Inciweb – updated fire maps for all fires https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/ Latest Fire Boundary Map: September 11, 2020
Latest Evacuation Map: Echo Mountain Fire Complex All Areas
Interactive Map: http://maps.co.lincoln.or.us/
Fire Summary Media Release Friday 11:30AM Echo Mountain Complex 9-10-20 Media Release Actualización de incendios forestales del condado de Lincoln – Jueves 1:30PM Actualización de Montaña Echo y Complejos
September 11, 2020 Updates
9:25am -Most recent fire map updated below- not much change. Incident command is briefing now, stay tuned here for updates as we learn them. We will send notice as people are able to return back home. At this time, there are no needs for donations or volunteers. We will let our community know if that changes and also where you can go to help. Thank you so much for the outpouring of support.
Looking for Family Members
Safe and Well Program – https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/
Want Updates:
Our website for updates https://www.co.lincoln.or.us/emergencymanagement/page/seasonal-hazards-wildfire Lincoln Alerts: https://member.everbridge.net//login Add your email to your profile. If you are checking on family members – create profile with their address and your contact info – add your email Update your contact info.
September 10, 2020 Updates linked here
September 9, 2020 Updates linked here CURRENT WILDFIRE ACTIVATIONS/SMOKE CONDITIONS IN LINCOLN COUNTY:
Facebook Updates: https://www.facebook.com/lcemergencymanagement/ Lincoln Alerts: Text LINC4ALERTS to 888-777 for general updates. Sign up with your address here for targeted evacuation notices: Check on loved ones or share your status at https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/index.php
North Lincoln County in the communities of Lincoln City, Otis, Neotsu and Rose Lodge
Level 3 – LEAVE NOW EVACUATION NOTICE
All of East Devil’s Lake Road NW 40th north to Hwy 18, from Ocean to East Devil’s Lake Road Hwy 101 from NE East Devils Lake Road to N Three Rocks Road Hwy 18 from milepost 0 to Rose Lodge NE Highland Road and all roads off of this N. Slick Rock Creek Road N. Boulder Creek N. Sundown Drive N. Bear Creek Road S. Schooner Creek Road N. Meadow Place N. Mable Drive FR 25 Road
Level 2 – Get Set Notice
N. Widowcreek Road NF 1861 NW 40th south to 12th St., from ocean to East Devil’s Lake Road. NE East Devils Lake Rd and all side roads.
LEVEL 1 – Get Ready
12th St. south to Hwy 229 (Kernville Hwy). N. Schwartz Road N. Salmon Berry Lane and all side streets
There may be additional road closures throughout the county due to downed trees and lines. Visit tripcheck.com for more information.
RESOURCES – Immediate Needs
Evacuation point is at Newport Recreation Center in Newport. The OCCC Evacuation point has been moved to the Newport Rec Center. 225 SE Avery St, Newport, OR 97365 Transfer to other evacuation shelters will be managed from this location by the American Red Cross. Contact the Red Cross at or website: https://www.redcross.org/get-help.html Additional unofficial evacuation sites have been set up by various cities and churches. List will be posted here when we et it updated. Barnyard Animals – Livestock County Commons – 633 NE 3rd St, Newport, OR 97365 The Lincoln Commons is available 24/hours with pens, buckets, water and hay for livestock. Users of the facility must be prepared to care for their animals. Users must register and check in with a volunteer during the day and during their stay at the Commons. Companion Animal Supplies – Dogs, Cats and Pets If you have evacuated with companion pets and need supplies. There are companion animal supplies available at Animal Shelters entrance at 510 NE Harney street. Lost pets/animals left in the evacuation area, the best thing to do is direct them to our lost/found page:
LINCOLN CITY, Oregon- Emergency Responders continue to focus on containment of the fire. Power is still in the process of being restored throughout the city. Lincoln County will provide evacuation updates as they become available and can be viewed on the County’s Evacuation Page. If you would like to donate or volunteer, please contact the Lincoln County Call Center at .
Pacific Power is at work throughout Oregon and Northern California as part of a unified regional response to the historically devastating fires that are still raging in the area.
As of noon Friday, approximately 12,500 Pacific Power customers remain without power in the region, which is down from 60,000 earlier in the week. Working overnight, crews were able to restore approximately 10,000 customers in the Lincoln City area.
