The latest and most comprehensive coverage of local News, Sports, Business, and Community News stories in the Klamath Basin, Southern Oregon and around the state of Oregon from Wynne Broadcasting’s KFLS News/Talk 1450AM / 102.5FM, The Herald & News, and BasinLife.com, and powered by Mick Insurance.
Thursday, September 10, 2020
Klamath Basin Weather
Today Widespread smoke, mainly before 11am. Sunny, with a high near 87. Northeast wind 5 to 7 mph becoming south southeast in the afternoon. Overnight low of 50.
Friday Sunny, with a high near 89. Light and variable wind.
Saturday Sunny, with a high near 90.
Sunday Sunny, with a high near 86.
Today’s Headlines
Two Four Two Chiloquin Fire
A virtual community information meeting hosted by South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership was held last night. Those with evacuation questions should go to Kla-Mo-Ya Casino where the Red Cross has established a shelter.
For anyone in need of stalls for animals, there are some available at the Klamath County Fairgrounds.
The fire grew on Wednesday another 2,500 acres to about 12,500 acres. Crews are very busy and will continue to work around the clock.
Emergency officials ask residents to avoid calling 911 unless in an emergency. The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office asks area residents to please use texting and social media to update family members on their status. Communication lines are being bogged down due to increased cellphone traffic, resulting in challenges for calls to be connected.
U.S. Highway 97 is now open, one-lane with a pilot car between Oregon State Highway 62 south of Chiloquin north to the intersection with Forest Road 9732 at Oux Kanee Overlook. Over 600 homes have been evacuated in the area of the fire, which began near milepost 242 on highway 97 late Monday night.
There has been no report of injuries or death, but several structures have been claimed. There are currently 24 engines, two handcrews, five dozers and multiple air resources including one lead plane, three single-engine airtankers, two scooper aircraft, one large helicopter and two Type 2 helicopters on the fire today.
Because of heat and smoke, the use of air resources has been limited. When air resources are available, Klamath Lake is being used to scoop water. Boaters are advised to be aware of their surroundings and avoid areas where aircraft is operating over the water. Williamson River and Spring Creek are also being used for dip sites.
FEMA regional administrator Mike O’Hare determined that “the fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster” and approved a federal fire assistance grant Monday night.
Power remains out in much of the fire-affected area, all the way up to Crater Lake National Park. Roads are closed there as well due to downed trees. Wildfire smoke will be in the area through at least Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service in Medford. They recommend to keep windows and doors closed, reduce time outside, avoid vigorous activity and stay hydrated.
Rogue Valley Fires Update
ODOT: SW Oregon:
Morning Situation Report:
*Almeda Fire area(Ashland): Oregon 99 remains closed to the public between north Ashland (South Valley View Drive) and south Medford (Garfield Street) for fire operations. This includes the cities of Talent and Phoenix. Please respect the closure areas. Do not drive through or around closure points. This is a hazard to public/first responder safety and clogs the transportation routes.
*Obenchain Fire area(Eagle Point-Shady Cove): Oregon 62 between Oregon 234 north through Shady Cove to Tiller-Trail junction. This section of highway remains closed to traffic for fire operations. Avoid the area. Motor carriers: seek alternate routes.
*Archie Fire & Diamond Lake area fires: Oregon 138E remains closed from Glide east to the junction of Oregon 230.
*Slater Fire in Illinois Valley: U.S. 199 (Redwood Highway) remains closed from the OR/Cal border north to near Cave Junction. (Also closed in California)
Do not put yourself at risk by using forest roads to get around fire closure areas
Updated highway conditions at Tripcheck.com UPDATE
The fire devastation has been horrific in the Rogue Valley, especially in the Phoenix and Talent communities.
Daylight brought an opportunity to get a closer look at the destruction wrought in areas of Phoenix and Talent, though a detailed accounting of the damage is still far from clear.
Hundreds of businesses and homes have been lost from Ashland to Talent, Phoenix, some in Medford, many in Central Point and Eagle Point to Shady Cove. It may be some time before authorities can determine if any lives were lost in the fire.
All of Jackson County is considered at Level 1. Many areas were reduced to level 2 “Be ready” from Level 3 “Go” by mid-day yesterday, but afternoon winds were expected to increase, and level three “go” orders were given in Shady Cove and Trail late yesterday afternoon.
The State Fire Marshal has also mobilized the Blue Incident Command team to the fire. A man armed with a machete was arrested Tuesday on accusations he started six wildfires in Douglas County.
