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 BasinLife.com, KFLS News/Talk 1450AM/102.5FM, The Herald and News, and powered by Mick Insurance. Call them at 541-882-6476.
FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2026
Klamath Basin Weather
Today
Sunny, with a high near 82. West northwest wind to 6mph. Overnight mostly clear with a low near 48 degrees. around 6 mph in the afternoon. Northwest wind 6 to 11 mph becoming light north after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
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Today’s Klamath Falls Headlines
On Monday you’re invited to see the Memorial Day Parade hosted by the Veterans Advisory Board, traveling Main Street going all the way to Veterans Park.Â
The parade starting at 10AM.Â
Hope to see you there.
Memorial Day weekend signifies the unofficial beginning of the summer travel season in Oregon, prompting an influx of visitors to the coast, mountains, and various attractions throughout the state.
This period often results in heightened travel activity, increased construction efforts, and a greater risk of wildfires and smoke-related issues.
Given the unpredictable nature of smoke and wildfire incidents, which can lead to abrupt road closures, it is advisable for travelers to check conditions prior to departure and throughout their journey, and to consider postponing travel if visibility is compromised. Additionally, summer is a peak time for construction and maintenance on Oregon highways, with crews engaged in road repairs, bridge preservation, highway striping, vegetation clearance, and incident response across the state.
Travelers should be aware that conditions can vary significantly throughout Oregon, even during the summer months.
Fishing for Chinook salmon on the Klamath River is currently prohibited in California, but this restriction will be lifted on July 1.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced that after three years of closures, salmon fishing will resume in the Klamath River Basin for the summer and fall seasons. This decision is attributed to an increase in the number of adult Chinook salmon returning from the ocean to the Klamath Basin and Central Valley.
The late spring-run Chinook salmon fishing will be open from July 1 to August 14 on the Klamath River and until August 31 on the Trinity River, while fall-run Chinook salmon fishing will commence on August 15 and continue through December 31.
However, anglers should be aware that salmon fishing remains closed in the Oregon section of the Klamath River Basin to support the recovery of salmon populations, and Spencer Creek, a tributary, is also closed to protect spawning Chinook salmon.
Due to insufficient snowpack, limited spring rainfall, and extended periods of above-average temperatures, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Klamath-Lake District will officially initiate fire season in Klamath and Lake counties starting today, Friday, May 22, 2026.
This declaration encompasses all private, county, and state wildlands under ODF’s protection. In alignment with this declaration, all agencies within the South-Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership (SCOFMP) will commence coordinated fire season operations simultaneously.
This includes the Fremont-Winema National Forest, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lakeview District, the Sheldon-Hart Mountain and Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complexes, as well as Crater Lake National Park.
With increased recreational activities and more visitors to the forests, the public is strongly encouraged to exercise heightened caution and contribute to wildfire prevention efforts.
Klamath County Fire District 1 Fire Season Declaration & Burn Closure NoticeÂ
Effective today, May 22, 2026, Klamath County Fire District 1 (KCFD1) will enforce a closure on all open burning within District boundaries due to increasing fire danger and the onset of fire season conditions.
This closure applies to all areas within KCFD1’s jurisdiction, including the City of Klamath Falls and surrounding suburban and rural areas of the District.
Residents may view a detailed map of KCFD1 response areas by visiting:
https://kcfd1.com/fire-
The burn closure includes the following activities:
- All backyard and open debris burning, including branches, leaves, yard debris, and vegetation.
- Agricultural and commercial burning operations without a specifically approved non-typical burn permit issued by KCFD1.
- Land clearing, slash, waste, and debris burning operations.
Activities Allowed During the Burn Closure
The following activities are permitted during the closure period when conducted safely and in accordance with all applicable regulations:
Barbecues and Cooking Appliances
- Barbecues and cooking appliances used for food preparation are permitted.
Wood-Burning Outdoor Fireplaces & Manufactured Fire Pits
The following regulations apply to commercially manufactured outdoor fireplaces and fire pits:
- Fires are prohibited during periods of high or extreme fire danger as declared by the Oregon Department of Forestry.
- Appliances must be commercially manufactured and operated according to manufacturer instructions.
- A safety screen is required.
- Only dry wood or charcoal briquettes may be burned.
- Fires shall not be operated within 15 feet of structures or combustible materials.
- Fires must be attended by an adult at all times and completely extinguished when unattended.
