring, and to postpone or avoid taking action to prepare, altogether. But while this may allay the uneasiness and fear that contemplating a significant or major disaster can provoke, it does not help anyone to better survive such an event. Being more prepared, however, does.

January 26th is the calendar anniversary of the last great mega-quake in the Pacific Northwest, now known as a Cascadian Subduction Zone earthquake. Research on this subject has revealed that the last great Cascadian quake, estimated to have been between magnitude 8.7 and 9.2, and in a subsequent study, "approximately 9.0," occurred on the evening of January 26th, 1700, when the North American tectonic plate lurched westward while the Juan de Fuca plate out in the Pacific ocean slid eastward, underneath the continent, in a sudden, violent release of pent-up tension built up over hundreds of years.

The timing has been able to be determined by the tsunami caused by the earthquake, which rolled across the Pacific ocean hitting Japan ten hours later, where it flooded coastal villages and was recorded at the time by Japanese officials. This tsunami was known for nearly 300 years as the "orphan tsunami" because of its mysterious origin, since no earthquake associated with it had occurred in Japan; then, beginning in 1996 and 1997, with the use of computer-simulated Cascadian earthquakes and of the tsunami itself, coupled with cedar tree ring dating, the North American origin of the tsunami was confirmed and the timeframe of the earthquake was narrowed; evidence in Japanese records in the months preceeding the earthquake and tsunami then revealed the exact date and approximate time.

Other more recent research on Cascadian earthquakes has shown that while the timing of these mega-quakes is approximately 300 years on average, a variance exists of from 200 to 800 years. In other words, not only are we "overdue" for a mega-quake based on the average time cycle, but even though we might not experience another such earthquake for another couple hundred years, it could have occurred as early as 1900 - meaning that we may also be more than 100 years overdue.

A 2016 analysis co-authored by Oregon State University concluded that the chance of another Cascadian SZ quake occurring off of the Oregon coast within the next 50 years is "15 to 20 percent." And while that might seem like acceptable odds that we won't be affected anytime soon by a mega-quake, that 15 to 20 percent is slowly, incrementally increasing, while the tension between the two tectonic plates closest to Oregon continues to build pressure.

At any time, this portion of the Cascadian Zone, where the plates are locked in their current position, pressing against one another in opposing directions, can suddenly give way: the result will be a mega-quake of magnitude 8.0 to 9.0 or even greater - similar to the great Alaskan 9.2 mega-quake in 1964 - a scale of disaster that is unprecedented in our lifetimes, and that will be far more damaging than similar past events, because of increased population levels and infrastructure development since then.

In addition to expecting "the Big One," we now know that the Pacific Northwest also has its own history of more moderate seismic events, which are typically crustal fault and deep fault earthquakes. (In fact, according to local folklore, one translation of the name "Siskiyou" that derives from Native American tradition is "moving mountain.") These quakes include the two September, 1993, Klamath Falls quakes (magnitude 5.9 and 6.0), which were felt here in our district. Moreover, although there were no official reports of damage in this area, some of our residents experienced damage immediately following these quakes, including to tiled areas, cement block walls, a cement foundation (shifting and cracking of over a half-inch in some places) and a cement septic tank.

Contrary to popular misconception, smaller quakes do not release the tension building up toward mega-quakes; this is because the magnitude scale used for measuring earthquake force is logarithmic, making each unit of increase exponentially greater. (According to the Cascadia Region Earthquake Workgroup's 2013 Update, "each increase of one unit signifies that the waves radiated by the earthquake are 10-times larger and 32-times more energetic: This means that a M9.0 quake releases 1,995 times more energy than a M6.8."). Smaller or more moderate earthquakes do, however, unfortunately weaken structural resilience, making them more vulnerable to future seismic events.

Emergency management officials are currently partnering with numerous other agencies across Oregon and throughout the Northwest to prepare our region to be as resilient as possible when the next mega-quake strikes; this includes improving early-warning systems throughout the Cascadian region. But while early warnings can provide crucial extra moments to respond to an earthquake that has already begun, allowing people to quickly protect themselves using Drop, Cover and Hold On, the precious few moments before serious shaking occurs is no time to think about strapping your hot water heater, refrigerator, or tall bookcases to the walls or adding bracing to the cripple (short) walls of your home's understory for sheer strenth (diagonal support). These measures and other such preparations need to be done ahead of time.

One positive aspect of investing the time to prepare for a major or mega-thrust earthquake is that being prepared for this kind of event will also help to prepare you for many other kinds of unexpected emergencies or disasters, in one way or another. And the time and effort to become more resilient on an individual and household level will also make our community more resilient as well, so that our volunteer fire district and any other agencies that are needed and able to respond to serious emergency situations here in our rural, isolated valley will be able to concentrate on those most in need, instead of having to divert human and other resources to handle crises that could have been prevented to begin with simply by taking steps to be prepared.

You can start by making sure you are part of our Fire District's Emergency Preparedness plan, which includes being connected to your immediate local neighborhood Emergency Response group. First organized by our Emergency Preparedness Committee several years ago, these groups are meant to provide neighbors within close proximity to one another a plan-and-support system in the event of any kind of significant emergency. Participation is voluntary and ranges from simply knowing who your neighbors are and how to contact one another if a need arises, to knowing the various types of support and/or resources you or they might be able to provide in an emergency or disaster event.

If you are a Colestin Rural Fire District resident and you aren't sure which local neighborhood Emergency Responsegroup you're in, or if you're new and not in a group yet, please contact us so we can put you in touch with Lisa Buttrey, our Emergency Preparedness Committee Coordinator, and get you connected with your local group. This way, you'll also receive locally distributed emergency response information through our Emergency Response Plan phone trees (based on how you elect to be contacted - phone, text, email, etc.), as well as having the reaassurance that someone else nearby will know to check on you in the event of an emergency or disaster, when it will be impossible for the Fire District to respond immediately to everyone who may need help.

We encourage you to check out the following links, as well as the information available on our Emergency Preparedness page, which has resources to much more information on all aspects of becoming more prepared and resilient. And we urge you to take action: even doing one thing to become better prepared improves your preparedness, and therefore your ability to survive and remain resilient in and after an actual significant or major disaster event.

"Things you'll wish you'd done before the Big One," by John Darling for the Mail Tribune, Sat. January 12, 2019
(http://mailtribune.com/news/top-stories/things-you-will-wish-you-did-before-the-big-one).

The story includes a link to a 21-min. You Tube video clip, "Cascadia Presentation," produced by DOGAMI (Oregon’s Department of Geology and Mineral Industries) "that explains the geologically dramatic but quake-prone area we live in." (https://bit.ly/2RAt6c1)

An excerpt from the news article follows:

"Area governments aren't required to prepare for giant earthquakes and wildfires and they can't legally force anyone else to get ready, but we should be keenly aware that the Cascadia Subduction quake is going to be a whopper, lasting five minutes ... - and you'll need two weeks worth of food on hand, not the 72-hours worth we've always been told to stockpile. // "That was the word Sunday from Ashland Fire & Rescue's Terry Eubanks..."

Originally published as "EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS: Things you'll wish you'd done fefore: Simple steps now can make life easier during and after a major emergency," by John Darling for the Mail Tribune, p. A3 & A5, Sat. Jan. 12, 2019.

-->  You can also read the full printed article on our top and south-district kiosks.

" 'Do One Thing' to prepare for the next big disaster," by Matt Jordan, KOBI-TV NBC5 / KOTI-TV NBC2, January 25, 2019, Local News. Story includes a video (1:20) interview with Medford Emergency Manager Melissa Cano.
(https://kobi5.com/news/local-news/do-one-thing-to-prepare-for-the-next-big-disaster-94552/)

Governor Kate Brown Proclaims First Cascadia Preparedness Day, in recognition of the anniversary of the Jan. 26, 1700, 9.0 Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake and of Oregon's lack of preparedness and the need to be better prepared for the next Cascadia SZ mega-quake. (18 Jan. 2019);
(https://www.oregon.gov/newsroom/Pages/NewsDetail.aspx?newsid=3115.)

See Oregon Dept. of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) to learn more about the Cascadia Subduction Zone (https://www.oregongeology.org) and the U.S. Geological Survey's website for its publication (authored by Brian F. Atwater, et al) "The Orphan Tsunami of 1700: Japanese Clues to a Parent Earthquake in North America," the tsunami that led to the discovery of the CSZ 9.0 earthquake on Jan. 26, 1700.
(https://pubs.usgs.gov/pp/pp1707/pp1707.pdf)

See the Oregon Office of Emergency Management's 2 Weeks Ready page for more on the Cascadia Subduction Zone, emergency preparedness, and becoming "2 Weeks Ready" ; also check out https://www.facebook.com/2WeeksReady/ and the OEM's publication "Living on Shaky Ground: How to Survive Earthquakes and Tsunamis in Oregon."
(https://www.oregon.gov/oem/hazardsprep/Pages/2-Weeks-Ready.aspx)

The Shake Out website has specific information on what to do if an earthquake hits, including the key recommended practice, "Drop, Cover and Hold On."
(https://www.shakeout.org/index.html)

https://www.ready.gov has preparedness information on all types of major disasters; https://www.ready.gov/earthquakes covers lots of good basic information on what to do before, during and after earthquakes, with links to further aspects of preparation.

Jackson County Emergency Management's Jackson County Family Emergency Preparedness Handbook (see Preparedness --> Personal & Family; under Additional Resources as "JCES 2016 Book -Online") has comprehensive information on preparing for all types of emergencies, including ideas to consider when putting together an emergency supply kit, sheltering in place, family contact cards, and information about the Citizen Alert Notification System.
(http://jacksoncountyor.org/emergency/Preparedness/Personal-Family)

The American Red Cross site provides preparedness information for all kinds of emergencies, including what to include in your planning and what you need in a survival kit; the Earthquake page has more detailed "before, during and after" information.
(https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies.html)

The Cascadia Region Earthquake Workgroup (CREW) also has information about the Great 1700 Cascadia Subduction Zone Earthquake, preparing for Cascadian SZ earthquakes, earthquake early warning systems, and more (https://crew.org/). The citation above about earthquake magnitude comes from CREW's Cascadia Subduction Zone Earthquakes: A Magnitude 9.0 Earthquake Scenario, Update 2013
(https://crew.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/cascadia_subduction_scenario_2013.pdf).

CREW's site also has a link (on the home page; scroll down) to an online video of the documentary "Will We Be Ready for the Mega-Quake in Oregon?," a "year-long radio, television and online campaign ... series [that] examined the state of Oregon’s preparedness for a Cascadia Earthquake," produced by Oregon Public Broadcasting.
(https://www.opb.org/news/article/watch-opbs-unprepared-documentary-teaser/; https://www.opb.org/news/series/unprepared/)

The Pacific Northwest Seismic Network (PNSN) has more on the earthquake history of the Cascadia region.
(https://pnsn.org)

OEM Waves - A You Tube video (7:03) for anyone who visits, as well as lives near, the Oregon coast: "The Oregon Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has developed this educational video to inform visitors to the Oregon coast about tsunami safety." Simple, fun yet effective.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adSVWaDmbHE&feature=youtu.be)

 

HOW DRY IS IT? 

On Wed., Nov. 7th, a fire occurred within our district, estimated at approx. 13 acres, located about mid-way up our valley and near to I-5.

We responded to it, as did several other agencies including ODF and CalFire; ODF remained at the scene that night and for several days more, conducting mop-up. The cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time.

Many of you noticed the smoke and called us. Thank you for your vigilance in doing that.

This was a strong reminder of the extremely dry conditions and highly flammable fuels that have continued here in our district, despite the official end of fire season and the cooler temperatures.

---

 

Nov. 2018 - Much of the west has remained unseasonally dry this fall and is still highly flammable. As those following the news are aware, fire activity more usually associated with mid- to later fire season has continued into this fall.

An all-too-close, unspeakably horrific case in point is the Butte County Camp Fire that began Nov. 8th, wiping out the town of Paradise east of Chico, northern California: it was finally fully contained by Nov. 25th at 153,336 acres in size. During the course of the fire including attempted evacuations, 85 civilians lost their lives; 13,696 single residences, 276 multiple residences, 528 commercial buildings and nearly 4,300 other minor structures were destroyed; and over 500 other buildings were damaged.

Thousands of people without homes to return to remain displaced in local and regional evacuation shelters. For further information, see: https://buttecountyrecovers.org/; to help those affected by this fire, see: https://buttecountyrecovers.org/distribution-sites-and-holiday-donation-considerations/.

Two other major fires during this time include the 96,949-acre Woolsey Fire in Los Angeles and Ventura counties in southern California that killed 3 people, destroyed 1,500 structures and damaged 341 more, and forced approx. 250,000 people to evacuate; it is now being called "the worst wildfire in modern Los Angeles County history." The Hill Fire in Ventura County also burned 4,531 acres.

For more about these fires, see the Nov. 10th headline story in the New York Times: " 'Paradise Is Gone': California Fires Devastate Communities."

For updates/final reports on these fires, see CalFire's Incident Information page.

Thurs. 25 October 2018

FYI:  The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest has announced that the RRSNF will begin scheduled prescribed burning operations across the Forest, including in the nearby Ashland Watershed (as part of the Ashland Forest Resiliency Project). "The RRSNF will be looking for opportunities to conduct prescribed burns throughout the fall, winter and spring seasons, as conditions allow."

For details with further information links, view the RRSNF's 10/25/18 news release (pdf).

---

 

NOTE: While non-ODF fire danger level designations do not affect most of our district, we do have some Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest lands within, as well as near, our boundaries. Please observe these fire safety regulations if/when you go onto the forest:

Date: October 4, 2018

"Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest Will Decrease Fire Danger and Lifts Public Use Restrictions"

"SW Oregon – As cooler temperatures and wetting trends continue over southwest Oregon, the RRSNF is reducing fire danger and fire restrictions.

