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Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Klamath Basin Weather
- Air Quality Alert
- Red Flag Warning in effect from September 2, 1:00PM until September 3, 08:00AMÂ
Today
A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Widespread haze between 11am and 3pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 94. South wind 5 to 9 mph. Overnight a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. Southwest wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable in the evening.
Today’s Klamath Falls Headlines
KCSD Implements State Rules Banning Student Cell Phone Use During School Day
As the new school year begins today, Sept. 2, the Klamath County School District will be implementing Oregon’s new rule prohibiting students from using personal electronic devices on school campuses during the instructional day.
Under the rule, students may not use cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, or any device capable of accessing a cellular network during the instructional school day. All devices must be powered off and either kept at home or stored away until school is dismissed. While the restriction does not apply to bus transportation before and after school, it will be enforced on field trips.
KCSD Superintendent Glen Szymoniak said the new state rule has broad public support and will benefit students’ academic and social experiences.
“Devices are a big part of life today, but research supports what many parents and educators already know: having devices like cell phones in view — even when unused — can spark distractions and anxiety, and pull focus from the joy of learning,” Szymoniak said.
KCSD’s updated policy aligns with Gov. Tina Kotek’s recent executive order requiring all Oregon school districts to ban student cell phone use during the school day. Oregon joins 17 other states that have already adopted similar school-day restrictions.
The district is notifying families of the change and collaborating with Klamath Promise and Klamath Falls City Schools to educate students and promote awareness of the new rule. Frequently asked questions (FAQs) and more details are available on the KCSD website: www.kcsd.k12.or.us.
Recognizing the change in how families communicate during the school day, KCSD will ensure each school office has phones available for student use when needed. Parents may also reach students through their school’s main office in case of emergencies.
“The new rule supports a safe, focused, and respectful learning environment for all students,” Szymoniak said. “While technology has its benefits, reducing distractions during the school day allows students to fully engage in learning and personal connections.”
A lawsuit in Marion County is seeking clarification from a federal court regarding state and federal immigration and public records laws, and it has garnered the backing of officials from Klamath County.
As a sanctuary state, Oregon law prohibits law enforcement and public entities from aiding federal immigration agencies in identifying, locating, detaining, and deporting immigrants.
Last week, Marion County initiated the lawsuit against Governor Tina Kotek, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Todd Lyons, requesting the court to clarify the county’s responsibilities. Marion County received administrative subpoenas concerning five individuals, four of whom are currently on parole within the county. The information being sought is already classified as public information, accessible to the general public.
“Records responsive to the subpoenas are public records that would be available to any person who makes a public records request,” the court documents state. Since the Marion County Sheriff’s Office was served with immigration enforcement subpoenas instead of judicial warrants, state law forbids the provision of resources to the federal agency.
A letter intended for submission in this case was dispatched to all 36 counties in Oregon, soliciting signed support for the proceedings. During the administrative meeting on Tuesday, Klamath County commissioners consented to sign the letter of support.
Lakeview, Oregon DMV Closed Today
The Oregon DMV Lakeview office at 855 South F St. is closed through Sept. 9 due to staffing. Find a DMV office near you and view office closures in real time at www.oregon.gov/odot/DMV/Pages/
KLAMATH COUNTY HAS NEW PROPERTY RECORDING ALERT SERVICE
Klamath County is excited to announce the launch of the Property Recording Alert Service (PRAS). This free service is designed to enhance the monitoring of recording activity related to land records, offering transparency and control over your property records.
PRAS provides timely and automated email alerts to property owners when new documents are recorded under monitored names. Each alert includes a direct link to view or download the recorded documents, making it easier than ever to stay informed and protect your property.
https://www.klamathcounty.org/1399/Property-Record-Alert-Service-PRAS
Contact the Klamath County Clerk’s Office with any questions
(541) 883-5134.
The Klamath Basin Oktoberfest is set to return on Saturday, Sept. 20th.
This event, organized by the Klamath County Economic Development Association (KCEDA), will occur on September 20th from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Bill Collier Ice Arena located in the Running Y Resort in Klamath Falls. The community is encouraged to attend and partake in craft beers, traditional German cuisine, live entertainment, and enjoyable activities for the entire family.
Tickets for individuals aged 21 and over are priced at $25 if purchased in advance and $30 at the entrance. General admission for non-drinkers is $10, applicable both in advance and at the door. Children aged 12 and under can enter free of charge!
PET READY FOR ADOPTION FROM KLAMATH ANIMAL SHELTER
This week’s pet is a dog named ” Parker “. Parker is a male, Labrador mix, around 5 months old. He is black with a tiny bit of white, he weighs about 35 pounds but still has growing to do.