Current information from fire authorities indicates a number of customers may remain without power for an extended period in some locations until active fires have been contained and our crews are allowed access to begin restoration.
“We know the level of hardship is already high in our communities where losses of homes and businesses are widespread and we know fatalities are now being reported as well,” said David Lucas, Pacific Power’s vice president of operations. “We are doing all that we can right now to protect our customers and communities. In many instances, power is turned off to areas to allow firefighters to continue to do their work safely. In other areas, it is not yet safe for us to assess damage and start repairs.”
The hardest hit areas include:
Jackson and Siskiyou: 9,652 customers out Lincoln County: 1,880 customers out Marion and Linn Counties: 326 customers out
Forecasts indicate weather will remain favorable today and through the weekend for most locations with rain possible by Monday. When able to go forward fully, Pacific Power is ready to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.
More than 340 personnel are deployed throughout the hardest hit areas. They are doing the repair work that they can outside of active fire areas. Pacific Power is using helicopters to survey damage in advance of being able to enter areas.
The company is working with the Red Cross and local agencies to directly aid people in need.
How to be ready, how to get help
Our customer care agents are helping our customers through this incredibly difficult time. They can be reached 24/7 at .
Customers should be prepared for prolonged power outages by having on hand adequate food, water and back-up batteries. They are also encouraged to follow any local evacuation orders and look out for neighbors.
Support is available for those in wildfire-affected areas at the following community shelter locations:
Oregon:
Josephine County Fairgrounds – 1451 Fairgrounds Rd, Grants Pass Jackson County Expo – 1 Peninger Rd, Central Point Oregon State Fairgrounds – 2330 17th St. NE, Salem Klamath County Fair Grounds – 3531 S 6th St, Klamath Falls Kla-Mo-Ya Casino – 34333 US-97, Chiloquin Linn County Fairgrounds – 3700 Knox Butte Rd E, Albany Benton County Fairgrounds – 110 SW 53rd St, Corvallis Deschutes County Fairgrounds – 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond Douglas County Fairgrounds – 2110 Frear St., Roseburg Polk County Fairgrounds – 520 S Pacific Hwy W, Rickreall Newport Recreation Center – 225 SE Avery St, Newport
Northern California:
Kahtishraam Wellness Center – 1403 Kahtishraam, Yreka Siskiyou County Fairgrounds (taking large animals) – 1712 Fairlane Rd, Yreka
11:22am Report of a house fire at 4850 NE 50th, Neotsu. Hydrant in front of the residents. Flames were scene on the back side of the single story dwelling.
Today the Oregon Employment Department launched online self-certification for the Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) program, a temporary emergency measure that gives an additional $300 per week to people out of work due to COVID-19 and who receive unemployment benefits. To meet FEMA requirements, claimants seeking LWA benefits must certify that they are receiving unemployment benefits for COVID-19-related reasons.
“Today, we are able to share a bit of positive news: Claimants eligible for LWA can now self-certify for these benefits online, ensuring they’ll receive LWA payments in the coming weeks. After a stressful week for Oregonians, on top of nearly six months of stress and uncertainty, we are glad to have launched the program that will allow us to get these urgently needed benefits out,” said David Gerstenfeld, acting director of the Oregon Employment Department.
Starting today, claimants can self-certify for LWA using the Online Claims System. Soon, certification may also be completed over the phone; however, we strongly urge claimants to self-certify online if they can, to avoid long hold times and delays in getting through.
Oregonians automatically qualify for LWA if they:
Have received unemployment benefits from July 26, 2020, through September 5, 2020; and
Self-certify they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to disruptions caused by COVID-19.
Self-certification is a new step for claimants currently receiving regular unemployment insurance (UI) benefits, Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), and Extended Benefits (EB). Individuals receiving Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) do not need to certify because they certified when first applying for PUA benefits.
LWA is retroactive to eligible claimants for weeks ending:
August 1, 2020
August 8, 2020
August 15, 2020
August 22, 2020
August 29, 2020
September 5, 2020
FEMA has confirmed that LWA ends with the benefit week ending September 5, 2020. Because the funds provided by FEMA were limited, the Employment Department cannot extend payments beyond that date. If individuals become unemployed after the week ending August 1, 2020, they can only receive LWA for weeks when they qualify for unemployment benefits and meet LWA eligibility requirements.