"Effective at 12:01 a.m. on October 5, 2018, fire danger across the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest will lower to Moderate. Additionally, the Industrial Fire Precaution Level will also decrease to a Level 1 across the entirety of the RRSNF. All Public Use Restrictions will also be lifted, meaning that campfires will be permitted across most of the Forest.

"Some fire restrictions on campfires remain in effect year-round: fires along the Illinois River Road are permitted only in Forest Service-constructed fire rings, and camping or campfires are always prohibited in the Ashland Watershed.

"Please continue to be cautious with any activity that may ignite a wildfire. Always extinguish campfires completely, and only use campfires in areas void of flammable vegetation. Avoid driving and smoking in or near dry grasses and fuels.

"Visitors should contact the nearest National Forest Office with questions pertaining to fire restrictions and fire danger.

"All RRSNF fire prevention regulations are posted online, and are updated accordingly."

Contact:
Chamise Kramer, Public Affairs Specialist (541) 618-2051
Rob Budge, Deputy Fire Staff—Fuels (541) 618-2102    

Chamise Kramer
Public Affairs Specialist
Forest Service
Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Supervisor's Office
p: 541-618-2051
chamisekramer@fs.fed.us
3040 Biddle Road
Medford, OR 97504
www.fs.fed.us
"Caring for the land and serving people"

For more about fire danger, current fires and current campfire restrictions on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, see the RRSNF’s Fire Management page. For more on RRSNF area closures, see the RRSNF Alerts and Notices page.

KLAMATHON FIRE INFORMATION:

Klamathon Fire - Final Statistics

Started:	July 5th, 2018, 12:31 PM
Cause:	Under Investigation
Cost:	$ 31,034,000 (known as of 7/23/18))
Total Size:	38,008 acres - 100% contained
Structures Destroyed:	82 destroyed, 12 damaged
Injuries:	3 injuries and 1 civilian fatality

 

ODF Update (Mon. 7/16/18): "The portion of the Klamathon Fire in Oregon [near Pilot Rock] is now being managed as a separate fire." See ODF's news release: North Klamathon Fire 7-16-18. [Last official update from ODF.]

LOCAL EVACUATIONS:

All areas in Oregon [previously under evacuation of any level] remain at Level 1 (green) "Be Ready" status. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office issued the following information (received Mon. July 9th, 6:17 PM and Tues. July 10th, 6:02 PM, resp.): "Due to favorable weather conditions and decreased fire activity in your neighborhood, the Jackson County Sheriff's Office is lowering the evacuation level for Mt. Ashland Ski Road and for the Colestin Valley to a Level 1 "Be Ready." A Level 1 "Be Ready" means that residents should be aware of the danger that exists in your area, monitor emergency service websites and local media outlets for updated information."

All evacuation orders/warnings were lifted for Hilt, CA., Tues. 7/10/18, 7:00 PM, as per CalFire's 7/10/18, 7:00 PM news release.

LOCAL ROAD CLOSURES: All local road closures have been lifted.

FINAL FIRE INFORMATION:

CalFire: http://www.fire.ca.gov/current_incidents/incidentdetails/Index/2108

NEW FIRES: 

Hugo Road Fire final update (ODF news release, Thurs. 9/6/18, 8:10 AM)

 

HUGO ROAD FIRE DECLARED A CONFLAGRATION

News Release from Oregon State Fire Marshal
Posted on FlashAlert: September 3rd, 2018 8:07 AM

"Governor Kate Brown has declared the Hugo Road Fire, burning near Grants Pass, a conflagration just before midnight on September 2, 2018. The declaration cleared the way for the state fire marshal to mobilize firefighters and equipment to assist local resources battling the fire.

"The Office of State Marshal’s Red Incident Management Team and four structural task forces from Marion, Lane, Linn, and Klamath will arrived today and began working to protect structures.

"A Level 3 evacuation was put in place for Oxyoke Road from Three Pines Road to Hugo Road, Hugo Road from Oxyoke Road to Three Pines Road, Three Pines Road from Hugo Road to Oxyoke Road, Monterico and all secondary roads off of Monterico, Hitching Post Road, Hasis Road, Trevor Lane, Dakota Lane, Templin Avenue, and Wilson LaneOxyoke Road from Three Pines Road to Hugo Road, Hugo Road from Oxyoke Road to Three Pines Road, Three Pines Road from Hugo Road to Oxyoke Road, Monterico and all secondary roads off of Monterico, Hitching Post Road, Hasis Road, Trevor Lane, Dakota Lane, Templin Avenue and Wilson Lane

"A Level 2 evacuation was issued for Three Pines Road to Monument Drive, and Monument Drive to the Interstate 5 at Milepost 66 interchange.

"Oregon’s conflagration may be invoked only by the Governor and allows the State Fire Marshal to dispatch structural firefighters and equipment.  

"More information on evacuations is available at Josephine County Emergency Management page and Josephine County Sheriff's Office Facebook:
https://www.co.josephine.or.us/SectionIndex.asp?SectionID=138
https://www.facebook.com/jcsosheriff/"

 

Hugo Road Fire morning update 9/3/18 (ODF news release, Mon. 9/3/18, 7:50 AM)

Hugo Road Fire update (a new start burning west of Interstate 5 off exit 66) 9/3/18 (ODF news release, Mon. 9/3/18, 12:15 AM)

FINAL Ramsey Canyon Fire Update for 08/31/18 (ODF news release, Fri. 8/31/18, 8:27 AM)

The I-5 MP 54 Fire [near Grants Pass] 8-31-18 (ODF news release, Fri. 8/31/18, 8:22 PM)

 

For WAGNER CREEK, GARNER COMPLEX and other fire updates, see ODF's Southwest Oregon District page and ODF's blog.

For more on local/regional fires, see the Southwest Oregon Joint Information Center weblog.

Further information is also available online at InciWeb - Incident Information System.

 

---

 

The ODF reported "approx. 1,000" lightning-caused fire starts across the Southwest Oregon district resulting from the T-storms of Sun., July 15th, including 55 confirmed fires.

The largest fires burning in Jackson and Josephine counties, dubbed the Wagner Creek and Garner Complex, started approx. 9:00 am Sun. on BLM and private lands; ODF has issued the following reports on this and other fires:

Firefighter Efforts Continue to Boost Containment on Garner Complex (ODF, Thurs. 8/9/18, FINAL UPDATE)

Garner Complex Morning Update 7-31-18 (ODF, Tues. 7/31/18, 11:00 AM)

Garner Complex Morning Update 7-29-18 (ODF, Sun. 7/29/18, 8:00 AM)

 

"GARNER COMPLEX FIRE UPDATE JULY 28, 2018 12:00 PM"

News Release from Oregon State Fire Marshal
Posted on FlashAlert: July 28th, 2018 12:21 PM

"Members of the public have a chance today to get information firsthand at a public meeting. The meeting is at 3 p.m. Saturday at North Valley High School, 6741 Monument Drive, Grants Pass.

"Volatile, erratic fire activity continues, particularly on the Taylor Creek Fire. The hot, dry weather conditions in the region promote fire growth and make it harder for firefighters to suppress the fire. Fire managers say there is active fire behavior on just about every area of the fire, particularly around the perimeter.

"Taylor Fire: Oregon State Fire Marshal’s structure task forces and wildland firefighters are working together, especially in the following road areas: Limpy Cr. Rd, Shan Cr. Rd, W. Pickett Rd, Pickett Rd., Galice Rd, and Taylor Cr. Rd. areas where the fire is nearing structure protection areas. To date, no structures have been damaged or lost. In the southwest corner, the Unmanned Air System (drone) located a 10’ x 10’ spot that firefighters were able to contain.

"Grave Creek Fire: The fire was active along the south end of the fire perimeter. Firefighters continue today to establish control lines in that area. Other areas are stable. Firefighters are involved in mopping-up operations, up to 100 feet inside the perimeter.

" 'Ready, Set, Go!' (Levels 1-3) evacuation levels are changing daily. To check the status of a particular residence or address, call the Southwest Oregon Joint Information Center at 541-474-5305 (hours: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., with a recorded message for after hour calls). The Red Cross evacuation center is at Grants Pass High School, 830 NE Ninth Street.

"The estimate containment is 27%  and 29,039 acres.

"Resources:  Engines: 114,  Dozers: 32,  Water Tenders: 44,  Assigned Aircraft: 35,  OSFM Structure Task Forces: 11."

 

Garner Complex Morning Update 7-28-18 (ODF, Sat. 7/28/18, 9:30 AM)

Garner Complex Evening Update 7-27-18 (ODF, Fri. 7/27/18, 10:30 PM)

Garner Complex Afternoon Update 7-27-18 (ODF, Fri. 7/27/18, 6:00 PM)

 

"GARNER COMPLEX FIRE UPDATE JULY 27, 2018 11:00 AM"

News Release from Oregon State Fire Marshal
Posted on FlashAlert: July 27th, 2018 10:39 AM

"Fire activity was heavy around the perimeter of the Taylor Creek Fire overnight and into this morning. The column grew to an estimated height of 8-10,000 feet, exceeding the top of the ridge. Last night the fire was most active in the Shan Creek area. Some primary control lines were crossed, but secondary control lines held the fire.

"The Taylor Creek Fire is expanding on several fronts. Fire fighters are gathering intel on the fire perimeter and scouting for future containment lines. Fire managers are constantly evaluating current information and making contingency plans.

"The unstable nature of the fire is requiring careful reconnaissance and evaluation before firefighters engage. The Oregon State Fire Marshal’s structure protection task forces have a heavy presence in the area and have been planning with wildland resources should the fire move through residential areas.  The State Fire Marshal’s Office is mobilizing two more task forces this afternoon from Linn and Lane Counties. 

"Weather conditions are likely to be favorable for using planes and helicopters in support of on the ground firefighters. However, high demand from other wildland fires may limit availability to the Garner Complex.

"On the positive side, the Grave Creek Fire on the eastern side of the Garner Complex is doing well. Perimeter lines are holding and firefighters are predominately doing mop-up work on that fire, up to 100 ft in some places. A structure protection task force will be supporting a burnout operation today on the south end of the fire."

 

Garner Complex Morning Update 7-27-18 (ODF, Fri. 7/27/18, 9:00 AM)

 

"GARNER COMPLEX FIRE UPDATE JULY 26, 2018 10:00 AM"

News Release from Oregon State Fire Marshal
Posted on FlashAlert: July 26th, 2018 10:10 AM

"A “red flag” weather warning means conditions will be prime for rapid fire growth today. Firefighters were cautioned at this morning’s briefing that with gusty winds in the forecast, high temperatures and low humidity, conditions call for a high level of vigilance. In addition, much of the smoke that has been trapped over the fires has cleared out. “The fire will be getting a breath of fresh air today” said Incident Meteorologist Tom Wright, which could produce large columns of smoke.

"The clear air will help the visibility of helicopters and airplanes used on the fire, and they will be operated as needed to help maintain our control lines. They will be used, as needed, to help maintain our control lines. And, if conditions are right, aerial ignitions are planned to remove unburned fuels between the active fire and the over 70 miles of firelines. Today, firefighters will patrol, strengthen and “mop up” the lines on the Grave Creek portion the Garner Complex. 

"Last night, a spot fire did threaten the line in the Shan Creek area on the Taylor Fire but firefighters worked to contain it all night and into this morning. A top priority today will be to make sure that portion of the line stays secure.

"Oregon Governor Kate Brown, along with other state and local elected officials, are planning a visit to the Garner Complex this morning. Also today, the United States Forest Service became part of the unified command, joining the Oregon Department of Forestry and the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal. Much of the Taylor Creek Fire is burning on and threatening forest service lands. Finally, firefighters will be taking a “tactical pause” today to review the things needed to keep them safe, such as communications, escape routes and safety zones, and medical emergency procedures.

"The estimated containment is 19% and 21,443 acres."

 

Garner Complex Afternoon Update 7-25-18 (ODF, Wed. 7/25/18, 4:00 PM)

 

"GARNER COMPLEX FIRE UPDATE JULY 25, 2018 11:00 AM"

News Release from Oregon State Fire Marshal
Posted on FlashAlert: July 25th, 2018 10:47 AM

"Last night, specially trained Hotshot crews were able to use burnout operations to remove fuels ahead of the Taylor Creek fire.Individual tree torching was visible throughout the night. However, the whole fire remains within the control lines due to the efforts of both wildland and the Office of State Fire Marshal’s structural fire fighters who worked through the night.

"All day today burnout operations will be conducted on the south and east sides of the Taylor Creek Fire and the south side of the Grave Creek Fire. The public will see more active fire and smoke in these areas. These burnout operations are critical for widening the control firelines that are strategically placed to control the fire.

"The total current acres on each fire:

Taylor Creek 11,831
Grave Creek/Ditch Creek 7,047
Pleasant Creek 832
Spencer Creek 228
King Mountain 6

"Air quality in the region remains in the unhealthy range due to smoke from the multiple fires in the area. More air quality information can be found at https://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/.

"Percent contained: 18%
Fire size: 19,944 acres
OSFM Structural Task Forces: 9"

 

Garner Complex Morning Update 7-25-18 (via ODF, Wed. 7/25/18, 9:00 AM)

 

"GARNER COMPLEX FIRE UPDATE JULY 24, 2018 4:00 PM"

News Release from Oregon State Fire Marshal
Posted on FlashAlert: July 24th, 2018 4:02 PM

"The Grave Creek Fire is at 6,546 acres. Much of the northern half of the fire has dozer lines, hand lines, or roads holding the fire in check. Today, fire fighters will work on completing construction of hand and dozer lines in mostly the southern and southeastern portions of the fire. Securing, holding, and patrolling containment lines are on-going around much of the fire. Assigned resources are: 37 crews, 27 engines, 21 heavy equipment, and overhead.