If you are interested in adopting Parker the shelter is located at 4240 Washburn Way, Monday through Friday from 12:00 – 4:00, you can reach the shelter at 541-884-PETS (541-884-7387). Klamath County Library Foundation holds Garden Statue Design Contest for Outdoor Reading Area
- Entries must be submitted by Saturday, Nov. 1 at 5pm.
- Your design should celebrate libraries, reading, imagination, nature, and/or community.
- Dimensions:Â Designs should be up to 5 feet wide and between 4 feet and 8 feet tall.
- Materials: The statue will be outside, so it must be weather-resistant and affordable (think concrete, resin, repurposed metal scrap, etc.) The materials should contrast with the statue’s planned surroundings of plants and the tan brick of the downtown Klamath County Library.
- You only need to submit a design mock-up, not the finished statue! You don’t even have to have the ability to fabricate your idea, as long as you demonstrate your vision in your concept art well enough for someone to build it.
Oakridge Rocks The Park!
Click here for more info, click here!
Around the State of Oregon
The federal government has reached a settlement with 23 states regarding a lawsuit concerning education funding.
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield emphasizes that students, teachers, and families are entitled to certainty as they approach the new school year.
The Trump Administration ceased funding for six educational programs, which encompass support for migrant children and English learners, classroom instruction, school conditions, technology, and community learning centers.
The complete disbursement of funds is required to occur by October 3rd. Stay tuned.
Man Arrested On Attempted Murder Charges in Grants Pass
On Sunday, August 31, Grants Pass Police Officers responded to a call on SW Foundry for an an assault between residents on the same property. Â The officers discovered a neighbor providing emergency care to the victim, a 38-year-old female with a serious cut to her neck. Â
Law enforcement officers continued lifesaving efforts until Grants Pass Fire/Rescue and AMR arrived on-scene. Â The victim was initially treated at Three Rivers Medical Center and transferred to Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford.
The male suspect, Jeremy Johnson, age 46, was taken into custody for the attack. Â Grants Pass Police Department detectives took over the investigation at that point. Â As a result, Johnson was lodged at the Josephine County Jail for Attempted Murder, Assault 1, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.
As this is an on-going investigation, additional details are not being given at this time. Â Anyone with information is requested to contact the Grants Pass Major Crimes Unit and refer to case 2025-30171.
The Grants Pass Police Department would like to thank our partners at the Oregon State Police and Josephine County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance.
Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) commends a substantial investment aimed at assisting more low-income households in managing their utility expenses. In June, legislators approved House Bill 3792, which increased funding for the Oregon Energy Assistance Program (OEAP) from $20 million to $40 million.
Governor Tina Kotek enacted the bill, along with additional energy affordability legislation, into law yesterday. ” OEAP offers energy assistance to eligible customers of Portland General Electric and Pacific Power, determined by household size and annual income.
Since its inception in 1999, OEAP has aided over 85,000 customers, with 92% of participants successfully avoiding energy shutoffs. In light of the federal administration’s announcement regarding possible reductions and the elimination of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Oregon lawmakers took action to protect residents from this uncertainty by broadening the state-funded OEAP.
LIHEAP, which delivers grants and energy efficiency services to millions across the nation, has become a crucial support system for families.
A Medford Attorney is currently facing numerous charges of invasion of privacy along with a single charge of unlawful use of a GPS device.
NewsWatch 12 in MEdford has acquired court documents that allege local Attorney Zachary Light is facing 19 criminal charges, as police claim he violated the personal privacy of a woman in 2023. Zachary Light practices as a criminal defense and civil plaintiff attorney in Medford. The allegations detailed in the court documents include recording a woman during private moments and also involve a misdemeanor charge for unlawfully placing a GPS device on her vehicle.
District Attorney Patrick Green remarked, “He was arrested yesterday afternoon. He was arraigned on Friday morning.”
Following an investigation, NewsWatch 12 found that Light was previously convicted in 2014 of a misdemeanor for installing a camera in his stepdaughter’s bedroom without her consent.
The Oregon State Bar subsequently suspended his license for a period of 7 months, and he was placed on probation for 3 years. DA Patrick Green stated, “We recommended a bail amount of $100,000 due to the number of charges and his prior conviction.”
PARTIES AGREE, STATE REGULATORS APPROVE A LOWER RATE INCREASE FOR AVISTA CUSTOMERS
Average residential customer bill to increase about $1.36 September 1
SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) recently approved the all-party stipulation between PUC staff, consumer groups, and Avista agreeing to a general rate increase at a lower level than originally requested.