The Department plans to start providing LWA funds to qualified Oregonians by the end of September. LWA payments are taxable under federal law, just like regular unemployment insurance (UI) or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits. If taxes are withheld from other benefits, they will also be withheld from the LWA benefits.
Equal Opportunity program — auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Contact:. For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, call 711 Telecommunications Relay Services.
ALL Open Burning prohibited in all Lincoln County Parks
Friday
Lincoln County Parks Department is prohibiting all Open Burning in Lincoln County Parks and other properties owned and managed by the department. This is by order of the Lincoln County Fire Defense Board and Oregon Department of Forestry.
Beginning September 9, 2020, the fire ban applies to all propane powered devices, liquid fuel stoves or cooking devices, ALL BBQs, wood, charcoal, and other flame sources, (candles, tiki torches). This ban includes fires in campgrounds and on the beaches. Fire danger is at an extreme high. Lower than normal fuel moisture levels along with forecasted hotter/dryer weather compound the danger. Local fire agencies have limited resources to respond to a wildland fire.
Visitors planning a trip should check with park staff for the most current information.
· Park Office
· Moonshine Park
· AW Jack Morgan Park
· Elk City Park
· Or by visiting www.co.lincoln.or.us/parks
This burn ban will remain in effect until conditions moderate and notification is provided by the Lincoln County Fire Defense Board. Please contact your local fire agency if you have any questions.
Thank you,
Casey Miller
Public Information Officer
Lincoln County Board of Commissioners
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Wildfire and COVID-19 Information and Resources
Call Center: ()
Wildfire: https://www.co.lincoln.or.us/emergencymanagement/page/seasonal-hazards-wildfire
Wildfire Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lcemergencymanagement
COVID: www.co.lincoln.or.us/hhs/page/2019-novel-coronavirus
COVID Facebook: www.facebook.com/LincolnPublicHealth/
As a result of extreme fire activity, the Bureau of Land Management has temporarily closed all public lands managed by the Northwest Oregon District east of Interstate 5, effective immediately. This expands the previous closure of developed campgrounds in the area, to include all BLM-administered lands, roads, sites, and trails.
All BLM-administered land within the Northwest Oregon District east of I-5 is closed to the public. Members of the public may not enter closed areas, and all uses—including hunting and dispersed camping—are prohibited. This temporary closure covers the portions of Lane, Linn, Marion, Clackamas and Multnomah counties which lie east I-5, west of the Cascade Range, and north from Cottage Grove to the Columbia River. In addition, BLM-managed public lands in Lincoln County are closed, with the exception of Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. Popular recreation spots including Fishermen’s Bend campground, Wildwood recreation site, Alsea Falls recreation site, Shotgun Creek day use area, and the Row River Trail remain closed to the public.
Public and firefighter safety are the highest priority. Extreme fire activity, fueled by a rare fire weather event with low humidity and strong east winds of 15 to 30 mph and gusts up to 50 mph, occurred on several fires located in northwestern Oregon on September 7 and 8. The extreme fire danger and behavior have prompted the closure of these sites while fire suppression crews respond to the incidents. As it becomes safe to do so, firefighters will begin to assess the fires and their impacts in alignment with sound risk management practices.
Multiple new fires started on Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, and private lands in the region have prompted Level 3 “Go” evacuations. Moderate to heavy smoke impacts from the fires are expected to continue along the western slopes of the Cascades and into the Willamette Valley.
Personal safety is paramount. Stay informed on air quality ratings and more by visiting the Oregon Smoke Blog at http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/. Learn how to stay safe from wildfire smoke at https://www.cdc.gov/air/wildfire-smoke/default.htm.
Weather conditions remain favorable for continued fire spread. Nearby residents and visitors to the area are encouraged to check with local emergency officials for the latest information on evacuations.
For the latest road and weather condition updates, visit https://www.tripcheck.com/.
Additional fire information is available on Inciweb:
Riverside Fire https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7174/
Beachie Creek Fire https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7001/
Lionshead Fire https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7049/
Holiday Farm Fire https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7170/
Please call 911 to report any signs of new fires.
Please observe public use restrictions and help us limit potential new starts during this time. A list of personal use restrictions, as well as closure orders, are available at https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter @BLMOregon.