"The Pleasant Fire is at 784 acres. Yesterday, the fire crossed over the containment line and burned a 30-40 acre area near Battle Mountain. Crews are working today to put a fire line around it and bring that portion back inside the fire line perimeter. Aircraft are planned to be active in this area. Most of the fire perimeter is secured by roads or dozer lines. In areas where there are unburned fuels between the fire perimeter and control lines or roads, Hot Shot crews are performing burnouts. Last night, an unmanned drone flew the fire and detected a new fire start. Crews were able to immediately react and put it out. Assigned resources are: 4 crews, 5 engines, 6 heavy equipment, and overhead.

"The Taylor Fire is at 9,624 acres and still very active, however progressing slowly. It has burned south to the Shan Creek. Due to the topography, fire managers have taken a more indirect approach. There are primary and secondary control lines being built around the entire fire. The fire is burning towards those lines. Once lines are constructed, and the lines are reduced of excessive fuels, and plumbed with hose and fittings ahead of planned burn out operations. There was very little spread last night. Assigned resources are: 23 crews, 13 engines, 13 heavy equipment, and overhead.

"The Ditch Creek Fire is at 169 acres. This fire is relatively unchanged. It is secured with a fire line all the way around the perimeter. Assigned resources are: 5 crews, 4 engines, 7 heavy equipment, and overhead.

"The Spencer Fire is at 228 acres and has a secured fire line around the entire perimeter. There is one engine assigned to patrol and monitor.

"The Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal Task Forces of structural engines have triaged and prepped over 500 structures. To date, no structures have been lost. Currently, there are nine OSFM Task Forces at the Taylor and Pleasant Creek Fires."

 

Garner Complex Afternoon Update 7-24-18 (via ODF, Tues. 7/24/18, 2:00 PM)

 

"GARNER COMPLEX FIRE UPDATE JULY 24, 2018 11:00 AM"

News Release from Oregon State Fire Marshal -Posted on FlashAlert: July 24th, 2018 11:40 AM

"Overnight, firefighters continued to make great progress on containing the Garner Complex Fire. Today’s day shift will continue to secure and hold control lines by strengthening hand-built and dozer lines, placing water hoses, and continuing mop-up operations. Firefighters will also be setting fire inside the control lines to consume fuel between the fireline and actively burning areas of the fire, weather permitting. The Office of State Fire Marshal’s structural crews continue to assess and create defensible spaces around homes and other structures on the Grave and Taylor Creek Fires.

"The fire continues to slowly burn within the interior of those lines, leading to a growth of 2,075 acres. As smoke conditions allow, air support will be dropping water and retardant on the south and west sides of the Taylor, Pleasant, and Graves Fires. Spencer Creek Fire is holding within control lines and mop-up continues.

"The weather forecast projects continued hot and dry conditions. Winds will have a west-northwesterly flow at 5 to 10 miles per hour. Smoke will be gradually lifting today, resulting in increasing temperatures and lowering of humidity. As a result, firefighters will likely see elevated fire activity.

"The estimated containment is 15% and 17,369 acres.

"Acreages by fire: Grave Creek/Sec.14 6,546; Pleasant Creek 784; Ditch Creek 169; Taylor Creek 9,642; Spencer Creek 228.

"A public meeting will be held in Wimer today, July 24 at 6:00 P.M., located at Ev-ans Valley Education and Community Center, 8205 East Evans Creek."

 

Garner Complex Morning Update 7-24-18 (ODF, Tues. 7/24/18, 9:00 AM)

Garner Complex Morning Update 7-23-18 (ODF, Mon. 7/23/18, 9:00 AM)

 

"GARNER COMPLEX FIRE UPDATE JULY 23, 2018"

News Release from Oregon State Fire Marshal -Posted on FlashAlert: July 23rd, 2018 8:57 AM

"Public Meetings: Plans are set for two public meetings for the local communities that are being most effected by the Garner Complex fires. The first meeting will be Monday July 23, 2018 at 6:00 P.M. at the North Valley High School, 6741 Monument Drive, Grant Pass, OR. Another meeting is set for Wimer on Tuesday July 24, 2018 at 6:00 P.M. at Evans Valley Education and Community Center, 8205 East Evans Creek.

"Today 50 Oregon National Guard personnel arrived to staff ten road blocks around the clock. Supporting traffic control check points help the public avoid entering active fire areas.

"Construction of direct and indirect control lines continues on the Graves fires. Much of the fire is holding within the lines on the north and west flanks, and hose-lays are in place in these areas. Crews worked down each side of the fire tying in reopened roads, hand and dozer lines. Much of the focus on the Grave Fire was to create a fire line across the southern edge to tie in line between the Ditch Fire and the Pleasant Creek fire. The Spencer Fires are subdued with few visible smokes. On the Taylor Fire, because of challenging fire behavior and topography, indirect control line is being built around the much of the fire, by a combination of hand crews and dozers. Some existing roads and old firelines from previous fires will also be utilized. The smoke inversion kept aircraft grounded most of the day.

"OSFM Structure Taskforces were busy today doing triage, assessment, and protec-tion of homes in the evacuation areas. Resources on the fire today are: 70 Hand crews, 26 Aircraft, 100 Engines, 25 Dozer, 38 Water tenders and 2162 personnel.  The estimated containment is 14% and 11,564 acres.

"For most current evacuation information, please contact the Joint Information Center at 541-474-5305 (8 AM—8 PM). A Red Cross Shelter is set up at the Grants Pass High School at 830 NE 9th Street in Grants Pass. 541-474-5710."

 

Garner Complex Morning Update 7-22-18 (ODF, Sun. 7/22/18, 8:00 AM)

Garner Complex Morning Update 7-21-18 (ODF, Sat. 7/21/18, 8:30 AM)

 

"GARNER COMPLEX DECLARED A CONFLAGRATION"

News Release from Oregon State Fire Marshal - Posted on FlashAlert: July 21st, 2018 11:24 AM

"Governor Kate Brown has declared the Garner Complex Fire conflagration. The Garner Complex Fire is composed of several fires in Jackson and Josephine County and has burned 6,382 acres and is 8% contained. The declaration cleared the way for the state fire marshal to mobilize firefighters and equipment to assist local resources battling the fire.

"The Office of State Marshal’s Blue Incident Management Team, four structural task forces from Rogue Valley, Klamath, Lane, and Linn counties will arrive morning and began working to protect structures.  Two more structural task forces will be mobilized this evening.

"Additional resources may be accessed at:

• Oregon State Fire Marshal Facebook
  https://www.facebook.com/OregonStateFireMarshal/

• Wildfire…Evacuation Readiness http://egov.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/docs/Comm_Ed/WUI/wildfire_evac.doc
• After the Wildfire… http://egov.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/docs/Comm_Ed/WUI/After_a_wildfire.doc"

 

ODF Southwest Fire Update 071918 (Wagner Creek Complex fires in Jackson County), 7/19/18, 7:00 PM)

Garner Complex Evening Update 7-18-18 (Wed. 7/18/18, 11:08 PM).

Taylor Creek Fire evacuation notices (Josephine County Sheriff's Office, via ODF, Wed. 7/18/18, 4:58 PM)

 

Garner Complex Prompts Evacuations North of Wimer (via ODF, Wed. 7/18/18, 4:43 PM)
News Release from Jackson Co. Sheriff's Office - Posted on FlashAlert: July 18th, 2018 4:23 PM

"ROGUE RIVER, Ore. – The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) is issuing evacuation notices to 58 addresses due to a fire in the Garner Complex north of Wimer. On the afternoon of July 18, 2018, U.S. Forest Service officials notified JCSO that community notifications were advised based on changes in fire behavior. 

"JCSO deputies and search and rescue personnel will conduct door-to-door notifications to provide information.  Jackson County Emergency Management will send a notification to affected addresses using the Citizen Alert system.

"The following evacuation zones are now in effect: [. . .] Please refer to the map for reference [Pleasant Creek Fire evacuation map] . [See the Garner Complex Fire incident page link below.]

"To sign up for Citizen Alert, visit www.jacksoncounty.org/alert. More information about evacuation levels and preparedness can be found at http://www.rvem.org/.

"For more information on the Garner Complex Fire, visit the fire information page at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5935/.  Public information is also available by phone at 541-474-3152."

###

 

Wagner Creek Complex Update 071818 AM (Wed. 7/18/18, 9:43 AM)
ODF Note: "This is not the fire burning near Wagner Butte, but fires on ODF protected lands in Jackson and Josephine counties."

Garner Complex Morning Update 071818 (Wed. 7/18/18, 8:55 AM)

Wagner Creek Complex Update 071718 PM (Tues. 7/17/18, 9:10 PM)

Wagner Creek & Garner Complex Update 071718 AM (Tues. 7/17/18, 10:03 AM)

Wagner Creek & Garner Complex Update 071618 PM (Mon. 7/16/18, 11:23 PM)

Wagner Creek & Garner Complex Update 071618 (Mon. 7/16/18, 10:38 AM)

---

 

Note: For updates on the Hendrix Fire and the Ashland Watershed Fire, see:
The Oregon Dept. of Forestry's Blog (https://wildfireoregondeptofforestry.blogspot.com/) and
The U.S.F.S.'s Rogue River - Siskiyou National Forest blog: https://www.facebook.com/R6RRSNF.

Hendrix and Watershed Fire Update for July 16, 2018

News Release from the U.S. Forest Service's Rogue River - Siskiyou National Forest Supervisor's Office:

"The Hendrix Fire, which started from a lightning strike during yesterday’s weather pattern that moved through southwest Oregon, is currently estimated to be at 170 acres (as of 3:00 p.m.). Located approximately 3 air miles southwest of Wagner Gap, it is burning in heavy timber on the RRSNF and logging slash on privately owned timber lands.

"The fire was reported on July 15th at 9:30 a.m. by the Dutchman Lookout and was initially attacked by Oregon Department of Forestry and their resources. Those resources included one Type 1 and one Type 2 helicopters, one engine, one hand crew, and one overhead.

"Also yesterday, air tankers dropped an estimated 10,000 gallons of retardant on the fire, but it was determined that the bucket drops from helicopters were proving to be more effective at this time. “Dense canopies were not allowing the retardant to reach the ground, where it could be most effective in helping ground crews with suppression efforts,” said Rob Marshall, Siskiyou Mountains Ranger District Fire Management Officer. As the fire suppression efforts continue, air tankers will be considered as a tool where they will be most effective.

View the Hendrix Fire Point of Origin Map (jpg image).

"Current resources assigned to the fire include one hotshot crew, and two Type 2 Initial Attack crews. Resources on order include air tankers, one heavy helicopter, dozers, engines, and additional crews.

A Type 2 Incident Management Team will be arriving this evening to assume command of the fire, and will be utilizing the RRSNF’s Facebook page for the Hendrix Fire. The public are encouraged to follow this page for regular updates.

"A second fire that is visible in this area is the Watershed Fire, which is burning in the south end of the Ashland Watershed. It is approximately 3-5 acres in size, and is currently staffed with rappellers, smokejumpers, one engine, and a Type 2 helicopter. An additional 20-person hand crew is on order.

"For more information on current fire restrictions, call (541) 618-2200 or the nearest Ranger District. People are encouraged to follow the RRSNF on Facebook and Twitter for the most up-to-date fire danger information."

Chamise Kramer
Public Affairs Specialist
Forest Service
Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Supervisor's Office
p: 541-618-2051
chamisekramer@fs.fed.us
3040 Biddle Road
Medford, OR 97504
www.fs.fed.us

 

---

 

"SUBSTATION FIRE UPDATE"

News Release from Oregon State Fire Marshal - Posted on FlashAlert: July 22nd, 2018 10:13 AM

MORO, OR
"More accurate mapping shows that the Substation Fire covered 79,121 acres. Containment reached 82% by Saturday evening. Fire behavior was minimal, with some smoldering in hotspots in Deschutes River corridor and Eight-Mile Canyon. The Oregon State Fire Marshall Red Team is demobilizing today.

"The Wasco County Sheriff’s Office and the Sherman County Sheriff's Office have reduced the evacuation levels for all areas to Level 1. More information about the Ready, Set, Go preparation program can be found at http://www.wildlandfirersg.org

"Crews will continue their work to reinforce and overhaul containment lines as they ensure areas are cool to the touch for a distance of 150 feet from the fire edge or any structures. Within the perimeter of the fire, and especially in the burned area in the Deschutes River Canyon, smoke in the interior of the burn may be present and visible for multiple days.

"Access to the Deschutes River is open. However, boaters should use caution [ . . . ] Black areas may still have hot spots, dangerous stump holes or rolling material. Use caution when setting up camp. Avoid standing trees and snags in recently burned areas that may be weakened by the fire and are at risk of falling. 

"It is extremely dry across the region – just one spark can start a major fire. Avoid parking in dry grass, discard cigarette butts in closed containers and be aware of local restrictions on campfires or fire use. Sparks from vehicles and other mechanical and motorized equipment (dragging chains and tie-downs, failed bearings, flat tires, catalytic converter failure, worn brake pads, hot exhaust systems) are a leading cause of human-caused wildfires.

"Percent contained: 82%
"Total personnel: 263 firefighters
"Fire size: 79,121 acres

"For additional information:
    http://www.centraloregonfire.org/;
    https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/5963/
    www.facebook.com/substationfire2018"

 

"SUBSTATION FIRE COMMUNITY MEETING TODAY AT 3:00"

News Release from Oregon State Fire Marshal, Posted on FlashAlert: July 21st, 2018 9:49 AM

"... MORO, OR – July 21, 2018 --  Progress on containment of the Substation Fire reached 44% by Friday evening. Now 80,763 acres, fire behavior was reduced to creeping and smoldering. Winds were not as strong throughout the day, although gusts of 20-25mph kept firefighters alert for potential hotspots.

"Crews are now actively engaged with suppression repair activities and are continuing with evaluation of fire impacts and cataloging of any damaged structures and outbuildings. Mop-up and patrol with reinforcement of containment lines will continue. 