The amount general rates will increase on September 1, 2025, differs based on customer type and energy usage. Stipulating parties agreed to an annual revenue increase of $4.2 million, or an overall average increase of 3.5 percent across all customer types combined, including residential, commercial, and industrial customers. This is a 46 percent decrease from Avista’s original request to increase annual revenue by $7.8 million. Residential customers using an average of 48 therms per month will experience a bill increase of approximately $1.36 or 2 percent on monthly bills.
Drivers for the increase include capital investments, such as expanding natural gas distribution facilities to meet customer needs and ensure reliability of service, replacement of outdated infrastructure, and maintenance of existing infrastructure and technology. Â
“We appreciate the hard work of PUC staff and stakeholders as well as Avista’s cost-discipline to reach a compromise that significantly reduced the general rate case revenue requirement by over 45 percent from the original request,” said Letha Tawney, Commission Chair. “The approved increase balances the utility’s need to recover the cost of providing safe service with the Commission’s obligation to protect customers—particularly the most vulnerable customers–from unnecessary rate impacts. Thanks to House Bill 3179, customers can be assured their bills moving forward will not increase during the winter heating season, giving families more predictability when they need it most.”
Resources for Customers
To increase energy efficiency and save more on future bills, review Energy Trust of Oregon’s current incentives and opportunities, including income-qualified offers and learn more about  low-cost and no-cost tips to reduce energy consumption. For information about bill payment assistance options, contact Avista at 800-227-9187 or view information online. Customers may also contact their local Community Action agency to request information on what assistance programs they may be eligible for and how to enroll.
Avista serves approximately 106,500 natural gas customers in southwest and northeast Oregon.
Rare Aedes Mosquitoes Found in Jackson County
Aedes aegypti (Ae. Aegypti) mosquitoes have been discovered again in Jackson County, a year after Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the county announced the species had been found for the first time in the state.
OHA, Jackson County Vector Control and Jackson County Public Health confirmed the identification of Ae. aegypti as part of routine mosquito surveillance.
Emilio DeBess, D.V.M., state public health veterinarian in OHA’s Public Health Division, said the repeat appearance of Ae. aegypti in Oregon is a concern because the species has been more common in much warmer climates of the United States, Southeast Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands.
“These mosquitoes have been known carry and transmit diseases that are more typical to warmer climates, such as Zika virus, chikungunya, dengue and yellow fever,” DeBess said. These viruses spread to humans through the bite of an infected Ae. aegypti mosquito, he said.
The mosquitoes become infected when they bite and feed on someone who is infected with the virus. They primarily feed in the daytime and prefer to feed on humans.
However, DeBess emphasized that the risk of these infections to local residents is low. “Acquiring these diseases depends on the presence or arrival of someone who is currently infected with one of the diseases after infection outside the United States,” DeBess said. “As was the case when Ae. aegypti mosquitoes were first found in Oregon in 2024, there have been no reports of anyone having acquired viruses associated with Ae. aegypti from within the state.”
Routine mosquito surveillance monitors different mosquito populations in the county and tests for diseases such as West Nile virus and Western equine encephalitis that are common to the Culex mosquito genus. It also gives Jackson County Vector Control the ability to determine human risk and implement strategies to control these insects and prevent disease spread.
Adult Ae. aegypti mosquitoes are relatively small and have a black-and-white pattern due to the presence of white/silver scale patches against a black background on the legs and other parts of the body. Ae. aegypti mosquitoes most likely originated in Africa. Since then, the species has been transported globally throughout tropical and subtropical regions, and parts of the temperate world, through global trade and shipping activities.
Ae. aegypti cannot fly far—only about 500 feet. These mosquitoes prefer warm and wet weather, and to live in or near homes or in neighboring woods. Changes in climate are allowing Ae. aegypti mosquitoes to expand their range to the western United States.Â
Oregon Secretary of State Rejects Trump Justice Department Demands For Voter Data
On Friday, Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read rejected a demand from the U.S. Justice Department to turn over Oregon voter data to the federal government, saying it violates Oregonians’ privacy rights.
Twice within a month, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Department of Justice demanded that Oregon turn over a wide range of information, including the full name, date of birth, residential address and driver’s license number or partial Social Security number for every Oregon voter, to check for fraud on the voter roles.