In-Ground Recreational Fire Pits
The following requirements apply to in-ground recreational fire pits:
- Fires are prohibited during periods of high or extreme fire danger as declared by the Oregon Department of Forestry.
- Only dry wood or charcoal briquettes may be burned.
- Maximum fire size shall not exceed 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.
- Fires must be a minimum of 25 feet from structures or combustible materials.
- Safety screens are strongly encouraged and recommended.
- Fires must be attended by an adult at all times and completely extinguished when unattended.
KCFD1 reminds the public that outdoor fires in violation of this closure may be immediately extinguished by fire personnel.
Additionally, pursuant to Oregon law (ORS 478.965), any person responsible for a fire started or allowed to spread in willful violation of this burn closure may be held financially responsible for all associated suppression costs, including firefighting response, patrol operations, equipment use, and applicable legal expenses.
Importance of Safety Screens
One of the leading causes of escaped outdoor fires is embers or burning material being carried by the wind into nearby combustible vegetation or structures. Safety screens play a critical role in reducing this risk by containing embers and airborne burning debris.
Outdoor ambiance or warming fires may still be enjoyed with a screen in place. When cooking over an outdoor fire, the screen may be temporarily removed during cooking and immediately replaced afterward to help control sparks and embers.
As temperatures rise and vegetation continues to dry, even small fires can spread rapidly and threaten homes, property, and lives. KCFD1 asks all residents and visitors to remain vigilant, exercise caution with outdoor activities, and help reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires throughout the community.
The public will be notified when burn restrictions are modified or lifted.
For additional information and updates, please visit:
https://kcfd1.com
Migratory Bird Day Traffic Control Plan
A portion of George Nurse Way which bisects Veterans Park will be closed on May 23rd, 2026, from 7:00 AM until 6:00 PM for a Migratory Bird Day celebration. Any questions can be directed to John Fitzroy at 530-667-2231
City of Klamath Falls – PUBLIC WORKS STREETS DIVISION SCHEDULE
Asphalt Crew: 6 A.M. Till 4:30 P.M. Tuesday Through Thursday (Weather
Permitting)
Tuesday 5-26-2026 through Thursday 5-28-2026: Grinding and repaving
sections of Laguna and Old Fort Road. Road will be down to 1 lane of traffic and
flaggers will be in place.
Paint Crew: 3 A.M. till 1:30 P.M. Tuesday through Friday (Weather Permitting)
Tuesday 5-26-2026 Through Friday 5-29-2026: Painting crosswalks and
legends on south 6th from Bridge to Austin Street.
Signs and Sweeping 6 A.M. Till 4:30 P.M.
Monday 5-26-2026 through Friday 5-29-2026: Fixing signs and sweeping
citywide as needed.
CityFest 2026 Downtown is coming May 30th!
The Main Street portion with Downtown Shop Hop (Third Thurs Style) of the event will run from 2:00 PM to 5:50 PM, followed by the concert, worship service, and activities at Veterans Park beginning at 6:00 PM.
We’d love to help encourage attendees to explore and support our amazing downtown businesses! More than 60 local churches, nonprofits, and businesses from across the Greater Klamath Area are coming together to throw a massive, family-friendly celebration in the heart of downtown Klamath Falls. It’s a free festival all about unity, hope, and good news. If you remember the 2023 CityFest Festival
at the Klamath County Fairgrounds, you can anticipate what’s coming to Klamath Downtown 2026!
Join us Saturday, May 30, 2026, for a full day of fun, music, and meaning that brings our whole community together.
The Klamath Falls Downtown Association (KFDA) is thrilled to welcome the community to a vibrant summer filled with shopping, entertainment, and family-friendly activities during the 2026 Summer Event Series in downtown Klamath Falls.
Scheduled from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, these evening gatherings will transform the downtown area into a bustling hub where both residents and visitors can explore local businesses, enjoy live music, and discover unique vendors against the backdrop of a picturesque sunset.
The series will feature three events on the third Thursday of each month, beginning June 18 and concluding on August 20, each highlighting the distinctive charm of the Klamath Basin.
For the latest updates and event information, please follow the Klamath Falls Downtown Association on Facebook and Instagram.
The City of Chiloquin is pleased to invite vendors, community organizations, and sponsors to participate in the 5th Annual Chi-Town Family Festival, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, June 19-20, 2026, at the Chiloquin Rodeo & Event Grounds.
This year’s festival is particularly noteworthy as it marks the continuation of the community’s celebration of Chiloquin’s Centennial Year.