"The Wasco County Sheriff’s Office and the Sherman County Sheriff's Office have reduced the evacuation levels for all level 3 areas to level 2. This includes areas along the Deschutes River [ . . .]
All residents and persons planning to travel to the area should check for the latest information regarding possible closures of roads and other areas (www.tripcheck.com).

"Across the region, fuels are extremely dry. Avoid parking in dry grass, discard cigarette butts in closed containers and be aware of local restrictions on campfires or fire use.

"Percent contained: 44% Total personnel: 307 firefighters Fire size: 80,763 acres."

SUBSTATION FIRE NOW NUMBER ONE FIRE IN THE NATION; ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ADDED

News Release from Oregon State Fire Marshal, via FlashAlert: July 19th, 2018 6:53 PM

"MORO, OR –  Day 3 of the Substation Fire brought high winds, with gusts up to 35-40 mph, making it a challenging day for firefighters.

"The winds gave way to growth at the south end of the fire, near Deschutes river canyon, impacting both agricultural and wildland areas. Significant air assets continue to be used throughout the incident, in addition to dozers that helped firefighters make progress towards containment.

"The Substation Fire is now considered the number one fire in the nation. Additional resources arrived Thursday afternoon in the form of a Pacific Northwest incident management team. These 60 team members add greater depth to the operational forces currently employed on the fire and will assist in managing all aspects of the fire. The additional resources complement the 217 firefighters, who represent 73 fire agencies across the state, currently assigned to the fire.

"The Oregon National Guard has been activated to assist the Oregon Department of Forestry with wildfire suppression efforts following Governor Kate Brown’s statewide wildfire emergency declaration on July 18, 2018. These assets include two CH-47 Chinook helicopters and two HH-60M Black Hawk helicopters equipped with Bambi water buckets.

"Other air tankers known as “Super Scoopers” and “Fire Bosses” that can drop hundreds and thousands of gallons of water continue to be used, as well as single-engine air tankers that can disperse fire retardant. Aircraft in this fuel type are very useful; they can provide heavy drops on canyon ridges and precision attacks in steeper terrain.

"Evacuation levels have been very fluid. Law enforcement and fire officials appreciate the community’s understanding and responsiveness regarding evacuations. Fire officials are working closely with the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office and Sherman County Sheriff’s Office to continually evaluate the risk to communities. Level 3 (“Go”) evacuations continue to be in place for Moro and Grass Valley.The communities of Wasco and Kent remain under Level 2 evacuation. Area residents are urged to heed local emergency notifications as well as check the local sheriff’s office Facebook page and the Substation Fire Facebook page (www.facebook.com/substationfire2018) for updates.

"Segments 3 and 4 of the lower Deschutes River remain closed.

"The American Red Cross shelter at The Dalles Middle School at 1100 E. 12th St remains available to residents impacted by the fire. In addition to sleeping accommodations, the shelter is a resource for meals, community updates, and a cool place to get out of the heat and smokey conditions.

"Locally, smoke is in the moderate to unhealthy range. Sensitive groups, such as those with asthma, chronic respiratory disease or cardio vascular disease, are encouraged to avoid smoke exposure, reduce time spent outdoors and avoid strenuous activity during smoky conditions."

STATE FIRE MARSHAL URGES VIGILANCE AND EXTREME CARE AGAINST WILDFIRES

News Release from Oregon State Fire Marshal
Posted on FlashAlert: July 12th, 2018 9:22 AM
[text is reproduced here in full, verbatim:]

Oregon State Fire Marshal Jim Walker is encouraging Oregonians to use extreme caution as intense heat and dry thunderstorms are predicted for areas around the state for the next few days. 

If your summer plans include camping, Chief Walker reminds you to check for any campfire restrictions in the area you will be visiting, as campfires may be prohibited outside maintained campgrounds with fire pits. Build your campfire only where authorized and never leave your campfire unattended. When putting out your campfire be sure you drown the coals with water, stir with a shovel and drown again until it is cool to the touch.

Fire season requires residents to be at a heightened awareness for the dangers of wildfire. Be prepared to act to keep you, your family, and pets safe. Follow these Ready, Set Go! tips:

• Be Ready – Plan escape routes, and make sure all the residents within the home know the plan of action. Be ready to evacuate any pets as well as family members.
• Get Set – Pack your emergency items such as a battery powered radio, spare batteries, emergency contact numbers, and ample drinking water. Stay aware of the latest news and information on the fire in your area from local media, your local fire department and public safety.
• Go! – If a fire impacts your community and you are asked to leave, follow your personal wildland fire action plan. Doing so will not only support your safety, but will allow firefighters to best maneuver resources to combat the fire.

" It's everyone's responsibility to help prevent human-caused wildfires," said Chief Walker. "Please be aware of weather conditions and fire restrictions in your area."

Residents are strongly encouraged to contact their local fire protection agencies for additional burning information and regulations.

For more information, visit the websites for OSFM Wildland Urban Interface, Keep Oregon Green, or Oregon Department of Forestry.

ODF News - Issued Tues. 7/10/18:  [We have bolded some of ODF's text here for emphasis.]

"Let's Help Our Community by Reducing Fire Starts"

"Yesterday, was the first of many challenging days we anticipate on ODF Southwest Oregon District. While all of yesterday’s starts are still under investigation, they have all been deemed human-caused. Therefore, we are urging every member of our community to use extra caution when outdoors. It is going to take all of us working together to reduce the amount of wildfires this season.

"In addition, the anticipated forecast for the end of this week is priming the District to enter into an Extreme (Red) Fire Danger Level. While there is no date set in stone currently, it is important for everyone to be aware of the upcoming changes and stay informed. If you are not already, please monitor are public Facebook page for the most up-to-date information. We, at ODF Southwest, want to take every step necessary to keep you, your families, and our firefighters safe.

"Here is a quick recap of what our firefighters across Jackson and Josephine counties faced yesterday:

"The Truck Road 399 Fire was discovered in the early morning hours July 9 near Butte Falls. Firefighters were able to knock down the fire at roughly a 0.5 acre; however, the heavy timber made mop up a lengthy process. This kept crews tied to the fire for several hours.

"Later that morning, firefighters were able to make another amazing catch. The Beacon Hill Fire near I-5 milepost 55 was called in around 10:30 a.m. ODF Southwest and several mutual aid resources were able to make a quick stop on this 0.37 acre fire a mere 20 minutes later. This is a testament of our coordinated firefighting system we have throughout Jackson and Josephine Counties.

"Just after 1:00 p.m., ODF Southwest assisted our partners, U.S. Forest Service Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, on a fire up near Butcherknife Creek NE of Selma. Although the terrain proved to be difficult, the teamwork thrived. The fire was wrapped up at approximately 10 acres.

"By the afternoon, the Red Flag Warning issued by our local National Weather Service came to fruition on the fire line. Another report of a grass fire came in just after 4:30 p.m. roughly seven miles west of Grants Pass. The gusty winds and dry conditions posed a challenge to the several firefighters on the ground from ODF Southwest, Rural Metro Fire, and Grants Pass Fire. However, the collaboration of firefighting efforts on the ground and in the air paid off. The final fire size of the Riverbanks Road Fire is 7.9 acres.

"In addition to these fires, we also provided mutual aid to several of our partner agencies including Medford Fire-Rescue (Chevy Way Fire - pictured below) and Illinois Valley Fire District (Redwood Highway Fire – details @IVFD), and other smaller incidents.

"Thank you, as always, to our outstanding partners and their diligent work to keep our communities safe this Fire Season.

(Please see attachments [displayed below] for some imagery of the different fires.)

Melissa Rae Cano
Public Information Officer
Oregon Department of Forestry

View ODF News "Let's Help Our Community by Reducing Fire Starts" 7-10-18 (original pdf).

(click images for larger view)

 

 

FIRE SEASON REMINDERS:

Some of the key actions you can take to prepare for wildfire:

CREATE and/or RENEW FUEL BREAKS  (cleared areas, or continuous perimeters without any flammable fuels) around your home and other structures;

'Harden' your home against wind-driven flaming embers that can breach fuel breaks;

Eliminate fuels in the 100-200-foot primary ignition zone around your home; reduce fuels in the secondary zone;

Mow down tall weeds, which become flash fuels;

take out dead trees; remove leaves, needles, dead shrubs & ladder fuels that fire can use to climb;

relocate wood piles & items stored under porches and decks, and

screen or box-in areas under decks/porches.

This is essential to making your home and property more defensible. Time to prepare will lessen as fire danger increases, so do all that you can  NOW.

Do any work involving the use of motorized equipment or any equipment that could cause sparks, arcs or flames as early in the day as possible, in cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity.

Observe the 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM curfew for regulated activities now in effect as of Tues. July 3rd, with the rise  to 'HIGH' fire danger.

And remember that common sense in all things is a safety factor for all of us.

This fire season is expected to be another challenging one, starting with significantly lower snowpack and rainfall amounts - approximately one-third less than usual in both categories - and higher than usual temperatures accompanied by fuels that are drying out at an accelerated rate.

A great resource for fire season preparation is the booklet "Before Wildfire Strikes" (available below).

Thank you for participating in wildfire preparedness and prevention.

“Before Wildfire Strikes! A Handbook for Homeowners and Communities in Southwest Oregon” is an excellent guide for helping us all to prepare for and survive wildfire.

Written by Kara Baylog and Max Bennett of Jackson and Josephine County Emergency Management in collaboration with numerous other local agencies, it offers very usable information on topics essential to successful wildfire prevention and survival:

     Do you know what it takes to survive a wildfire?
     What are Firewise and Fire-Adapted Communities?
     The Elements of a Fire-Adapted Community
     Fire is natural to southwest Oregon’s environment
     Southwest Oregon’s forests today
     Community Protection
     Emergency Access
     The Home Ignition Zone
     Creating an Effective Defensible Space
     Working with your neighbors
     Conservation landscaping concepts
     Evacuation
     Notification
     When a fire threatens
     Evacuating
     Be Ready, Be Set, GO!

"This is a manual that helps homeowners and neighborhoods prepare their areas and their homes for wildfire. A fire-adapted community is a community located in a fire-prone area that requires little assistance from firefighters during a wildfire. Residents of these communities accept responsibility for living in a high fire-hazard area. They possess the knowledge and skills to prepare their homes and property to survive wildfire; evacuate early, safely and effectively; and survive, if trapped by wildfire." [Quote from the OSU Extension Service's website.]

We encourage you to take advantage of this informational resource in your planning and activities as you prepare for wildfire by renewing and/or expanding your fuel breaks and reducing fuel loads around your home this fire season.

ERA OF MEGAFIRES

A multi-media 70-minute traveling presentation by Dr. Paul Hessburg and North 40 Productions, and hosted by the Rogue Valley Fire Prevention Cooperative:

"How do you want your fire? How do you want your smoke?"

Two dates in May: Grants Pass and Medford:

Wednesday, May 30, 2018, at 7:00 pm
at the Event Center at the Lodge at Riverside,
940 SE 7th Street, Grants Pass

&

Thursday, May 31st, 2018, at 7:00 pm
at [the] Smullin Health Education Center,
2825 East Barnett Rd., Medford

Doors open at 6:15 pm.

More information and FREE Tickets are available at Eventbrite.com or by calling 541-471-3877.

Sponsored by:

Rogue Valley Fire Prevention Cooperative
Southern Oregon Forest Restoration Collaborative
Rogue River - Siskiyou National Forest
Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network
Josephine County
Oregon Dept. of Forestry

Presented by Dr. Paul Hessburg
A Mixed Media Presentation by North 40 Productions

"Our Mission is to educate audiences across the West so that they may better participate in the conversation and solutions surrounding the Megafire issue."

Source: Tempo, Mail Tribune, Fri. May 18, 2018 - pg. M12.

STATE FIRE MARSHAL URGES CITIZENS TO TAKE STEPS DURING WILDFIRE AWARENESS MONTH

News Release from Oregon State Fire Marshal
Posted on FlashAlert: May 1st, 2018 8:25 AM

May is Wildfire Awareness Month in Oregon and State Fire Marshal Jim Walker is asking homeowners to use this opportunity to make sure their home is protected from wildfire.

In a unified proclamation, governors from Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, and California have joined to encourage homeowners to begin thinking about the approaching fire season. This year’s Wildfire Awareness Week theme asks: Have you done enough to protect your home from wildfire?

“The roof is the most critical part of the house when it comes to wildfire protection,” says State Fire Marshal Jim Walker. “Embers can collect and ignite on the roof, in gutters, and enter unscreened openings around the house. Although non-combustible roofing material is preferred, regardless of the construction, keep roofs, gutters and eaves clear of all leaves, pine needles and other flammable debris.”

The Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal, in collaboration with Keep Oregon Green, the Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon forest protective associations, and federal wildland agencies are taking this opportunity to promote defensible space around homes before fire strikes this summer.

To reduce the risk, fire officials suggest removing dead vegetation a minimum of 30 feet around your house. In most cases, trees and healthy plants do not need to be removed. However, trees should be pruned and grass kept short and green to keep fire on the ground and more manageable by fire crews. If you’re thinking of landscaping, ask your local nursery or OSU Extension agent about fire resistant plants.

Homeowners should also keep access in mind for large fire trucks. Long driveways should be at least 12 feet wide, have 10 feet of vegetation clearance from the centerline out, and about 14 feet overhead. Large vehicle turnaround areas are critical for your safety as well as firefighter safety.

It is the homeowners’ responsibility to protect their homes by building defensible space. 

For more information, visit the websites for Keep Oregon Green, Oregon Department of Forestry, or call your nearest ODF or forest protective association office.

FYI:  IS IT A PRESCRIBED BURN, A CONTROLLED SLASH BURN, OR A FIRE?

Specific information on prescribed burns within our district will normally always be posted here on our website as soon as we receive notice.