They also asked Mr. Read to explain how Oregon maintains voter rolls, noting that vote-by-mail in our country has continued to reveal abuse on who is voting in American elections.Â
In a response letter Thursday, Sec. of State Read said he saw “no federal authority” for the Justice Department’s request for voter data. Some of that data is public record, and anyone can obtain a copy of a statewide voter list with a records request and a $500 fee. But those lists cannot include any voter’s birthday, Social Security number or driver’s license number.Â
“Oregon allows for public access to certain voter-registration data, including a voter’s residence address and birth year, for a fee,” Read wrote. “There is no exception for the federal government.”Â
Most day-to-day election work occurs at the county level, with elected nonpartisan county clerks or appointed election directors registering voters, mailing ballots and processing returned ballots. The Secretary of State’s Office enforces state election law, oversees county work, collects data and leads routine post-election audits.Â
The July letter from the Justice Department described left leaning Oregon’s voter registration as “unusually high for several years,” as a report from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission noted that 95.3% of citizens 18 and older living in Oregon were registered to vote ahead of the November 2024 election. Nationally, just 73.6% of adult citizens were registered to vote, according to census data.Â
Since 2016, the state has automatically registered adult citizens to vote when they obtain or renew driver’s licenses or state ID cards at the Motor Vehicle Services Division, and the number of registered voters rose to more than 3 million in the near-decade since the law took effect. Some Oregonians have complained however, saying they were automatically registered as Democrats.
Last year’s presidential election had a 75.4% voter turnout in Oregon. Oregon voted in favor of losing candidate Kamala Harris 55.6% and voted 42.1% for Donald Trump.
Mr. Read, who like most state officials trying to protect Oregon’s sanctuary state status, was more explicit in a July email to Justice Department officials who asked for a data-sharing agreement, saying that he was uninterested in sharing information with federal officials who hadn’t demonstrated that they would protect the U.S. Constitution that he and they swore an oath to uphold.Â
“I have no interest in sharing data with an administration that is willfully violating judicial orders and trampling on constitutional rights and responsibilities. Nor do I wish to share data with an administration that appears to take glee in snatching people off the streets without requiring its agents to properly identify themselves or provide arrest warrants, or with an administration whose agents wait outside of day care centers, schoolyards and courthouses to improperly detain and deport Oregonians.”  Stay tuned.
Oregon now one of the least favorable states for relocation
Oregon, with its sanctuary state status, growing homeless problem, growing high cost of housing and living, high income taxes, drug addiction problems, and a public education system facing pour student performance, funding, and staffing, has just been labeled as one of the least favorable states for relocation.
ConsumerAffairs has recently conducted a ranking of the best and worst states for moving. The findings indicate that Oregon, California, Louisiana, and New Mexico are among the least desirable states to relocate to.
Conversely, the top states for moving are Utah, New Hampshire, Idaho, and Virginia.
Medford Drug Bust Nets 40 pounds of Meth
The Medford Area Drug and Gang Enforcement team (MADGE) has been working diligently to get drugs and firearms off of our streets and out of the hands of criminals. Last week MADGE seized nearly 40lbs of Methamphetamine along with firearms and other controlled substances. We would like to highlight two of the larger cases.
After a 5-month investigation, MADGE detectives arrested 44-year-old Christopher Boyd Stevenson at his residence in the 400 block of B Street in Ashland. This lengthy investigation resulted in a search warrant being served on Stevenson’s residence where over five pounds of Methamphetamine was seized along with five firearms and three ounces of Cocaine. Stevenson is a convicted felon and was lodged on the drug possession charges along with firearms related charges.
Then, on August 12th, MADGE investigators conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by 45-year-old Juan Flores-Gutierrez. This traffic stop resulted in the seizure of 2 pounds of Methamphetamine. Investigators then located 32 additional pounds of Methamphetamine at Flores-Gutierrez’s residence in the 1200-block of West 8th Street in Medford. This arrest was the result of a multi-year investigation into drug trafficking being conducted by Flores-Gutierrez from Southern California to the Medford area.
The MADGE team is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force that identifies, disrupts, and dismantles local, multi-state, and international drug trafficking organizations using an intelligence-driven, multi-agency prosecutor-support approach. MADGE is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), which is composed of members from the Medford Police Department, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Eagle Point Police Department, Oregon State Police, the District Attorney’s Office, Parole and Probation, the Assistant US Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the FBI.
Pacific Flats in Phoenix is Now Leasing Apartments
Community leaders, partners, and residents celebrated the opening of the 72-unit multifamily community at 4019 South Pacific Highway last month. The affordable housing project was co-developed by Commonwealth Development Corporation and NOWIA Unete.
Its focus is on giving low-income families a place to call home, while also partnering with ACCESS and Unete to provide 2020 fire survivors a path to find adequate housing.
Pacific Flats is an income restricted property. Residents must meet these income limits to qualify for homes at Pacific Flats. Section 8 vouchers are accepted.