LINCOLN CITY, Oregon- All evacuation levels are still in effect for Lincoln City. Highway 18 remains closed. Highway 101 North of Lincoln City is closed and Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital is still closed. An update on evacuations will be forthcoming mid-day Friday, September 11, 2020.
Latest Evacuation Map: Echo Mountain Fire Complex All Areas
Interactive Map:
Fire Summary Media Release Echo Mountain Complex 9-10-20 Media Release Actualización de incendios forestales del condado de Lincoln – Jueves 1:30PM Actualización de Montaña Echo y Complejos
September 10, 2020 Updates
Lincoln City, OR – (ODF) 5:20 PM – PDF version contains addtional fire technical data (also, in Supporting Documents below)
Last night’s wind shift changed the winds coming from east to a southwest wind ending the fire making huge runs westward towards Lincoln City. Currently the fire activity is low: creeping and smoldering within the fire perimeter. After being at the fire today, Matt Thomas, ODF Protection Unit Forester, stated “Today’s weather is allowing the fire fighters to gain traction and make progress towards extinguishing this fire”.
Fire operations is being assisted by local resources including equipment and employees from Hancock Forest Management, Weyerhaeuser Company and Miami Corporation and the Confederate Tribes of Grand Ronde. Oregon Department of Forestry appreciates the partnership with the local fire and rescue squads especially North Lincoln Fire and Rescue, Newport Fire Department, Depoe Bay Fire and Rescue as well as the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and Oregon Department of Transportation for their assistance since the beginning of this incident.
Tonight’s weather forecast is for continued winds from the southwest 3-5 mph with high relative humidity recovery and mild temperatures in the 50’s. This will keep the fire low to the ground and fire fighters will continue working through the night.
Fire Summary: Lincoln City, OR: ODF (1 PM)
See attached PDF below for fire technical data.
Weather conditions were favorable last night for an Infra-red flight to fly over the fires to gather data for accurate fire perimeter mapping and acreage determination. The Echo Mountain Fire and Kimberling Fire are still separate fires, the combined acreage is 2,435 acres and zero percent containment.
Last night the wind shifted from east winds to southwesterly winds and that will help firefighters begin to attack this fire by establishing an anchor point and work on the east side of the fire.
Overhead personnel are flying in today from the Florida Forestry Service to add capacity to the Oregon Department of Forestry staff in managing this fire.
Pacific Power workers along with ODF Fire Officials and ODOT Foresters are walking the affected powerlines in the fire area to assess damages. Repairs have started. Power needs to be restored before people are allowed to return to their homes and road closures lifted. Restoring power to the Lincoln City Hospital is a priority and vital before it can reopen.
When can you return home? It is possible that some evacuated community members may be allowed to return to their residences, later today. Power and hospital services must be safely restored first. Notices will be communicated through Lincoln Alerts, the County’s website and Facebook pages.
Looking for Family Members
Safe and Well Program – https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/
Want Updates:
Our website for updates Lincoln Alerts: Add your email to your profile. If you are checking on family members – create profile with their address and your contact info – add your email Update your contact info.
September 9, 2020 Updates linked here CURRENT WILDFIRE ACTIVATIONS/SMOKE CONDITIONS IN LINCOLN COUNTY:
Facebook Updates: Lincoln Alerts: Text LINC4ALERTS to 888-777 for general updates. Sign up with your address here for targeted evacuation notices: Check on loved ones or share your status at
North Lincoln County in the communities of Lincoln City, Otis, Neotsu and Rose Lodge
Level 3 – LEAVE NOW EVACUATION NOTICE
All of East Devil’s Lake Road NW 40th north to Hwy 18, from Ocean to East Devil’s Lake Road Hwy 101 from NE East Devils Lake Road to N Three Rocks Road Hwy 18 from milepost 0 to Rose Lodge NE Highland Road and all roads off of this N. Slick Rock Creek Road N. Boulder Creek N. Sundown Drive N. Bear Creek Road S. Schooner Creek Road N. Meadow Place N. Mable Drive FR 25 Road
Level 2 – Get Set Notice
N. Widowcreek Road NF 1861 NW 40th south to 12th St., from ocean to East Devil’s Lake Road. NE East Devils Lake Rd and all side roads.
LEVEL 1 – Get Ready
12th St. south to Hwy 229 (Kernville Hwy). N. Schwartz Road N. Salmon Berry Lane and all side streets
There may be additional road closures throughout the county due to downed trees and lines. Visit tripcheck.com for more information.