We are notified ahead of any prescribed (ODF-approved) burning, even though there is often not a lot of warning, as approval from the ODF depends upon the latest weather and other local conditions.

If we have not posted a prescribed burn notice on this page (at the top) and you're unsure if you're seeing a controlled slash burn, call us - it's far better to err on the side of caution.

If a burn cannot be determined to be a controlled burn, don't take a chance - just call 9-1-1.

NOTE: We are now in fire season: all open burning is now prohibited.

(Info on previous prescribed burns conducted by Lomakatsi is available below.)

KIDDE SMOKE ALARM RECALL

News Release from Oregon State Fire Marshal
Posted on FlashAlert: March 27th, 2018 2:08 PM

Above:  Front and back of Kidde smoke alarm with side view showing yellow cap

On March 21, 2018, Kidde issued a recall of 452,000 dual sensor (photoelectric and ionization) smoke alarms sold in the United States. The smoke alarms have the model numbers PI2010 (AC/hardwired) and PI9010 (DC/battery powered). "KIDDE" is printed on the front center of the smoke alarm. The model number and date code are printed on the back of the alarm.

Kidde states that a yellow protective cap in limited instances may have been left on one of the two smoke sensors during the manufacturing process, which could compromise the smoke alarms' ability to detect smoke.

Consumers should remove the alarm from the wall/ceiling and visually inspect it through the opening on the side of the alarm for the presence of a yellow cap. Consumers should not attempt to take apart the alarm, open the casing, or otherwise remove the cap themselves. If the yellow cap is present, the consumer should immediately contact Kidde to receive instructions and request a free replacement alarm. They should remove the recalled smoke alarm ONLY AFTER they receive and install the replacement alarm. If no yellow cap is present, consumers should reinstall the smoke alarm and no further action is needed.

Alarms were sold at Menards, The Home Depot, Walmart and other department, home, and hardware stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com, ShopKidde.com, and other websites from September 2016 through January 2018 for between $20 and $40.

For more information, visit the Kidde website: https://kidde-smoke-alarm-recallusen.expertinquiry.com/ or the Consumer Product Safety Commission website: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2018/kidde-recalls-dual-sensor-smoke-alarms-due-to-risk-of-failure-to-alert-consumers-to-a

The Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal's Smoke Alarm Installation Program does not distribute Kidde smoke alarms, therefore alarms issued by the OSFM to Oregon fire agencies, the American Red Cross Cascades Region, or other organizations are not affected by this recall.

Working smoke alarms save lives. Be sure to test your smoke alarms regularly and make sure you have working smoke alarms on each level of your home, inside each bedroom, and in the hallway outside each bedroom.

If you don't have working smoke alarms, contact your local fire agency or the American Red Cross at preparedness@redcross.org or 503-528-5783, 541-842-4717 (Medford area), or 541-749-4144 (Bend area).

For more information on smoke alarms visit the OSFM Smoke Alarm Information Center: http://www.oregon.gov/osp/SFM/Pages/CommEd_SA_Program.aspx

STATE FIRE MARSHAL URGES YOU TO TEST YOUR SMOKE ALARMS WHEN TURNING YOUR CLOCK FORWARD

News Release from Oregon State Fire Marshal
Posted on FlashAlert: March 8th, 2018 2:54 PM

Above:  Testing a smoke alarm

Sunday, March 11th, marks the beginning of daylight saving time and serves as a good reminder for Oregonians to test their smoke alarms. The Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal is urging residents to test their smoke alarms before automatically changing the batteries.

"Smoke alarm technology has advanced and many now come with 10-year batteries and some are tamper-resistant," said State Fire Marshal Jim Walker. "So, I encourage residents to test their alarms before changing the battery, and to be sure to replace any smoke alarm that is 10 years old or older."

Oregon law requires ionization-only smoke alarms that are solely battery powered to come equipped with a hush feature and a 10-year battery. Because of this technology, the national slogan

"Change your clock, Change your battery" may not apply to Oregon residents who have these ionization-only smoke alarms.

Other types of alarms are also being sold with either a 10-year battery or a standard-life battery.

"Ensuring you have working smoke alarms in your home is the single most important step you can take to increase your family's safety from a home fire," adds Walker.

To test your alarm properly we recommend you:

1) Push the test button to be sure the battery is working.
2) When replacing batteries, follow the manufacturer's instructions for the correct battery type to use.
3) Always retest alarms after installing new batteries.
4) Replace any alarm that fails to operate after installing a new battery.
5) Inspect your alarms to determine if they are 10 years old or older, and replace any smoke alarm
10 years old or older. Look for a date on the back of the alarm. If there is no date, your alarm is more than 10 years old and should be replaced.
6) Follow the manufacturer's instructions for regularly cleaning your alarms of dust and cobwebs.

Working smoke alarms provide a critical early warning to a fire, allowing you vital minutes to escape, which increase your chances of survival. Additional safety tips:

* Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, in each bedroom, and outside each sleeping area (hallway).
* Never disconnect or remove batteries from smoke alarms for other uses.
* Use the smoke alarm's hush feature to silence nuisance alarms.
* Make a home fire escape plan and practice it with family members.
* Practice you home fire escape plan at least two times a year at different times of the day/night.
* Children, older adults, and people with disabilities may need assistance to wake up and get out. Ensure that someone will help them.

For more home fire escape planning information visit: http://www.oregon.gov/osp/SFM/Pages/escapeplan.aspx

For more smoke alarm and fire safety information, contact your local fire department or visit
http://www.oregon.gov/osp/SFM/Pages/CommEd_SA_Program.aspx

Follow the OSFM on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OregonStateFireMarshal and Twitter @OSFM.

WINTER SEASON REMINDERS

Your local volunteer Fire District would like to remind you that your participation in preparedness and prevention is always your best defense:

The La Nina (wetter, colder) weather pattern is again in this winter’s forecast, and the NOAA predicts "exceptional mountain snow" for Oregon (Special Districts Assn. of Oregon Review, Fall 2017, p. 9).

 

Prepare for winter hazards and emergencies: Maintain a three-week home supply of non-perishable food, water (1 gallon per day per person), and other basic necessities and emergency supplies and resources. Review our Winter Emergency Preparedness Planning & Safety Reminders pamphlet for more information and suggested supplies lists.

The SDAO also suggests: "Check your roofs and gutters for debris and clogs. When snow hits, a clogged gutter can allow for water or ice to dam up and actually enter the exterior building walls by going under shingles or other roofing material. If you are in a mountainous area or are subject to freezing conditions, consider installation of heat cables. Placed at the edge of the roof close to the gutters, heat cables help keep ice dams from forming and damaging the gutters. If you have a flat roof, cleaning scuppers to allow water to flow out is critical.

Check the roof for valleys and depressions that allow water to remain and to re-caulk any areas where caulking has failed. "This [past] summer was exceptionally hot which of course leads to drying out of caulking and other weather-proofing materials. Branches left on flat roofs can puncture roofing membranes under the weight of snow resulting in interior damage or injury... if the roof should collapse."  

Please keep your residences as accessible as possible during the winter. Despite our best efforts, fire district response time can be complicated by snow/ ice on roads and at residences.  Provide strategic turnouts so two vehicles can pass, as well as turn-around space at your residence. If we can’t reach you during a fire or medical situation, we may not be able to help you at all.

Trim or thin out potentially hazardous trees and branches near / over your access road and driveway that could fall under a snow load or become weakened due to soil saturation. Caution: If power lines are involved, call us first. Power companies are NOT responsible for these (property owners are), yet these lines are very dangerous and need special handling. We will assist you to locate a qualified professional to do it.

 

Prepare for winter travel: Carry an emergency “go-kit” in your vehicle that includes snack food & water for each passenger & pet, warm clothes & blankets, a radio, flashlights & extra batteries, first aid items, a basic tool kit, jumper cables, shovel & ice scraper, road salt/sand, and traction devices.

Service your vehicle(s) before winter; keep the gas tank full; check road conditions before heading out, tell someone your itinerary, and carry a charged cell phone and portable charger. During winter weather, only travel if necessary.

To review chain requirements, see Know Before You Go - Snow Zone Chain Requirements and Conditional Closures on the Siskiyou Pass - Siskiyou Pass Restrictions (Oregon De, Moving Ahead, Dec. 15, 2017, pps. 12 & 13).

For more on winter travel preparation, see 5 Things I Wish Every Driver Would Do and the Come Prepared section of Winter Maintenance (ODOT, Moving Ahead, Dec. 15, 2017, pps. 16 & 19).

 

Clean your stove stacks and chimneys if you haven’t yet – or hire a qualified professional.  Have them professionally inspected for creosote build-up, wear in the pipe lining & metal fittings, or brickwork cracks. Stove pipes and chimneys should always be cleaned at the beginning of wood-heating season and periodically thereafter, depending on the type of wood burned, and the frequency of use.

During use, maintain a three-foot minimum clearance between any flammable materials and heating appliances, especially space heaters. Do not use an open fireplace without a spark glass or screen; do not leave your stove unattended while the drafts are still open. Use only a metal bucket for ashes in a combustible-free area for at least 24 hours before disposal.

Heating equipment causes 16% of all home fires, and 19% of all home fire deaths.* We have recently had two fires in our district caused by stoves used with uncleaned pipes - do not let your home be next! For more information, see Stoves & Flue Fires - Prevention & Handling.

For more on portable electric heater fire hazards and safety, see Reducing Fire Hazards for Portable Electric Heaters (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission - CPSC; pdf, 1 page).

 

Do not overload electrical outlets: Overloading a circuit can cause overheating, leading to an electrical fire. A circuit can become overloaded if too many electric devices are plugged into it. Each added electric device increases the electric current flowing through the wire. When the electric current load is greater than the  capacity of the wire, the wire is overloaded.

Plug only one high-wattage heat-producing appliance (such as a coffee maker, toaster, space heater, etc.) or other high-wattage appliance into one outlet at a time, following the manufacturer's instructions for the electrical capacity required.

Use extension cords for temporary wiring only, and only for the capacity and use they are rated for. Extension cords are not as safe as permanent house wiring. Installed wiring can carry more current and is protected from accidental damage that could cause shock or fire. Do not use an extension cord or a power strip with heaters or fans, which could cause cords to overheat and result in a fire. For more, see Household Extension Cords Can Cause Fires (CPSC; pdf, 1 page).

ALERT: Power strips and multi-prong outlets do not add more electrical capacity - they only re-distribute the available capacity to separate outlets. To ensure that your electrical outlets can safely meet your power load, have additional circuits or receptacles added by a qualified electrician. Electrical distribution and lighting equipment accounts for 16% of all home fire deaths.

Avoid other electrical fire causes: Replace cracked and damaged electrical cords. Avoid pinching cords against walls or furniture or running them under carpets or across doorways; avoid wrapping them tightly around any object or attaching them to anything (walls, baseboards) with nails or staples. Heavy weights or traffic can damage cords, crushing insulation or breaking wire strands, creating a fire or shock hazard. Wrapped cords trap heat that normally escapes loose cords, which can lead to melting or weakening of insulation. Nails and staples can tear or crush the insulation or cut the wires inside, presenting a fire or shock hazard.

Ensure light bulbs are at appropriate wattages for the fixtures/lamps they are used in: a bulb that is a higher wattage than recommended may overheat the light fixture, wiring or nearby combustible materials, leading to a fire. If you aren’t sure, use a bulb 60 watts or less.

Make sure all plugs fit snugly into outlets: Loose-fitting plugs can cause overheating and fires. A loose connection cannot carry much current without getting hot. Unusually warm outlets or switches may indicate an unsafe wiring condition exists, such as a loose electrical connection that can start a fire. (Some dimmer switches may become warm during normal use.) Be sure appliances are not overloading the outlet. Stop using them until an electrician checks the problem.

Turn off/unplug all electrical appliances when not in use and before leaving home, in particular, countertop electrical appliances and the clothes dryer, as overheating is an all-too-common problem. Also, clean the lint trap filter often and the dryer duct vent to the outside at least once a year. (For more, see Overheated Clothes Dryers Can Cause Fires (CPSC; pdf, 1 page) and Clothes Dryer Fire Safety (U.S. Fire Administration - USFA & FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Association; pdf, 1 pg). Finally, turn off/unplug holiday decoration lights before leaving.

Be sure the fuses in your fuse box are the correct size for the circuit: If correct size is unknown, have an electrician identify and label the size to be used. The wrong size fuse can allow too much current to flow and cause the wiring to overheat, creating a fire hazard. Annually test your circuit breakers in the circuit breaker box by flipping them on and off several times: Circuit breakers must be exercised periodically to make sure they have not become stuck and to keep them in good working order.

Electrical arcing and sparking in home wiring can cause fires that typical household fuses and circuit breakers do not respond to until a fire has already begun. Arcing accounts for most home electrical fires. Arc fault circuit interrupters, or AFCIs, can provide increased protection from this potential source of fire by monitoring the electrical current in a circuit and shutting off the circuit when unintended arcing occurs. For more about AFCIs, see Preventing Home Fires: Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) (CPSC; pdf, 1 page).

Finally, to reduce the chances of severe or fatal electrical shock as well as electrical fires, consider installing ground fault circuit interrupters. A GFCI (or GFI) is an inexpensive electrical device that can either be installed in your electrical system or built into a power cord; when a GFCI detects a ground fault, it interrupts the flow of electric current. To learn more about GFCIs, see the CPSC Fact Sheet (CPSC; pdf, 2 pages).

For more on electrical fire hazards and home electrical safety, see:

Home Electrical Safety (Electrical Safety Foundation International - ESFI)

Electrical Fire Safety (USFA & FEMA; pdf, 1 pg).

Home Electrical Safety Checklist (CPSC; pdf, 11 pages).

CPSC Guide to Home Wiring Hazards (CPSC; pdf, 40 pages).

Electrical circuit-interrupters (National Fire Protection Association - NFPA).