Jedediah Ezekiel Fulton, 39, of Sutherlin was being held Wednesday in the Douglas County Jail with bail set at $50,000. He was charged with two counts of first-degree arson plus menacing, reckless burning and interfering with a firefighter or emergency medical technician, according to Douglas County Circuit Court records. Firefighters found multiple fires burning at a previously logged site. While attempting to pinpoint the location and size of each fire, they found a suspect believed to have started the fires. They asked the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office to respond and take the suspect into custody, according to the Douglas Forest Protective Association.
Pacific Power crews continue to work closely with emergency responders inspecting damage and restoring service to customers across a wide region of Oregon still being devastated by historically severe wind-fueled wildfires.
As of 8 p.m. Wednesday, approximately 17,000 Oregon Pacific Power customers were without power due to the windstorm and ensuing wildfires that hit the state beginning Sept. 7. That figure is down from 60,000 customers out during the peak on Sept. 7. About 11,000 of the customers without service are out because Pacific Power turned off electricity to several lines in Jackson County at the request of local emergency agencies to allow firefighters to do their jobs safely.
“We are here to support our communities and customers during this historic event in our state,” said Scott Bolton, senior vice president of external affairs and customer solutions. “Our priority is to assure the safety of people on the ground and protect the power grid from damage. We know the days ahead will be challenging for many Oregonians and we stand ready to help our communities both now and as we rebuild in the coming weeks and months.”
Pacific Power is working together with local emergency authorities to ensure safety, assess outages and support efforts during these early and very active stages of the wildfires in Oregon. Information will be shared as it becomes available. Pacific Power is aware of unconfirmed reports that fires have been started by electrical equipment, however, until crews have greater access to the regions affected, this information cannot be verified.
The latest list of communities hardest hit by power outages includes:
Jackson and Josephine Counties: 12,000 customers out
Lincoln County: 2,500 customers out
Marion and Linn Counties 900 customers out
Pacific Power is encouraging all customers to be prepared for prolonged power outages by having on hand adequate food, water and back-up batteries. Forecasts indicate high winds will subside Thursday and restoration will accelerate where possible. In many instances, Pacific Power crews need to stay clear of fire-ravaged areas until given permission by local firefighting authorities.
Additional crews and line personnel have been deployed and are assisting in outage restoration efforts. Customer care agents are also on the job to answer your inquiries. Pacific Power urges customers and all residents to keep themselves informed of local alerts and follow guidance from emergency officials.
Shelter Information
Pacific Power is assisting with evacuations under the direction of local authorities, engaging with the Red Cross, and will provide additional support to emergency services as needs become clear. Pacific Power stands with our communities during this challenging time. Support is available for those in wildfire affected areas at the following community shelter locations:
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
A deadline of September 25, 2020 has been set for the Fall Brick Order for bricks dedicated to military veterans to be placed at the Veterans Memorial in Klamath Falls, by Veterans Day in November.
The Veterans Memorial Project is a community wide project, which honors and recognizes Veterans who have served this nation. The memorial features a pavilion, war monuments and over 5,000 dedicated bricks meant to be a lasting legacy to military individuals. Each brick is a tribute to a military member and their service. Bricks can be ordered for $50 each and dedicated to any United States veteran regardless of where they live and whether they are living or deceased.
For more information, contact the City of Klamath Falls Development Services Office at (541) 883-4950.
The United Way Community Campaign in the Klamath Basin officially starts today, but officials announced early contributions and pacesetter workplace campaigns have already donated $76,217 — or 15% of its $500,000 goal.
At a campaign leadership team meeting held last week Kathy Jordan announced that the employees at Klamath Energy LLC, a division of Avangrid Renewables, donated $19,508, which the Avangrid Foundation matched. Lisa Waite, Triad School Key Club advisor, announced that the Triad student body donated $966.
Contact the United Way at 541-882-5558 if you wish to have a workplace presentation.
The 21st annual United Way golf challenge has been canceled due to COVID-19 but will be replaced with an online auction Sep. 25-28. Pacific Power is the premier sponsor and corporate sponsors include Umpqua Bank, Columbia Forest Products, and Klamath Energy.
The Board of Directors of EagleRidge High School, an Oregon Nonprofit Corporation, will hold a virtual Board Meeting on Wednesday, September 16, 2020, at 4:00 pm.
The link for the meeting is in the agenda. The meeting agenda includes discussion of new board member qualifications, review of new policies, and the Executive Director’s report on the beginning of school. The Board may also consider other business brought before the board. EagleRidge High School was established to create and implement an autonomous, high achieving and equitable small high school in collaboration with the Klamath Falls City School District pursuant to the Oregon Charter School law.