RESOURCES – Immediate Needs
Evacuation point is at Newport Recreation Center in Newport. The OCCC Evacuation point has been moved to the Newport Rec Center. 225 SE Avery St, Newport, OR 97365.* Transfer to other evacuation shelters will be managed from this location by American Red Cross. Contact the Red Cross at or website: https://www.redcross.org/get-help.html.
Additional unofficial evacuation sites have been set up by various cities and churches. List will be posted here when we et it updated.
Barnyard Animals – Livestock County Commons – 633 NE 3rd St, Newport, OR 97365. The Lincoln Commons is available 24/hours with pens, buckets, water and hay for livestock. Users of the facility must be prepared to care for their animals. Users must register and check in with a volunteer during the day and during their stay at the Commons. * Companion Animal Supplies – Dogs, Cats and Pets. If you have evacuated with companion pets and need supplies. There are companion animal supplies available at Animal Shelters entrance at 510 NE Harney street. * Lost pets/animals left in the evacuation area, the best thing to do is direct them to our lost/found page:
Central Oregon Coast Fire and Rescue District
Website Depoe Bay Fire District
Website Newport Fire Department & Newport Rural Fire Protection District
Website North Lincoln Fire and Rescue District #1
Website Seal Rock Rural Fire Protection District
Website Siletz Valley Rural Fire Protection District
Website Toledo Fire Department & Toledo Rurual Fire Protection District
Website Yachats Rural Fire Protection District
Website State – Oregon Department of Forestry – Toledo Unit
Website State – Oregon State Fire Marshalls Office Website
Public Information Line (Fire): Lincoln County Public Information: Lincoln County Emergency Management:www.co.lincoln.or.us/
EchoMountainFire Media Information Line:
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7179/
Lincoln City:
Last night’s wind shift changed the winds coming from east to a southwest wind ending the fire making huge runs westward towards Lincoln City. Currently the fire activity is low: creeping and smoldering within the fire perimeter.
After being at the fire today, Matt Thomas, ODF Protection Unit Forester, said “Today’s weather is allowing the firefighters to gain traction and make progress towards extinguishing this fire.”
Fire operations are being assisted by local resources including equipment and employees from Hancock Forest Management, Weyerhaeuser Company and Miami Corporation and the Confederate Tribes of Grand Ronde.
Oregon Department of Forestry appreciates the partnership with the local fire and rescue squads especially North Lincoln Fire and Rescue, Newport Fire Department, Depoe Bay Fire and Rescue as well as the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and Oregon Department of Transportation for their assistance since the beginning of this incident.
Tonight’s weather forecast is for continued winds from the southwest 3-5 mph with high relative humidity recovery and mild temperatures in the 50’s. This will keep the fire low to the ground and fire fighters will continue working through the night.
Evacuation locations:
* Newport Recreation Center 225 SE Avery St, Newport, OR 97365 * Agate Beach State Park Campground * Parking lot with restrooms and the South Jetty are available for overflow camping by folks evacuating from Lincoln City. Please contact Preson Phillips at or Jered Mangini at if you plan to use these facilities.
* Toledo – Evacuation Sites – Information RVs (trailers and truck campers also) at TJSHS: Coordinator – Deanne Barnhart Tent and outdoor camping at Memorial Field Under City Supervision * Indoor Facility Needs – call for details * Church Coordinator: Tom Morris
OHA released itstoday, and during the week from Monday, Aug. 31, through Sunday, Sept. 6, OHA recorded 1,477 new cases of COVID-19 infection. It’s down 5 percent from the previous week and more than 30 percent since the pandemic’s peak in mid-July.
This marks the fifth consecutive weekly decline. Deaths also declined sharply during that week from 39 to 23. The percentage of positive tests also dropped from 4.4 to 4.3 percent.
The age group with the highest incidence of reported infection continues to be people between 20 and 29 years old. Hospitalizations are highest in the older age groups and nearly half of all deaths were people 80 or older.
Oregon reports 187 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 3 new deaths
COVID-19 has claimed three more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 497, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.
OHA also reported 187 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 28,654.