 

Remember fire safety in the kitchen: cooking is the leading cause of home fire (46-48% annually) and fire injuries (44 %) and is tied (19 %) for the second leading cause of home fire deaths. Unattended cooking is the leading factor contributing to these fires.

Frying poses the greatest risk of fire. Don't leave your stove cooking unattended ("stand by your pan"). Have a lid handy to cover stovetop flames if necessary, as well as a fire extinguisher rated for kitchen grease fires. Also, keep the top of your cooking range and area above it free of combustibles (e.g., potholders, paper, plastic utensils). For more, see Cooking (NFPA).

 

Unattended candle use is one of the primary causes of home fires. Candle use creates a potential fire danger in your home similar to that of other fire sources. Candles should be used only on stable, non-flammable surfaces, with safe clearance from anything ignitable. Above all, do not leave burning candles  unattended. If you need to leave the room where a candle is burning, even “just for a moment,” make sure it’s out first.

 

Smoking is a very serious fire hazard: While smoking causes the least number of all home fires (5%), it has been the leading cause of home fire deaths for decades, and remains so (22 %). Two-thirds (66%) of these home smoking material fire fatalities resulted from fires originating with uphol­stered furniture or with mattresses or bedding.

 

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home (including the basement), outside all sleeping areas (in hallways), and in all bedrooms, if you haven’t yet.

Smoke alarms save lives: a fire can double in size every 30 seconds. On average, you have less than 3 minutes to escape a house fire. Most fire deaths are caused by smoke – not flames. Most fire deaths and injuries occur between midnight and 8 a.m. when people are asleep.

It is a proven fact that you are 4 times more likely to survive a home fire if you have a working smoke alarm than if you don’t. (Having smoke alarm protection may also help you to qualify for a lower insurance premium; check with your insurer.)

Maintain your smoke alarms: They cannot help protect you if they don’t work! Test smoke alarms monthly throughout your home to ensure they are working. Replace batteries yearly and replace alarm units every 10 years.

For more, see Smoke Alarms (NFPA) and Home Fire Warning Systems: Smoke Alarms & Detectors (on our Stoves and Flue Fires page).

 

Have a home escape plan and practice it, at least once during the day and once at night. You should have two known ways out from every place in your home, and a pre-designated meeting place outside. If your smoke alarm sounds, get out and stay out – do not re-enter for any reason. If you have to escape through smoke, get low and go. Call 9-1-1 from outside your home.

 

For more resources on the above topics, see

Safety in the Home (NFPA)

Home Safety Checklist (USFA & FEMA; pdf, 1 pg).

Our 2015-16 Winter Fire Safety Pamphlet (also linked on our Winter Emergency Preparedness and Winter Fire Safety pages).

Put A Freeze on Winter Fires (NFPA)

 

If you have questions, please call us at  (541) 488-1768.  Thank you for participating in fire safety and prevention. Please enjoy the holidays safely, and have a fire-safe winter season.

*Statistics used above are from the National Fire Protection Assn. and the U.S. Fire Administration.

HOLIDAY PLANNING NEEDS TO INCLUDE FIRE PREVENTION AND SAFETY

News Release from Oregon State Fire Marshal
Posted on FlashAlert: December 11th, 2017 10:18 AM

With the holiday season in full swing, State Fire Marshal Jim Walker urges citizens to remember fire prevention when decorating and entertaining.

From 2012 through 2016, Oregon fire agencies reported there were 3,510 residential fires during the holiday period from November 22 through January 15. These fires were reported to have resulted in 14 deaths, 194 injuries, and more than $61.2 million in property loss.

"This season is a busy and exciting time of year, but don't let that distract you from keeping your family and friends safe from fire," says Walker. "By following a few important prevention tips for Christmas trees, decorations, and candles, you can help ensure your holidays remain happy."

Tree care and decorating tips:
* Choose a fresh, healthy tree with a deep-green color and flexible needles.
* When you get the tree home, cut off the bottom two inches of the trunk. This creates a fresh, raw cut for the tree to soak up water.
* Water your tree daily. A tree may consume between a quart and a gallon of water per day.
* Place the tree at least three feet away from any heat source such as a fireplace, woodstove, space heater, heating vent, baseboard heater, or radiator.
* Use only noncombustible or flame resistant materials to trim a tree.
* Always unplug tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
* If using a woodstove or fireplace, keep it screened at all times. Keep ribbons, boughs, and other decorative materials at least three feet away.
* After the holiday season or whenever your tree dries out, promptly dispose of it and other dry greenery. Burning a tree in a stove or fireplace is extremely dangerous; proper disposal includes recycling or pick-up by a disposal service.
* Never burn wrapping paper in the fireplace or wood stove. Wrapping paper burns at higher temperatures than wood and can cause a chimney fire.

Electrical safety
* Maintain your holiday lights. Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, and broken or cracked sockets.
* Do not overload electrical sockets. Do not link more than three light strands, unless the manufacturer's directions indicate it is safe.
* Protect electrical cords from damage. To avoid shock or fire hazards, cords should never be pinched by furniture, placed under rugs, located near heat sources or attached by nails or staples.
* Make sure all extension cords and electrical decorations used outdoors are marked for outdoor use.

Candle safety
* Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look and smell like real candles.
* Never leave a burning candle unattended. Extinguish candles when you go to bed, leave a room, or before leaving the house.
* Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn. Keep candles at least one foot from combustibles including clothing, curtains, upholstered furniture, greenery, and decorations.
* Always use a sturdy non-combustible (metal, glass, or ceramic) candleholder. If a sturdy non-combustible candleholder is not available, the candle can be placed on a non-combustible plate.
* Place candles out of reach of small children and pets.
* Avoid candles with items embedded in them such as twigs, flowers, or leaves. These items can ignite or even explode.
* Always use a flashlight -- not a candle -- for emergency lighting.

General fire safety
* Keep combustibles at least three feet from heat sources.
* For increased protection, have working smoke alarms on every level of your home (including the basement), in each bedroom, and in the hallway outside each bedroom.
* Make a home fire escape plan and practice it with your family and any overnight guests.
* Keep escape routes clear of clutter so you can escape quickly in case of fire.

For more information on fire safety visit: http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/pages/com_ed_section.aspx

Sent via FlashAlert Newswire.

Fire Season 2017 Information:

Last Update: September 29, 2017: RRSNF Announces that the Joint Information Center is Closing on Saturday, September 30, 2017. View/read the RRSNF's News Release (9/29/17) (pdf format).

Previously - through Fri. 9/15/17 - Fire & Smoke Conditions:

"A Southwest Oregon Joint Information Center (JIC) has been established in Medford to serve as a ‘one-stop-shopping’ spot to get information on fires and information related to fires currently burning on federal and state lands. Agencies represented at the JIC include the USDA Forest Service, Oregon Department of Forestry, Coos Forest Protective Association, Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service." (JIC News Release, 8/29/17)

Jackson County Emergency Management's Sara Rubrecht says: "For those of you who are trying to keep track of all of the fire information out there right now, please see the information [in the 8/28/17 Joint News Release (pdf) also reproduced] below, as [the Joint Information Center] is an incredible resource! All of the updated fire information can be found in one place… http://swojic.blogspot.com."

JOINT INFORMATION CENTER OPENS IN MEDFORD

"Southwest Oregon is currently experiencing very high fire activity. Multiple wildland fires are burning on more than 138,000 acres of federal and state lands, with the majority of acres burned on Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest lands. The large fires include the Chetco Bar Fire (Brookings), the Miller Fire (Applegate Valley) and the High Cascades Complex (Prospect).

"As these fires have generated a great deal of interest from both the public and the media, it is important to all agencies involved that the public has the information they need to keep themselves and their families safe and informed.

"Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest Supervisor Rob McWhorter emphasized, “It’s imperative that we share timely and accurate information, and highlight the tremendous suppression, structure protection and public safety efforts being made on behalf of the communities we serve.”

"Primary responders to the fires include the Forest Service, the Oregon Department of Forestry, the National Park Service, Coos Forest Protective Association, and the Bureau of Land Management in cooperation with Jackson County and Curry County law enforcement and emergency services, as well as local fire departments and the Oregon National Guard.

"To better meet the information needs, the agencies have established a Joint Information Center (JIC) located in Medford to serve as a ‘one-stop-shopping’ spot to get fire information.

"A comprehensive blog has been developed that will provide fire and evacuation maps, fire updates, scheduled public meetings, national and regional fire links, air quality & information and ways the public can help. That information can be accessed at www.swojic.blogspot.com.

"The JIC will produce a daily comprehensive large fire summary which will be posted on the blog. The individual fires will also continue to send out their daily updates. If additional large fires start in southwest Oregon during the 2017 season, those fires will also be included. The JIC can be reached at 541-608-1243 and is staffed from 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. daily. We look forward to serving you!"

###

Additional direct links:

From the Jackson County Public Health Division (8/30/17): Wildfire Smoke Guidance (pdf) - An Urgent Public Health Activity Report Within Jackson County:

This bulletin covers precautions to take during smoke, a Visual Assessment Using the Visibility Index Guide, a link to the DEQ's Air Quality Index, some very useful information about smoke masks, and additional links to information on smoke and wildfires in Oregon.

 

From the Oregon Office of Emergency Management (8/19/17 & 8/20/17):

"OEM's online Real-time Assessment and Planning Tool, known as RAPTOR, has updated information on wildfires and any wildfire-related road closures. People can access RAPTOR through OEM's web page or they may go to www.tinyURL.com/OregonRaptor. It is important that travelers stay informed about conditions in the area in which they are traveling and take appropriate precautions.

Weather and smoke levels can vary dramatically -- even hourly -- during wildfires. Visit oregonsmoke.blogspot.com for the latest information on smoke conditions in your area." "This site has the best and latest information about smoke conditions in your area.

"Some people, such as those with chronic heart or lung disease, children and the elderly may experience health effects even when the air is unhealthy for a short time. It is important to take precautions based on your individual health and the smoke levels around you. This may mean staying indoors when air quality is poor. It may also mean not exercising during these conditions."

For the latest information on southern Oregon fires, see ODF's Facebook page: @ODFSouthwest, or ODF's website at www.swofire.com.

For information on all fires, see https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/.

Check the NWS Forecast Office Medford, OR, online at http://www.weather.gov/mfr/ for current weather information and details.

Always report any possible fires to 9-1-1. (This is reported to us and our backup agencies.)

Thank you for your continued vigilance during the remainder of fire season.

Extreme Heat Tips:  

The following additional information is re-posted from FEMA's 7/27/17 E-Newsletter:

Warning Signs of Heat-Related Illness

Beach days, barbecues, concerts, and other outdoor activities can mean fun in the sun. However, heat can take a toll on the body.

Learn the Warning Signs of Heat-Related Illness from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention before your next summer event.

Learning how to recognize the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke is the first step to prevention.

Signs of Heat Exhaustion

• Heavy sweating
• Weakness
• Cold, pale, and clammy skin
• Fast, weak pulse
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fainting

What You Should Do:

• Move to a cooler location.
• Lie down and loosen your clothing.
• Apply cool, wet cloths to as much of your body as possible.
• Sip water.
• If you have vomited and it continues, seek medical attention immediately.

Signs of Heat Stroke

• High body temperature (above 103°F)
• Hot, red, dry or moist skin
• Rapid and strong pulse
• Possible unconsciousness

What You Should Do:

• Call 911 immediately — this is a medical emergency.
• Move the person to a cooler environment.
• Reduce the person's body temperature with cool cloths or even a bath.
• Do NOT give fluids.

Find more information on extreme heat preparedness at www.ready.gov/heat. You can also review extreme heat safety tips shared on a recent Twitter chat by searching #HeatChat on Twitter. The Twitter chat has information from the Ready Campaign, Maryland Department of Health Office of Preparedness and Response, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and many others.

"Additional information on beating the heat and avoiding heat-related illness can be viewed online at www.oregon.gov/oha/ph/Preparedness/Prepare/Pages/PrepareForExtremeHeat.aspx."
[Mail Tribune, Tues. Aug.1, "Crews prepare for record heat as wildfires burn," pps. A3 & A2.]

[source: FEMA - public education graphics.]

ODF News Release - 7/28/17 - FYI:

July 28, 2017
Oregon Department of Forestry - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Southwest Oregon District
5286 Table Rock Rd.
Central Point, OR 97502

Contact: Melissa Cano, Public Information Officer
(541) 613-6313 or (541) 664-3328

 

If You Fly, We Can’t:
Drone Grounds Firefighting Aircraft in Southwest Oregon

On Sunday, a grass fire off Interstate 5 and milepost 55 in Grants Pass was quickly knocked down at a half-acre; however, every firefighter on the ground and in the air faced an additional risk when a hobby drone was spotted in the sky.

The powerline-related fire was called in at roughly 4:10 p.m. Sunday, July 23rd. Within minutes, five engines, one water tender and one hand crew from the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District, one engine and one water tender from Rural Metro Fire Josephine County and two engines from Grants Pass Fire arrived on scene and began containing the fire. An ODF Southwest Oregon District, Type 2 helicopter, was dispatched shortly after to assist in the initial attack. Upon arrival, the helicopter was requested to perform a reconnaissance mission along the I-5 corridor in order to guarantee that the fire did not spot or spread to areas that firefighters on the ground could not see. With the water bucket deployed and already in tow, the helicopter headed south along I-5 searching for additional fire starts. The pilot had every intention of returning to the fire after the scouting mission; however, an ODF engine crewman spotted a drone heading toward the active fire scene just moments after the helicopter changed direction. The pilot was immediately contacted, left the area to create distance between himself and the drone, then landed safely at our Grants Pass headquarters. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will be investigating the incident moving forward. ODF Southwest Oregon District would like to encourage anyone who sees a drone over an active fire incident to call 9-1-1.

“It jeopardizes the safety of our pilots, firefighters and the public. We are asking that people help spread this message so a drone interfering with firefighting operations does not happen again,” said ODF Southwest District Forester, Dave Larson.