The event, which is free and family-friendly, will showcase live music, local food vendors, a farmers market, a craft fair, children’s activities, water slides, bounce houses, a silent auction benefiting Chiloquin Visions in Progress, and a new Chili Cook-Off on Saturday.
Organizers are actively seeking vendors from the region, including artisans, crafters, food vendors, nonprofits, local businesses, and farmers, and encourage early registration to secure a space. Additionally, the festival committee is looking for sponsors to support this expanding event.
Sponsorships will help finance family activities, entertainment, event infrastructure, and free community programming throughout the festival weekend. Various sponsorship levels are available, offering benefits such as logo placement on promotional materials, banners, social media recognition, and event announcements during the festival.
Call the City of Chiloquin for more information to be a vendor or sponsor.
Oregon Tech invites graduates, their families, and friends to gather at the Klamath Falls campus on June 13 beginning at 10AM to honor the Class of 2026.
The keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Shereef Elnahal, President of Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), who took office in August 2025.
In his capacity as president, Dr. Elnahal manages a budget exceeding $6.2 billion and oversees more than 22,000 employees, making OHSU the largest employer in Portland and one of the most significant in Oregon. His leadership focuses on strategic planning, financial sustainability, and maintaining high standards across healthcare, research, and education to ensure the continued success of Oregon’s academic health center. Under his guidance, OHSU’s Knight Cancer Institute received a landmark $2 billion donation from Phil and Penny Knight and inaugurated the Vista Pavilion, a new inpatient facility dedicated to cancer care.
Prior to his role at OHSU, Dr. Elnahal served as Under Secretary for Health at the Department of Veterans Affairs, where he led the nation’s largest integrated health system with a workforce of nearly 400,000 and participated in the National Academy of Medicine’s Leadership Consortium.
WorkSource Oregon Mobile Service Centers bring career help to rural Oregonians
WorkSource Oregon has launched three mobile service centers – vans outfitted with workstations, computers, and secure internet access – to bring free career support directly to job seekers in rural and frontier communities across the state. Job seekers can check the public schedule to learn when the mobile centers make regular stops in the following areas:
- Western Oregon:Â Alsea, Clatskanie, Estacada, Grand Ronde, Mill City, Molalla, Monroe, VernoniaÂ
- Central Oregon: Chiloquin, Christmas Valley, Condon, Lakeview, La Pine, Maupin, Warm Springs
- Eastern Oregon:Â Boardman, Elgin, Halfway, Heppner, Huntington, Jordan Valley, Mission, ValeÂ
The Oregon Employment Department (OED) worked with Oregon’s nine local workforce development boards and local workforce service providers to add these communities to the mobile service schedule. A key consideration was the distance from one of the state’s 37 physical WorkSource Oregon centers. For some rural Oregonians, the average round trip to visit a center is four hours.
“The goal is to reach people in communities that do not have a brick-and-mortar WorkSource Oregon center nearby or experience other barriers to accessing OED’s service,” said Andrew R. Stolfi, director of the Oregon Employment Department. “These mobile centers are another way we and our WorkSource Oregon partners are adapting to meet our customer’s needs by making our free job-seeker services more accessible, including our rural communities.”
Each mobile center visits the communities on their routes two days a month, for two to seven hours at a time. Everyone is welcome to drop in for assistance. Appointments aren’t required. The WorkSource Oregon staff who drive the vans provide job seekers with personalized support finding employment and preparing for long-term career success.
Veterans will receive priority access to services in the mobile centers, just as they would at any other WorkSource Oregon center. This support includes referrals to veteran-specific programs and additional services to help veterans achieve their employment goals.
Some of the many services all job seekers can expect when they visit a mobile center include:
- One-on-one career coaching
- Workshops on resumes and interviewing
- Information on which regional industries and local employers are actively hiring
- Access to free training to advance professionally or learn skills for a new occupation
- Information about paid internships, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, GED programs, and college classes
- Referrals to benefit programs that help job seekers with transportation, childcare, internet access, tuition, textbooks, school fees, identification, work clothes and tools, food, and more
The mobile centers are sponsored by OED in partnership with the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS).
Oregonians who receive food benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Oregon and who have received an Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) notice from ODHS can access free employment and training through the mobile WorkSource Oregon centers to meet the work requirements and stay eligible for SNAP. People who receive an ABAWD notice must complete 80 hours a month of work or other activities like volunteering to keep their SNAP food benefits for more than three months. These mobile centers help bring those services directly into communities and make it easier for people to get support closer to home.”