Around the state of Oregon
Marion County is under a state of emergency as wildfires force residents from their homes. County commissioners declared the state of emergency yesterday in response to the Beachie Creek and Lionshead fires burning in Santiam Canyon. Crews are also battling the Holiday Farm Fire along Highway 126. Level three evacuations are in effect for Detroit, Lyons, Mehama, Mill City, Gates, Idahana, North Fork area, Brietenbush and 214 North of Silverfalls State Park to Scott Mills.
Oregon is in a state of emergency as hundreds of wildfires continue to burn across the state. The Oregon Office of Emergency Management says there are currently more than 480 active fires burning more than two-point-five-million acres in the state. Governor Kate Brown invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act yesterday. The order allows the State Fire Marshal to mobilize more resources to help battle wildfires. Fire officials say strong winds and hot, dry conditions have helped fuel the most recent blazes. During a news conference yesterday Governor Kate Brown said “We expect to see a great deal of loss – both in structures and in human lives. This could be the greatest loss of human lives and property due to wildfire in our state,”
The Oregon State Marine Board is urging boaters to stay off waterbodies near areas where there are active fires. With fires burning across the state and extensive evacuation orders, public health, safety, and protecting property are paramount. The agency asks boaters to do their part by staying out of harm’s way and wait until outdoor conditions improve.
Sheriff’s office marine deputies are assisting with public safety and evacuation orders and need the assistance of boaters to stay well clear of active fires and waterbodies used for fire suppression efforts. Boaters can be cited for unsafe operation (ORS 830.305) for interfering with these efforts. Furthermore, on-water rescue and resources are extremely limited should boaters need aid.
Federal and state land managers have closed access for outdoor recreation in many locations due to active fires. Air quality and travel conditions are also hazardous.
The agency’s interactive Boat Oregon Map is a resource for some boating facility closures; however, given rapidly changing conditions, assume that “where there is fire, recreational access will be closed.”
For more wildfire resources, visit wildfire.oregon.gov.
COVID-19 has claimed eight more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 494, the Oregon Health Authority reported yesterday.
Oregon Health Authority reported 125 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 bringing the state total to 28,471. One new case was reported here in Klamath County. Seven cases were reported in nearby Jackson County.
With air quality very poor across the state due to wildfires, OHA reminds Oregonians that exposure to smoke and other forms of pollution can increase the risk and severity of respiratory infections, including possibly COVID-19.
When smoke is heavy, the key protection strategy is to lessen exposure to the smoke, particularly for people who have a condition that makes them more sensitive. People can do this by staying inside at home, getting and using an air filter, and spending time in a cleaner air space. For those who are asked to evacuate or those who choose to leave home to go to an area with cleaner air, remember to take and use a face covering along with hand sanitizer and to practice physical distancing from non-household members.
The Bureau of Land Management will begin removing wild horses from an 80,885-acre area west of Keno this month.
BLM officials expect the removal effort to last until at least the end of this year. Since the early 1970s, the BLM has been managing herds of wild horses on millions of acres of public lands in the West, broken down into herd management areas. The Pokegama Herd Management Area spans the border between Klamath, Jackson and Siskiyou counties and is home to the only BLM-managed wild horse herd in the Cascade Mountains.
BLM officials will begin trimming down the herd’s population on September 14. Todd Forbes, manager of the BLM Lakeview District, said that while wild horse populations are regularly managed to account for natural population growth, this particular removal has come at the request of private landowners in the area.
Laurielle Yvette Aviles, 29, of Portland, has been charged by criminal complaint with civil disorder, a felony, after punching a Portland Police Bureau officer in the face during a declared riot on July 3, 2020.
According to court documents, on July 2, 2020, the Portland Police Bureau’s Rapid Response Team was conducting crowd control duties during a declared riot near the Multnomah County Justice Center and Mark O. Hatfield. U.S. Courthouse in downtown Portland. Individuals in the crowd threw mortars, fireworks, glass bottles, rocks, and other objects at officers; blocked roads, and impeded traffic flow.
In the early morning hours of July 3, 2020, a Portland police officer was executing an arrest of a rioter when Aviles is alleged to have forcibly intervened. Aviles attempted to pull the officer off of the arrestee and punched the officer in the face. The arresting officer tried to gain control of the arrestee and Aviles, but was unable to do so. A second officer observed the struggle and saw Aviles throwing punches. The second officer intervened and was able to place Aviles under arrest. Aviles was later released by state authorities.
On September 8, 2020, Aviles surrendered to the U.S. Marshals Service. Today, Aviles made a first appearance in federal court before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and was released pending further proceedings. If convicted, Aviles faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the FBI. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
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