As unmanned aircraft system (UAS) technology has become increasingly popular, so have run-ins between hobby drones and wildland firefighting agencies, like the Oregon Department of Forestry, that consider it a hindrance. This is the first time aerial operations have been grounded by a drone in the Southwest Oregon District. Thankfully, the pilot, firefighters and the public below were not harmed by the drone intrusion. Many people often forget that a single hobby drone is enough to take down firefighting aircraft.

When drones interfere with firefighting efforts, a wildfire has the potential to grow larger and cause more damage. Every second counts. Not to mention, every time an aircraft is grounded due to drone interference, thousands of dollars are wasted on take-off and landing alone. It is important to note that just because a helicopter is not visible in the sky, or flames are no longer noticeable on the ground, does not mean that fire scene is no longer ‘active.’ Aircraft are often orbiting a wildfire long after flames are knocked down. In addition, resources on the ground and in the air often revisit fire scenes in order to ensure there is no heat radiating from the ground that could potentially spark a new fire. As long as there are boots on the ground, the fire scene remains active.

Recreational drone use on a wildfire is prohibited by the FAA due to amount of risk in regards to human life. According to the FAA, “drone operators who interfere with wildfire suppression efforts are subject to civil penalties of up to $27,500 and possible criminal prosecution.” For further information about drone regulations, visit: www.knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Remember, if you fly, we can’t.

Please join ODF Southwest Oregon District in sharing our message on Facebook and YouTube. Together, we can keep everyone in the air and on the ground safe allowing us to attack and suppress wildfires faster than if we worked alone.

###

Melissa Rae Cano
Public Information Officer
Oregon Department of Forestry
Office: (541) 664-3328
Cell: (541) 613-6313
melissa.r.cano@oregon.gov

SMOKE/CO ALARMS RECALL NOTICE - in Consumer Reports March 2017 print issue (p. 20)
[for updates, see Consumer Reports online at: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/index.htm] :

"Kidde is recalling about 3.6 million NightHawk combination smoke/CO [Carbon Monoxide] alarms. Once the backup batteries are replaced, the units can fail to chirp when they reach their seven-year end of life, which may lead users to think they're still working. That means that consumers may have no alert during a fire or CO incident. The alarms were sold online and at electrical distributors and home centers nationwide from June 2004 through December 2010.

"What to do Replace the alarm. Contact Kidde at 855-239-0490 or go to kidde.com [http://www.kidde.com/home-safety/en/us/] for a free replacement alarm or a discount on a new one."

More information is available from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission at: https://www.cpsc.gov/recalls/2016/kidde-recalls-combination-smoke-co-alarms.

To be sure that the smoke/CO alarms, fire extinguishers, or other products in your home that you rely upon have not been recalled with problems or safety concerns, check the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website at: https://www.cpsc.gov/.

The Red Cross presents a new Prepare Out Loud program on Tuesday, March 7th in Ashland, and also on Thursday, March 9th in Medford:

"Together we can rise to the challenge of a Cascadia Earthquake. The American Red Cross Prepare Out Loud presentation will empower you to be ready for disasters of all kinds (including a Cascadia earthquake) by taking practical steps to start preparing, being vocal about your preparedness and encouraging others to start preparing."

This program is open to the whole community. For more info, see the Prepare Out Loud - Ashland Event flyer; the RSVP site is: www.redcross.org/PrepareOutLoudAshland, and Prepare Out Loud - Medford Event flyer; the RSVP site is: www.redcross.org/PrepareOutLoudMedford.

Rogue Valley Citizen Alert Test Scheduled For Monday, October 24th at 10am.

This is a scheduled bi-annual test of the two-county Citizen Alert Emergency Notification System.
• Read the Jackson & Josephine Emergency Management press release;
• For more information, see Jackson County Emergency Management website's News & Information section and Citizen Alert Test FAQs;
• If you aren't yet registered, you can sign up for Citizen Alerts now.

This is Fire Prevention Week - the following information is quoted from FEMA's E-newsletter, 10/6/16:

October 9-15, 2016 is Fire Prevention Week  [http://www.nfpa.org/public-education/campaigns/fire-prevention-week].

This year’s theme is “Don’t Wait – Check the Date! Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.”

According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), it’s important to remember that smoke alarms do not last forever. Check the manufacture date on the back of your alarms. If it is older than 10 years, replace the alarm because the sensors become less sensitive.

Take the time during Fire Prevention Week to test your smoke alarms. Make sure you have an alarm on every level of your home, inside and outside each sleeping area, and in the basement.

Sit down with everyone in your home and discuss your home fire escape plan. As you make this plan, consider the following questions:

• Does everyone know two ways out of each room, in case one way is blocked by fire?
• Can everyone get themselves out alone?
• Does anyone in your home need assistance to get out quickly? If so, who will help them?
• Do you have a meeting place outside your home?

Once you have developed a home fire escape plan, practice it to be sure everyone can get out safely!

The USFA recommends everyone have working smoke alarms, practice a home fire escape plan and consider installing home fire sprinklers in their home. Find more information about smoke alarms, escape plans, and home fire sprinklers as well as other fire safety topics at www.usfa.fema.gov.

More information:

• Check out the short video "Change Your Clock - Change Your Batteries!" (1:10 min.) at the U.S. Consumer Safety Product Commission's site: https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/Video/change-your-clock-change-your-batteries.

• The Consumer Product Safety Commission's (pdf) document "Smoke Alarms – Why, Where, and Which?" (CPSC Pub.559): https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/SmokeAlarmWhyWhereandWhichCPSCPub559RevisedJuly2016PostReview%282%29.pdf

From Jackson County Emergency Management - High Priority with request to share - received Thurs. Oct. 6:

Hurricane Matthew Update - Red Cross Seeking Volunteers for deployment . . .

The Red Cross Cascades Region is seeking additional volunteers to help with Hurricane Matthew and other disasters. [ . . . ] Individuals interested in deploying with the Red Cross to help with this relief effort and others are encouraged to attend a training [ . . . ]

[UPDATE: Trainings, including one in Medford on Oct. 13th, are now past; that and related information has been edited out from this news release. Anyone wishing to assist the Red Cross may contact the Cascades Region Communications Director - see contact info below. Remaining relevant news release information is as follows:]

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

DOWNLOAD EMERGENCY APP Everyone should download the Red Cross Emergency App to have safety information available on their mobile device, including emergency weather alerts, safety information and shelter locations. Red Cross apps are available in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

HAVE A DISASTER KIT Include a gallon of water per person - enough for three days, a three-day supply of non-perishable food, family and emergency contact information, copies of important papers and a map of the area. More details on what to include are available here.

HURRICANE SAFETY People living in the path of the hurricane should listen to local officials and obey any evacuation orders. Other safety steps include:

-Know your evacuation route.
-Bring in anything that can be picked up by the wind.
-Close doors, windows and hurricane shutters. If someone doesn't have shutters, close and board up all windows and doors with plywood.
-Fill your car's gas tank.
-Avoid flooded roads and bridges. Turn around, don't drown.

MAKE A DONATION The work of the American Red Cross starts long before a hurricane makes landfall in the United States. For example, we have warehouses stocked with disaster relief supplies, thousands of trained workers, and more than 320 mobile response vehicles on standby year-round to be ready to help people in need. If we didn't maintain these resources 24/7, we couldn't get help to people in a timely fashion--but we depend on donations from the American public to be ready.

Help people affected by disasters like hurricanes, floods and countless other crises by making a donation to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small across the United States. Visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS to make a donation.

About the American Red Cross The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/Cascades or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossCasc.

Contact Info:

Monique Dugaw
Communications Director
American Red Cross Cascades Region
503-528-5629 (p)
503-877-7121 (c)
monique.dugaw@redcross.org

For disaster emergency preparedness information, see FEMA's site at:  https://www.fema.gov.

OF PUBLIC INTEREST:  "Subduction zone earthquakes off Oregon, Washington more frequent than previous estimates"

Posted on EurekAlert! The Global Source for Science News by Oregon State University.

Public Release: 5-Aug-2016. The following is an article excerpt:

"CORVALLIS, Ore. - A new analysis suggests that massive earthquakes on northern sections of the Cascadia Subduction Zone, affecting areas of the Pacific Northwest that are more heavily populated, are somewhat more frequent than has been believed in the past.

"The chance of one occurring within the next 50 years is also slightly higher than previously estimated.

"The findings, published this week in the journal Marine Geology, are based on data that is far more detailed and comprehensive than anything prior to this . . . "

Read the complete article, "Subduction zone earthquakes off Oregon, Washington more frequent than previous estimates," online at:

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-08/osu-sze080516.php.

"If you fly, we can't."

Tues. August 9th:  ODF issued a Public Service Announcement news release regarding the use of UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems), also known as drones, within proximity of firefighting operations:

August 9, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oregon Department of Forestry
Southwest Oregon District
5286 Table Rock Rd.
Central Point, OR 97502
Contact: Melissa Cano or Brian Ballou, (541)613-6313, (541) 621-4156

"Wildfires are often fast-spreading and unpredictable making it difficult for ground crews to navigate alone. This is why firefighting aircraft are an integral part of fire suppression.

"However, aircraft cannot be used to fight fire if UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems), more commonly known as drones, are detected above or within a 5-mile radius of a wildfire. Both UAS and firefighting aircraft fly at low altitudes creating the potential for a mid-air collision which can injure or kill firefighters in the sky, crews on the ground, and the neighboring public.

"This dangerous situation is why we ground all aircraft until UAS are removed from a wildfire. While aircraft is suspended, wildfires have the capacity to grow larger threatening more lives and property.

"Please join the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District in sharing our message: ‘If you fly, we can't!’ Together, we can keep everyone in the air and on the ground safe allowing us to attack and suppress wildfires faster than if we worked alone.

"Below is the link to our PSA and our Facebook page where the message is currently posted. Please share it on all platforms so that we may educate the public on keeping drones away from wildfires."

ODF Southwest Oregon District YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeBkLTsBGts

ODF Southwest Oregon District Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ODFSouthwest/

###

 

For further information, see:

The U.S. Forest Service - Fire & Aviation Management:
http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/aviation/uas.html

Cal Fire - "If You Fly, We Can't" - Fire Safety Education/Communications:
http://www.fire.ca.gov/communications/communications_ifyouflywecant

National Interagency Fire Center - Public Information Office Bulletin Board
(under U.S. Forest Service --> Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Communication Materials:
http://www.nifc.gov/PIO_bb/fs.html

 

Drones in the news:

"Forestry officials: Keep your drones away from wildfires," The Mail Tribune, Medford, OR., June 9, 2015 (http://www.mailtribune.com/article/20150609/NEWS/150609578/0/); an excerpt follows:

"Brian Ballou, a fire prevention specialist with the Oregon Department of Forestry, said the agency is asking drone pilots not to launch their aircraft within five miles of a visible smoke plume. // 'If we see any of these going up, we have to shut down all air operations'. . ."

Legalities have changed with the new FAA rules in 2016:

"Man suspected of flying drone over Trailhead Fire arrested," The Sacramento Bee, Sacramento, CA., July 15, 2016 (http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/crime/article90002152.html); an introductory excerpt follows:

"A Foresthill man has been arrested on suspicion of interfering with firefighting operations during the recent Trailhead Fire by flying a drone over the fire, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. // The presence of the drone forced Cal Fire to ground firefighting aircraft due to the risk of a collision." [. . .]

[A similar report was also published in The Mail Tribune, Medford, OR., Sun. July 17, 2016, p. 1A, left sidebar under "West," as "Man arrested for flying drone over fire." According to the Mail Tribune's report, [CA State fire spokesman Daniel] Berlant says there have been dozens of similar drone incursions in fire areas over the past two years but [Eric] Wamser] is the first person arrested by state fire investigators."

“Before Wildfire Strikes! A Handbook for Homeowners and Communities in Southwest Oregon” is an excellent new (Dec. 2015) guide for helping us all to prepare for and survive wildfire.

Written by Kara Baylog and Max Bennett of Jackson and Josephine County Emergency Management in collaboration with numerous other local agencies, it offers very usable information on topics essential to successful wildfire prevention and survival:

• Do you know what it takes to survive a wildfire?
• What are Firewise and Fire-Adapted Communities?
• The Elements of a Fire-Adapted Community
• Fire is natural to southwest Oregon’s environment
• Southwest Oregon’s forests today
• Community Protection
• Emergency Access
• The Home Ignition Zone
• Creating an Effective Defensible Space
• Working with your neighbors
• Conservation landscaping concepts
• Evacuation
• Notification
• When a fire threatens
• Evacuating
• Be Ready, Be Set, GO!

"This is a manual that helps homeowners and neighborhoods prepare their areas and their homes for wildfire. A fire-adapted community is a community located in a fire-prone area that requires little assistance from firefighters during a wildfire. Residents of these communities accept responsibility for living in a high fire-hazard area. They possess the knowledge and skills to prepare their homes and property to survive wildfire; evacuate early, safely and effectively; and survive, if trapped by wildfire." [Quote from the OSU Extension Service's website.]

We encourage you to take advantage of this informational resource in your planning and activities as you prepare for fire season by renewing and/or expanding your fuel breaks and reducing fuel loads around your home this spring.

April 30th, 2016: National PrepareAthon Day; May 1 through May 7: Wildfire Awareness Week and lead-up to the NFPA’s national Wildfire Community Preparedness Day on Sat. May 7th, 2016 :

"Join individuals and groups of all ages on May 7, and participate in national Wildfire Community Preparedness Day activities that will make your community safer from the impacts of future and past wildfires. [ . . .]

"Your actions will contribute to increasing the safety of both residents and wildland firefighters. Commit a couple of hours or an entire day to helping your community and accomplish something great!"