Ragland Arts Festival, June 20th
June 20th will be the date for the first Ragland Arts Festival from 10AM-2PM.
There will be vendors, art, music, food, and so much community fun. Join us in the Cultural Center for a day of fun, sunshine, and last minute shopping for Father’s Day.
This event is free to the public, but donations will be accepted. All proceeds from this event go to our Education Scholarship Fund. The Education Scholarship Fund helps ensure that no one is denied the opportunity to attend one of our camps or classes due to financial restraints.
TICKETS: FREE. Donations are accepted.
The YMCA of Klamath Falls will be having the annual Community Golf Tournament on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at Shield Crest Golf Course.
Sponsors are needed at $500, which includes one complimentary team of four players with carts, lunch, a tee box advertising sign and media recognition, and 18 holes of great golf.
Everyone is invited to enter and play with the tournament limited to the first 72 players. Tournament entry fee for individuals is $80 a person. All proceeds support scholarships for youth and families.
Call 541-884-4149 or 541-883-3977 to register or ask questions. Thank you from the YMCA!
This week’s pet is a kitty named ” Della “
Della is a 3 month old, female, Domestic Shorthair mix, brown with black tabby stripes, and she weighs about 2.5 pounds.
Around the State of Oregon
Oregon’s Unemployment Rate Was Unchanged at 5.2% in April
In April, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment rose by 500 jobs, following a loss of 4,300 jobs, as revised, in March. April’s gains were largest in health care and social assistance (+1,900 jobs) and construction (+800). Losses were largest in professional and business services (-1,000 jobs); financial activities (-900); and retail trade (-800).
Health care and social assistance grew rapidly in the past 12 months, adding 12,500 jobs, or 4.0%. During the past four years, the sector grew rapidly and consistently, adding a total of 58,100 jobs, or 21.7%, since April 2022. In the past 12 months, each of its component industries grew quickly: social assistance (+5,500 jobs, or 6.6%); nursing and residential care facilities (+2,800 jobs, or 4.7%); ambulatory health care services (+2,500 jobs, or 2.3%); and hospitals (+800 jobs, or 1.2%).
Professional and business services continued to shed jobs at a pace similar to the past three years. This major industry cut 9,300 jobs, or 3.6%, in the past 12 months. Losses were large in each of its three component industries: administrative and waste services (-4,300 jobs, or -4.4%); professional and technical services (-3,200 jobs, or -2.9%); and management of companies and enterprises (-1,800 jobs, or -3.7%).
Manufacturing employment dropped 400 jobs in April, following steep losses over the prior three years. In the past 12 months, durable goods manufacturing cut 5,500 jobs, or 4.4%, while nondurable goods manufacturing cut 1,500 jobs, or 2.7%.
BLM celebrates Freedom 250 with public events across Oregon
The Bureau of Land Management invites the public to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence through three public events across Oregon in 2026. The events foster a deeper appreciation of our nation’s past, the beauty and value of public lands, and the work it takes to sustain the health and productivity of these lands for the use and enjoyment of generations to come.
The events are part of the national Freedom 250 commemoration and also recognize the BLM’s 80th anniversary of public land stewardship.
Featured Freedom 250 Events:
- Oregon Trail Days – Baker City, Ore.
When:Â Saturday, June 13, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT
Where:Â Geiser-Pollman Park, Baker City, Ore.
The signature Freedom 250 event for BLM Oregon/Washington, Oregon Trail Days transforms Geiser-Pollman Park into an immersive Oregon Trail experience featuring wagon rides, storytelling, live demonstrations, music, crafts, and games.
The free, family-friendly celebration highlights the role public lands play in preserving the landscapes and stories tied to America’s westward expansion. Additional programming will also take place at the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center throughout the weekend.
- Wood River Wetland Volunteer Day – Near Klamath Falls, Ore.
When:Â Saturday, June 20, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT
Where:Â Wood River Wetland, approximately 30 miles north of Klamath Falls, Ore.
This Freedom 250 volunteer event invites the community to assist with invasive weed removal and restoration work on public lands.
The event highlights the continued role Americans play in caring for public lands through volunteerism and stewardship.
- Victorian Holiday Celebration – Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area
When:Â Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT
Where:Â Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, near Newport, Ore.
This coastal Freedom 250 event connects visitors to Oregon’s maritime history through a Victorian-themed holiday celebration at the Yaquina Head Lighthouse.
