31 July 2015
Emergency order shuts down forest access
Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue Chief Jim Langborg issued an emergency order yesterday imposing strict limitations on anything that could pose the possibility of causing a fire. His order mirrors one issued earlier in the day by Oregon State Forestry. That shut down all activities, including logging, on state-protected forest lands. The local restrictions include everything within the boundaries of Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue, including Dunes City and Florence.
No open flames outdoors, including campfires, warming fires, cooking fires or ceremonial fires on private land. Fires are only allowed in developed fire pits at public owned campgrounds. Gas barbecues are allowed with some restrictions.
No power equipment may be operated on or near dry grass except lawn mowers on green, irrigated lawns. Mowers are prohibited between one in the afternoon and eight in the evening.
Smoking outdoors is restricted, as well as anything else that may produce a spark or flame. Langborg said restrictions will continue until the current high temperatures and low humidity conditions end.
Douglas County Fire Draws Resources
450 firefighters are on the lines in southern Douglas County this morning battling the state’s newest wildfire. The Stouts Fire, 11 miles east of Canyonville near Milo, blew up to cover more than six-thousand acres in just a short time yesterday afternoon.
Firefighters say they had no hope of getting ahead of it as spot fires were spreading well in advance of the main fire.
Several homes near the fire were evacuated, but did not appear to be under immediate danger.
Extreme heat and low humidity are combining to make things very dangerous in forested areas.
In all, there are seven major fires burning in Oregon, covering approximately 50-thousand acres.
Recess Town Halls set for lawmaker
Democratic Fourth District Congressman Peter DeFazio will begin a “recess” swing through southwestern Oregon Monday when he holds a town hall meeting in Reedsport.
He will be at Reedsport City Hall from three to four pm Monday before heading south to the Coos History Museum and Maritime Collection from five to six that day.
He’ll continue a trip down the coast Tuesday, then head up the I-5 corridor Wednesday.
DeFazio will be in Linn and central Lane Counties three weeks later on the 24th and 25th.
Perlow gets DA nod from governor
Governor Kate Brown has appointed Patty Perlow to replace Alex Gardner as Lane County District Attorney. The 52-year old Perlow has been with the DA’s office for 25 years and has been Gardner’s top deputy since 2009.
When she assumes the office tomorrow, Perlow will be the first female DA in Lane County.
Brown had two women to choose from in filling the vacancy that was created when Gardner said earlier this month he would be stepping down to take over the Oregon State Police forensic services division.
Kamala Shugar, an Oregon Department of Justice attorney was the only other person to apply for the job.
Perlow has already said she will seek election to the prosecutor’s spot next spring.
American Pickers coming to Oregon.
Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz will be doing a little treasure hunting in September.
American Pickers is the documentary series on the History Channel that features the pair driving across the country in search of valuable antiques and collectibles.
They’ll be in Oregon in September and are looking for some leads.
Wolfe and Fritz want to talk to interesting characters with unique items. If you have a large collection or want to refer someone to them, email your name, number, address and a description of the collection, along with photos, to americanpickers@cineflix.com.
Tsunami map access improved
Detailed maps showing areas along the coast that are at risk from tsunami inundation are now more available to the public. Megan Messmer chairs the regional government cooperative known by the acronym WE-LOG… the West Lane Emergency Operations Group… she says you can now find those maps on the City of Florence website.
Megan Messmer – “ci.florence.or.us. I’ve linked the Oregon Tsunami Clearinghouse website there, as well as posted both the Florence evacuations maps and the Dunes City evacuation maps.”
One of the main messages coming from We-Log is for residents to be prepared to get by on their own for a while.
Megan Messmer – “Food, water and any other supplies they need for both themselves as well as their pets in the event that we will be cut off for a little while. We recommend ten days to 14 days worth of supplies.”
Messmer, along with other members of We-Log will talk more about earthquake and tsunami preparedness on next week’s Our Town on Coast Radio.