"The 125 recipients of a $500 project funding award were selected March 1; recipients will utilize the money to complete a risk reduction, post-fire or preparedness activity/event on May 7. The monetary awards were sponsored by State Farm, a co-sponsor of the third annual nationwide campaign."

The 2016 Wildfire Community Preparedness Day campaign is co-sponsored and supported by the NFPA and State Farm.

Learn more online at:  

• www.WildfirePrepDay.org (re-directs to the 2nd link here)
• http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/outdoors/wildland-fires/campaigns/national-wildfire-community-preparedness-day

For project ideas (and safety tips), see under the paragraph heading "How Do I Start?" (near the top, under the banner).

For social media, use: #WildfirePrepDay.

Leading up to and following the NFPA's Wildfire Preparedness Day on May 7th [was] a series of additional highlighted events sponsored by FEMA:

April 10 – 16: Flood Awareness Week

April 17 – 23: Tornado Awareness Week

April 24 – 30: Lead up to National PrepareAthon! Day

April 30th (Sat.) - National PrepareAthon Day - Learn how to prepare for emergencies!

May 1 – 7: Wildfire Awareness Week and lead up to NFPA’s national Wildfire Community Preparedness Day (May 7)

May 15 – 21: Hurricane Awareness Week

May 22 – 28: Extreme Heat Week

To learn more about how you can prepare for wildfire, see the NFPA's blog page at:

http://wildfire.blog.nfpa.org/2016/04/prepare-for-emergencies-on-april-30-national-prepareathon-day.html?order_src=C365.

FYI:  IS IT A PRESCRIBED BURN, A CONTROLLED SLASH BURN, OR A FIRE?

Specific information on prescribed burns within our district will normally always be posted here on our website as soon as we receive notice.

We are notified ahead of any prescribed (ODF-approved) burning, even though there is often not a lot of warning, as approval from the ODF depends upon the latest weather and other local conditions.

If we have not posted a prescribed burn notice on this page (at the top) and you're unsure if you're seeing a controlled slash burn, call us - it's far better to err on the side of caution.

If a burn cannot be determined to be a controlled burn, or for slash burns that may have gone out of control, don't take a chance - just call 9-1-1.

Note: We don't require burning permits when slash burning is allowed (only before and after fire season), but everyone conducting any outdoor burning is urged to let us know ahead of such activities, to avoid false alarms and as a general safety precaution.

(Info on previous prescribed burns conducted by Lomakatsi is available below.)

ALERT:  Many trees weakened by drought stress over the past two years may be vulnerable to toppling unexpectedly due to saturated soils, winds, and/or heavy snow loads.

If you are aware of leaning or weakened trees near your residence or driveway that may be a safety hazard, have a professional deal with them properly. (If you aren't able to locate someone, call us and we will try to assist you to find someone qualified.)

If you see a problem near or on a public roadway, please report it to local authorities (or provide us with the necessary information and we will forward it to the proper authorities).

OF INTEREST:

We have not had back-up support from the Hornbrook Volunteer Fire Department, our next-closest fire agency, since early in 2014; however, this may soon change, following the recent Nov. 3rd special election for Hornbrook's board of directors.

UPDATE: A TV news story on Sun. Nov. 15th reported that with the newly elected board, volunteer firefighters will be returning to service in the department sometime within the next week. Details will follow here as soon as we are able to learn them.

The backstory (all listed articles published by the Siskiyou Daily News (Yreka, CA), posted online):

"Supes set election to reinstate Hornbrook fire board," Wed., Aug. 5, 2015: "After nearly 16 months without a fire department, the Siskiyou County Board Of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to call a special election for board members for Hornbrook’s fire protection district. [. . .] "Controversy within the Hornbrook Fire Department began on Feb. 27, when the entire department quit. [. . .] "The election will be held November 3, 2015..."

"Hornbrook's entire fire department quits," Feb. 27, 2014;
"Hornbrook firefighters turn in their gear," Mar. 7, 2014;
"Our View: Hot mess in Hornbrook," Mar. 14, 2014;
"Fire board tries to address issues," Jun. 20, 2014;
"Fire board president Olson resigns," Nov. 3, 2014;
"Hornbook Fire Department still battling with fire board," Jun. 16, 2015.

 

---

The Siskiyou Rail Line is back in operation as of November 10th, 2015:

According to the recent news report, "Freight service over Siskiyou Pass starts today," (Mail Tribune online, Tues. Nov. 10, 2015):  "The Central Oregon & Pacific Railroad has begun sending freight trains over the entire 296-mile short line between Eugene and Weed after spending $13 million for the Siskiyou Summit Railroad Revitalization project. The resumption of train traffic on the Siskiyou Line south of Ashland means veneer and other wood products from the region can be shipped by rail. CORP plans to send about 12 freight trains over the tracks each day."

Previously, ODOT's Moving Ahead publication on Sept. 25th, 2015 (included with the 9/25/15 Mail Tribune), stated that, "Major repairs to the Siskiyou Rail Line are on schedule so that the line is expected to reopen by mid-November. // "Freight service on the historic line, which first opened in December 1887 and runs 95 miles from Ashland to Weed [CA], stopped in 2008. // "The Siskiyou Summit Railroad Revitalization project is repairing and revitalizing a 65-mile section of the 296-mile stretch of the short line railroad, including rail, tunnels, ties and bridges as well as upgrading its freight capacity to handle the 286,000-pound industry standard for rail cars." The line, when re-opened, will provide service five days a week between Weed, CA., and Medford, OR., with one train in each direction running on those days; each train will have 12 to 14 cars.

While the expanded shipping opportunities for regional companies with the re-opening of the rail line are great, we are still concerned by the rail's transit through our valley as a source of potential fire sparks, as this has been a very significant issue in the past. While we hope that recently completed repairs to the line will have alleviated most, if not all, of the sources of potential fire sparking along the tracks, we will be monitoring the trains once the line re-opens as we previously have, particularly during fire season.

For more information, see "Reopening Siskiyou Rail Line," by Brad Hicks, ODOT, Moving Ahead, September, 2015, and "Siskiyou Rail Line Repair - November reopening," ODOT, Moving Ahead, September, 2015.

---

Are you interested in becoming a weather spotter?

The National Weather Service recently invited weather watchers to a FREE severe weather spotter training program. The spotter class was held Thursday, October 8th, 2015, between 6 and 8 pm at the Carnegie Library, 413 West Main Street, Medford.

The weather service uses reports collected from spotters across the region to determine the severity of both winter and summer storms. In the class, meteorologists explain the types of storms we receive in Southern Oregon, show you how to use a rain gauge, and how and what to report.

If you are interested in a future class, contact the National Weather Service in Medford. For details on the recent class, see the flyer. [Information is from Ryan Sandler of the National Weather Service in Medford.]

FYI:  The Colestin/Hilt Emergency Preparedness Plan Leadership Group held its first meeting on Sat., January 18th, 2014. Our newly launched Emergency Preparedness Plan Project is in recognition of the increasing need to be able to effectively respond to significant emergency events here in our valley, and to provide help and leadership through the District to our residents. Learn more about our Emergency Preparedness Plan Project on our new page dedicated to developing our emergency preparedness resources.

"The future of wildfire, and of hotshot firefighting" - 8/3/13

The above-titled editorial by Bob Sipchen was carried in the Mail Tribune (Medford, OR) on Saturday, August 3rd, 2013, and was originally published by the Los Angeles Times on Sun. July 28th. A brief excerpt follows:

"Along with barked orders and the whine of chain saws, the clank of steel on rock was certainly one of the sounds that rose from a hillside near Yarnell, Ariz., last month as clouds of superheated smoke roiled the sky, portending a tragedy . . .

". . . I knew that for the firefighters, at least one thing that has been offered up as consolation is rooted in truth: They did die doing what they loved, and part of what they loved was the danger.

"I've come to doubt, however, another often-voiced cliche: 'They understood the risks.'

"A federal study released this year joins a growing body of literature connecting the frequency and intensity of wildfires worldwide to the global climate disruption that we have created by living lives dependent on the burning of fossil fuels. The Granite Mountain Hotshots may well have known about this connection. I'm confident that neither hotshots nor anyone else yet has a clue what it all means for the future of computer-modeled firefighting strategy, let alone about the multitude of life-or-death judgment calls firefighters make in any given wildfire."

The complete article may be read on the Los Angeles Times' website at:

http://articles.latimes.com/2013/jul/28/opinion/la-oe-sipchen-fire-hotshots-20130728 (page 1) and http://articles.latimes.com/2013/jul/28/opinion/la-oe-sipchen-fire-hotshots-20130728/2 (page 2).

"Warning: 'These huge fires are the new normal' - AP, 7/6/13

For those who missed the above article published by the Mail Tribune (Medford, OR) on July 6th, 2013, a few excerpted bits follow:

"There's a dangerous but basic equation behind Arizona's killer Yarnell Hill wildfire and other blazes raging across the West this summer:

"More heat, more drought, more fuel and more people in the way are adding up to increasingly ferocious fires...

"While no single wildfire can be pinned solely on climate change, researchers say there are signs that fires are becoming bigger and more common in an increasingly hot and bonedry West...

Wildfires are chewing through twice as many acres per year on average in the United States compared with 40 years ago...

" 'These huge fires are the new normal,' said John Glenn, chief of fire operations for the federal Bureau of Land Management. 'Look at any touchstone - global warming, fuels, invasive species, forest and rangeland health issues - and then you throw in the urban interface. It's almost like this perfect mix. What used to be the anomaly is almost like the normal now.' "

A version of the same story appeared in The Huffington Post on July 5th:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/05/climate-change-wildfires_n_3550397.html

The Spring, 2013, Firebrand:

The Fri. April 26th, 2013, edition of the Mail Tribune contained (the) "Firebrand," a small newspaper insert with some great fire prevention information. This edition has really useful, timely articles:

1. "Fire Season Forecast for Southwest Oregon"
2. "Fuel Reduction for Your Back 40"
3. "CERTS Volunteers Doing the Greatest Good"
4. "Building Safer Neighborhoods Through Firewise Communities"
5. "Middle Applegate Watershed Pilot Project: A Fresh Approach to Forestry in Southern Oregon"
6. ODF fuel reduction programs, fire-resistant plant spotlight, resource links, and more

In case you missed it, you can check it out on the RVFPC website at http://www.rvfpc.com. (Look under the right-hand navigation column, & scroll down to "Firebrand Newsletter").

A printed copy is also available upon request by:

• calling Brian Ballou (ODF) at 541-664-3328,


• emailing rvfireprev@gmail.com, or


• writing to: Rogue Valley Fire Prevention Cooperative, P.O. Box 3301, Central Point, OR. 97502.

The Firebrand is published by the Rogue Valley Fire Prevention Cooperative, a non-profit group of fire prevention organizations based in southern Oregon, and "supports the mission of the RVFPC, and the outreach and education action items in the Jackson County Integrated Fire Plan... [a]rticles also highlight projects that protect homes and wildlands from wildfire, and promote healthy, productive wildland environments. // The Firebrand also supports emergency preparedness for families, pets and livestock, and provides information about preventing fires inside the home."

 

Also see:

• The Rogue Valley Fire Prevention Co-op's site
  
• Wildland Fire Prevention - Fuel Breaks & Other Tips  (here on our website)
  
• Firewise Communities/USA  (www.firewise.org)

Food for thought: Mt. Ashland Ski Area has been raising funds "to recover from the worst snow year in 20 ski seasons." This is what our local snowpack was really like last winter [2011-12], despite the water year report. (Source: The Mail Tribune, Medford, OR., 6/25/12, p. 4A.)

Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) News:

 

In June, 2005, the Fire Plan Committee (John Ames, Elaine Shanafelt, and Lisa Buttrey) completed and released the Colestin-Hilt Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) that was in the works for over a year. In addition to a public presentation of the main points of the plan by Committee Chair and Coordinator Lisa Buttrey at the community barbeque on Saturday, June 18th, the plan is now available in detail here on our site, through our Colestin-Hilt Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) page.

"The completed plan," according to Lisa Buttrey, "has an Intro section, a Description section, a brief 'Risks' section, and finally the meat of the document in the last section, 'The Action Plan,' followed by the 'Appendices.' "The Action Plan gives detailed ideas for things to do and calls for volunteers to do them. [We] hope to get a few 'Action' items assigned to willing takers (from outside the fire department proper!)."

The Plan has an enormous wealth of information in it, and reflects a tremendous amount of time, extensive research, many meetings with other fire agency and county officials, and hard work. The result is a document that provides a working plan of action for our community to pro-actively achieve a much better level of fire prevention and protection and disaster preparedness than we have ever known. We are also now in compliance, ahead of schedule, and coordinated with the County's new regional fire plan. Check out the Plan on our CWPP page.

Also of interest are some very interesting articles that were edited out of the final CWPP: "Geology of the Districts," a summary by local resident Russell Juncal, and according to Lisa, "very readable for all residents." The second is "Fire Regimes, Fire History and Forest Conditions in the Klamath-Siskiyou Region: An Overview and Synthesis of Knowledge, by Evan J. Frost and Rob Sweeney. Lisa states that this is "a scientific paper, quite lengthy at 59 pages, but full of info about fire history, fire regimes, suppression history, logging impact on fire, etc." A third article that was not considered part of the official plan but that is also relevant is a Homeowner's Safety Checklist from the Fire Safe Council. All of these articles are now available through our CWPP page as well.

Josephine County's Plan, by comparison: On January 18, 2006, the Oregon Dept. of Forestry announced in a press release that Josephine County's Integrated Fire Plan has been awarded statewide recognition: "Josephine County was recently chosen to receive the 2005 Partners for Disaster Resistance and Resilience Outstanding Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan. Josephine County was recognized for the collaborative planning effort that resulted in the Josephine County Integrated Fire Plan..."   To learn more about how our neighboring county has prepared a fire plan that has now been recognized throughout the state of Oregon, read the full text of ODF's Josephine County Integrated Fire Plan press release (Jan. 18, 2006).