Activities may include caroling, historical parlor games, ornament crafts, interpretive storytelling, and live music.
As a dedicated custodian of America’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage, the Bureau of Land Management in Oregon and Washington proudly celebrates the 250th anniversary of American independence with the nation.
From iconic landmarks like Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area to the historic Oregon Trail, BLM-administered public lands represent the spirit of the nation’s foundational principles. These events honor stories of exploration, resilience, stewardship, and public service woven throughout America’s history.
SNAP interviews will be required for all households starting June 1st
Starting June 1, 2026, all SNAP households must complete an interview when they apply for or renew their monthly food benefits.
This change returns SNAP to standard federal rules, which require interviews for all applications and renewals. These rules help make sure benefits are accurate and reflect each household’s current situation. An interview must be completed before benefits can be approved.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, some households were allowed to skip renewal interviews. This temporary flexibility ends May 31, 2026.
This includes households that previously did not need an interview, such as those where:
- All adults are age 60 or older or meet the SNAP definition of disability, and
- No one in the household has income from work
For some people, this may be the first time they complete a SNAP interview when renewing their benefits.
Interviews are a standard part of SNAP. They help:
- Confirm information
- Prevent errors
- Make sure people receive the correct benefit amount
- Connect people to the full benefits and services they may qualify for
What this means for people
People applying for or renewing SNAP benefits will need to complete an interview before their benefits can be approved or renewed.
“These updates help make sure people receive the correct SNAP benefits for their current situation,” said Jessica Amaya Hoffman, SNAP Director at ODHS. “We know adding another step may be challenging. Our staff are here to help answer questions and support people in the way that works best for them. Completing the interview and providing documents when requested helps us process benefits correctly and connect people to the full amount they qualify for.”
What people can do now
- Make sure ODHS has your current contact information
- Watch for mail, email, text messages or phone calls from ODHS about your interview
- Respond to messages from ODHS to avoid delays
- Connect with ODHS in the way that works best for you—online, by phone or in person
Learn more about SNAP at Oregon.snap.gov
Ways people can contact ODHS
- Online: Through a ONE Online account
- By phone: Call 800-699-9075 or 711 (TTY), relay calls welcome
- In person: Visit a local office (find one online)
- By Mail: ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309
About SNAP in Oregon
SNAP is a cornerstone of Oregon’s fight against hunger, helping more than 1 in 6 people in Oregon, approximately 27 percent of households, afford groceries. This includes children, working families, older adults, and people with disabilities. Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 to $1.80 in local economic activity. SNAP drives an estimated $1.6 billion into the Oregon economy each year.
Lake Oswego Man Charged with Sexually Exploiting Multiple Minors and Distributing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialÂ
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Lake Oswego, Oregon, man has been charged with sexually exploiting minor victims online and in person across multiple states and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Alex Miller Eldridge, 36, has been charged by criminal complaint with sexual exploitation of children and possession and distribution of child pornography.
According to court documents, since May 2025, Eldridge used multiple online accounts to sexually exploit minors in multiple U.S. states and at least one foreign country. In December 2024, Eldridge flew from Hawaii to Pennsylvania to sexually abuse a minor victim he met on the Discord application. Eldridge recorded his sexual abuse of the minor victim and later sent those videos to multiple other minor victims.
Eldridge used the Discord and Session applications to engage in sexually themed chats with additional minor victims in 2025 and 2026. He directed one minor victim in Colorado and another in Greece to send him videos of themselves engaging in sexually explicit conduct, which he then threatened to distribute online.Â
Investigators executed a search warrant at Elridge’s home on May 20 and located additional evidence of sexual exploitation of minors and CSAM activity. Evidence found on Eldridge’s cell phone showed that he distributed CSAM on Discord the day before his arrest.
Eldridge made his first appearance in federal court yesterday before a U.S. magistrate judge, who detained Eldridge pending further court proceedings.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement. Homeland Security Investigations is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mira Chernick is prosecuting the case.
Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children is encouraged to contact HSI at (866) 347-2423 or submit a tip online at report.cybertip.org.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Visitors planning to explore Oregon’s state parks this summer should be aware of new regulations that have been implemented this year. Notably, several parks have prohibited drone usage due to environmental concerns, although permits can be obtained for flying in non-restricted areas.
Additionally, it is crucial to adhere to campfire safety guidelines, ensuring that fires are completely extinguished after use, as certain regions may impose total fire bans later in the season based on assessments from local and state fire agencies.