The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Benton (4), Clackamas (12), Clatsop (3), Columbia (1), Coos (3), Deschutes (2), Hood River (1), Jackson (8), Jefferson (3), Josephine (1), Klamath (2), Lane (5), Lincoln (1), Linn (6), Malheur (16), Marion (35), Morrow (1), Multnomah (33), Polk (4), Umatilla (6), Union (3), Wasco (1), Washington (27) and Yamhill (9).
Oregon’s 495th COVID-19 death is an 82-year-old man in Lane County who tested positive on Aug. 27 and died on Sept. 9 in his residence. He had underlying conditions.
Oregon’s 496th COVID-19 death is a 56-year-old man in Malheur County who tested positive on July 31 and died on Sept. 9 at St. Alphonsus Medical Center Nampa in Idaho. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.
Oregon’s 497th COVID-19 death is an 81-year-old woman in Multnomah County who tested positive on Aug. 28 and died on Sept. 8 in her residence. She had underlying conditions.
September 11, 2001 NYC, Nearly 3,000 died, 25,000 injured…
Governor Kate Brown Orders Flags Lowered to Half-Staff in Remembrance of Sept. 11, 2001
(Salem, OR) — Governor Kate Brown ordered flags at all public institutions throughout Oregon to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Friday, September 11 for Patriot Day. Over 3,000 human beings lost their lives, 25,000 injured, when Middle Eastern terrorists commandeered two airliners and flew them into the World Trade Center. Another airliner with terrorists in the cockpit flew their hijacked plane into the ground at Somerset, Pennsylvania when they realized they couldn’t make it to Washington DC and crash the plane into the White House. No survivors.
Oregon reports 187 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 3 new deaths
PORTLAND, Ore. — COVID-19 has claimed three more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 497, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. today.
Oregon Health Authority reported 187 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 28,654.
The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Benton (4), Clackamas (12), Clatsop (3), Columbia (1), Coos (3), Deschutes (2), Hood River (1), Jackson (8), Jefferson (3), Josephine (1), Klamath (2), Lane (5), Lincoln (1), Linn (6), Malheur (16), Marion (35), Morrow (1), Multnomah (33), Polk (4), Umatilla (6), Union (3), Wasco (1), Washington (27), and Yamhill (9).
Oregon’s 495th COVID-19 death is an 82-year-old man in Lane County who tested positive on Aug. 27 and died on Sept. 9, in his residence. He had underlying conditions.
Oregon’s 496th COVID-19 death is a 56-year-old man in Malheur County who tested positive on July 31 and died on Sept. 9, at St. Alphonsus Medical Center Nampa in Idaho. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.
Oregon’s 497th COVID-19 death is an 81-year-old woman in Multnomah County who tested positive on Aug. 28 and died on Sept. 8, in her residence. She had underlying conditions.
Wildfire Evacuation Protocol for People Quarantining or Isolating Due to COVID-19
During Oregon’s wildfires and safety evacuations, it is important to take precautions to avoid spreading COVID-19, particularly for those in isolation or quarantine due to a positive diagnosis or exposure to the virus.
The first priority in wildfire situations is responding to the evacuation and safety instructions of local and state fire officials – and heeding their warnings. Regardless of disease status, if you are asked or ordered to evacuate, you should do so.
If you or a household member are quarantining or isolating to prevent the spread of COVID-19, please take the following precautions:
If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately. Follow all instructions from fire officials.
If you have time, reach out to your local public health authority, who should have already been in contact with you about your isolation/quarantine. They may have solutions to help you continue to isolate/quarantine if you are evacuated.
Should you be directed to a shelter or other evacuation space, please let officials know you are in isolation/quarantine so that they can take steps to keep you distanced from other evacuees.
Wear a mask at all times when outside your home, or if you may come into contact with people who do not live with you.
If you are an older adult or a person with disabilities, reach out to the Aging and Disabilities Resource Connection for information about resources 1-855-ORE-ADRC().
Practice physical distancing to the greatest extent possible, if you must travel outside your home for any reason, including evacuation.
More information about wildfire safety and your health is available on .
Additional resources can be found by calling 2-1-1.
COVID cases continue to drop
OHA released its today and during the week from Monday, Aug. 31, through Sunday, Sept. 6, OHA recorded 1,477 new cases of COVID-19 infection. It’s down 5 percent from the previous week and more than 30 percent since the pandemic’s peak in mid-July.