Furthermore, an increasing number of parks are now charging day-use parking fees, and a more stringent cancellation policy for reservations will be enforced, as noted by Lauren Wirtis from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. For further details on these regulations, please visit the department’s website.
Oregon Officials Urge Wildfire Preparedness Ahead of Early Fire Season
As May marks National Wildfire Awareness Month, fire officials across Oregon are urging residents to prepare now for what could be an intense and early wildfire season.
Experts say a combination of drought conditions, low snowpack, increased lightning, and below-average rainfall could push fire season to begin weeks earlier than the typical June 1 start.
The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) says it has been preparing year-round, including conducting prescribed burns and ramping up seasonal hiring to ensure firefighters and equipment are ready.
Despite those efforts, officials stress that public awareness is critical. About 80 percent of wildfires in Oregon are caused by humans, with vehicle sparks and debris burning among the leading causes.
Residents are encouraged to take precautions, such as properly extinguishing debris burns, following burn restrictions, avoiding parking hot vehicles on dry grass, and being mindful of sparks from chains, brakes, and mufflers.
Douglas County has already declared an Emergency Drought Order, highlighting concerns about water shortages and economic impacts. Officials warn that limited water supplies could affect farming, livestock, and residential use.
While this year’s snowpack is among the lowest on record, similar to 2015 and 2018, fire officials say it’s too early to predict how severe the season will be.
Still, ODF says it is confident in its preparations and coordination with partner agencies to respond effectively to wildfires across protected lands.
Oregon Utilities Promote Wildfire Awareness: Get Ready for Fire Season by Preparing Now and Staying Informed
PGE, Pacific Power, Idaho Power and the PUC share tips and guidance as fire season approaches
In recognition of National Wildfire Awareness Month, the Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC), Portland General Electric, Pacific Power and Idaho Power encourage Oregonians to prepare for wildfire season. Everyone has a part to play this summer in keeping our communities safe.
PGE, Pacific Power and Idaho Power invest year-round to prevent wildfire and deliver safe, reliable power to the homes and communities that depend on it. They partner with tribes and federal, state and local agencies to plan and prepare for the upcoming wildfire season.
“We’ve had an unusually dry winter across much of Oregon, and that means wildfire season may arrive earlier and with greater intensity,” said Commissioner Chair Letha Tawney. “Even as Oregon electric utilities invest billions to reduce wildfire risk, customers need to be ready for potential outages when fire danger is high. The changing risk of extreme wildfires touches every Oregon community and requires all of us to take steps now to reduce the chance of catastrophe.”
Resources to help Oregonians prepare for wildfire season are available at wildfire.oregon.gov, including guidance on staying informed, evacuation planning and creating defensible space to help prevent wildfire.
PGE, Pacific Power and Idaho Power also share these additional tips on ways to stay safe and be prepared this fire season.
Have a plan
- Consider relocating with a friend, family member or shelter, especially if medication or treatment of a medical condition requires electricity.
- Businesses should communicate their outage-response plans to key employees, plan for workarounds to computers and cash registers and make a plan to bypass electronic door locks.
- Plan for livestock water needs in case well pumps lose power.
- Know how to open and close electric garage doors and security gates.
- Learn how to protect home and business electronics and appliances against data loss and surge damage when power is restored.
Make an outage kit
Prepare your home and businesses by making an outage kit to use in case wildfire leads to a power outage.
- Be sure to include shelf-stable food, water for people, pets and livestock, medications, flashlights, batteries and solar or car chargers for electric devices. Keep ice packs or frozen water in the freezer to help keep food cold until ice is available.
- Outage kits should also include flashlights or camp lights for all areas, including restrooms, battery-powered or hand-crank radios for information, battery-powered fans, extra batteries, car chargers for cell phones and electric devices, bottled water and emergency phone numbers.
- Businesses should prepare to minimize disruption, keep employees safe and protect equipment.
Stay informed
Here are a few steps you can take to make sure you receive up-to-date wildfire information:
- Contact your electricity provider or log in to your account and make sure all contact information is current so you can receive alerts and messages.
- If you rely on electricity to store medication or operate medical equipment, enroll in your electric provider’s Medical Certificate Program, if available, to receive proactive communications about outages. Make a backup plan with your doctor and other medical providers.
- VisitOregon Alert to find your local alert system. Provide current contact details and sign up for wildfire alerts.
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