This marks the fifth consecutive weekly decline. Deaths also declined sharply during that week from 39 to 23. The percentage of positive tests also dropped from 4.4 to 4.3 percent.
The age group with the highest incidence of reported infection continues to be persons between 20 and 29 years old. Hospitalizations are highest in the older age groups and nearly half of all deaths were people 80 or older.
Stay informed about COVID-19:
: The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Office of Emergency Management lead the state response leads the state response.
: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the U.S. response.
: The World Health Organization guides the global response.
Nicotine and THC are now legal again to “vape.” The Oregonian
Op-Ed: ‘Yes” vote urged on vaping and tobacco tax, Measure 108
By Kevin Ewanchyna, MD
As a family physician and a parent of teenagers, I have noted with great concern the alarming growth of vaping among local youth. The Oregon Health Authority reports that 1 in 4 Oregon high schoolers has vaped. In the last year alone, vaping among Oregon youth increased by 80%. Research shows that young people who vape are almost three times more likely to start smoking tobacco. Big Tobacco companies also know this, which is why they target youth with candy-flavored vapes and related advertising. I have seen first-hand the adverse effects that vaping has had on young people in our community. However, right now Oregon doesn’t tax vapes one penny. In fact, Oregon currently has some of the lowest taxes in the country on tobacco and vaping products.
Voters can change that on Nov. 3 by voting “yes” on Measure 108. Written by a bi-partisan committee, Measure 108 increases vape and tobacco taxes to similar levels found in Washington and California. The measure establishes a 65% wholesale tax on nicotine vaping products and increases cigarette taxes by $2 a pack. Research shows that taxing nicotine products prevents many young people from starting to use them, thus saving an estimated 19,000 youth from tobacco addiction and its serious health effects.
Measure 108 dedicates those dollars to tobacco prevention and cessation programs and to the Oregon Health Plan, which serves 1 in 4 Oregonians including low income families, seniors, children and people with disabilities. The funding can only be used for these purposes, ensuring that Oregon Health Plan members – including 400,000 children – can see a doctor when they get sick and receive needed medical treatment.
Tobacco is the number one cause of preventable death in Oregon. We all pay the price for tobacco use: $1.5 billion per year for smoking-related health care costs in Oregon, while tobacco companies continue to profit.
Over the years, so many of my patients have told me that they regretted starting smoking as teens – and how hard it is to quit despite their desire to do so. Measure 108 asks us to vote “yes” for a healthy future – for our youth and for our state. The importance of this effort is indicated by the many leaders who have endorsed the measure, including the American Lung Association, Oregon nurses and doctors, local Chambers of Commerce and a growing coalition of more than 200 endorsers from every corner of the state. On a personal note, my own mother was diagnosed with lung cancer this past year, and she wishes now that she did not start smoking as a teen.
Please join me in voting “yes” on Measure 108.
Kevin Ewanchyna, MD, is a Corvallis family physician who serves as Chief Medical Officer for Samaritan Health Plans. He is also the current President of the Oregon Medical Association.
2:45pm Traffic crash in Depoe Bay, 101 at Collins. There are injuries. Watch for emergency vehicles. Both vehicles are tangled in the middle of the highway. Caution!!!!
The upper-level ridge will gradually move over the Pacific Northwest through the coming weekend, keeping the atmosphere stable. The wildfires in the Willamette Valley are creating their own weather pattern, which will persist through the coming weekend. Surface winds will be from the SW, and fairly light on Friday, yet transport winds will remain NE as the wildfires in Marion and Clackamas Counties sustain offshore flow over the Cascades. The ridge overhead will limit mixing, keeping skies muffled under dense smoke and haze. Temperatures will remain near or slightly below seasonal averages where smoke is dense, but well above seasonal averages in the northern Willamette Valley, meaning warm & dry air will continue surround the Silverton Hills.
A modest sea breeze will move in Friday evening, turning surface winds NW and bringing in cooler air. Saturday morning will see morning clouds and patchy fog west of the Willamette River, and the strength of Saturday’s sea breeze in the afternoon will determine if fog will begin to push east of the river Sunday morning and help local firefighters. The interactions between cool & moist air to our west with smoky, drier air to the east will keep visibility fairly low, with only limited improvement during daylight hours.
The National Weather Service’s digital forecast is available at: t