The community includes a clubhouse with amenities such as a community room, business center, and fitness center. The property is now leasing two- and three-bedroom apartments equipped with energy-efficient appliances. Those interested in applying can visit cascademanagement.com.
The Grants Pass Downs is poised to commence its fall racing season with a 12-day meet beginning on Sunday, September 7.
As stated by the Horseman’s Racing Association, this event will present a combination of competitive racing, community activities, and family-oriented entertainment extending through mid-October. The Opening Day will highlight the Daily Courier Stakes and the Southern Belle Stakes, generating excitement at the track. Additionally, the season will feature Monday evening races accompanied by a “Twice the Fun for the Price of One” promotion, starting on September 8.
On September 14, the track will host the Rex on the Rogue Dino-Races, a fundraising initiative aimed at supporting children who are battling cancer in Josephine County. A week later, on September 21, Ladies Hat Day will take place, allowing women wearing hats to gain free admission and compete for prizes across various categories. Community involvement will continue on September 28, with free entry available to patrons who donate canned goods to the Josephine County Food Bank.
Oktoberfest, scheduled for October 5, will introduce Bavarian elements with commemorative pint glasses and tastings.
Nike co-founder Phil Knight and wife, Penny Knight, have contributed $2 billion to the Oregon Health and Science University, marking a record-breaking philanthropic initiative in their ongoing efforts to transform care for cancer patients.
This announcement was made during a press conference held at the Knight Cancer Center at OHSU. The purpose of the donation is to enhance diagnostics and improve access to clinical trials at OHSU, while also simplifying the process for patients and their families by providing additional resources and therapies.
The Knights, along with their foundation, have a long history of supporting OHSU, including the establishment of the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute. Additionally, the couple is involved in another initiative aimed at funding research known as the Knight Cancer Challenge, which commenced in 2013, where they pledged to match donations in a bid to raise $500 million for OHSU.
ASTORIA, Oregon — ASTORIA, Oregon — The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission will convene Sept. 16-17 in Astoria, Oregon. Â
On Sept. 16, commissioners will tour Fort Stevens in the morning and conduct a work session 1 to 3 p.m. about the Reimagine State Parks strategic initiative and a rate review. Â
On Sept. 17, commissioners will convene an executive session at 8:30 a.m. at the Astoria Elks Lodge #180, 453 11th St. in Astoria to discuss real estate and legal issues. Executive sessions are closed to the public. A business meeting will begin at 9:45 a.m. and will be open to the public.Â
Anyone may attend or listen to the business meeting. To watch the business meeting, go to the livestream on the OPRD Director’s Office YouTube channel. Â
The business meeting also includes time for informal public comments related to any items not on the agenda. Registration is required to speak at the meeting if attending online, and is available online at https://bit.ly/
The deadline for registering to speak at the meeting virtually is 5 p.m., Sept. 12. No advance registration is required to speak in person at the meeting. Time per speaker is limited to three minutes. Please submit written public comments by 5 p.m. Sept. 12 to OPRC.publiccomment@oprd.
The full agenda and supporting documents are posted on this webpage and will be posted on the commission web page. Â
Notable requests:Â Â
- Request to adopt recommended grants for 2025 Local Government Grant Program (LGGP):Â
- Large Grants totaling $15,707,853Â
- Small Grants totaling $1,101,673Â
- Planning Grants totaling $450,000Â
- Request to adopt ATV sound and equipment rules after rulemaking responsibility was transferred from Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). Â
- Request to adopt Public Contract and Procurement Rules to outline OPRD’s public contracting and procurement requirements. Senate Bill 838 exempts OPRD from the Public Contracting Code except for surplus property and information technology related procurement. Â
- Request to adopt rules about Special Assessment for Historic Property in response to House Bill 3190, which reauthorizes the program as a 10-year benefit for commercial, income-producing historic properties.Â
Anyone needing special accommodations to attend the meeting should contact Denise Warburton, commission assistant, at least three days in advance:Â denise.warburton@oprd.oregon.
OREGON STATE AGENCIES REMIND EVERYONE TO BE INFORMED AND PREPARED
Salem, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry and Oregon’s public safety services and natural resource agencies want to remind Oregonians to practice wildfire prevention, prepare their home and a go-bag for evacuation and know where to sign up for alerts.
“As Oregonians and visitors enjoy the beauty of an Oregon summer, we have to remember that we are still in the middle of wildfire season,” Governor Kotek said. “Ignition risks present a real threat to our parks, forests and coastal areas – and it’s on us to act responsibly, doing our part to prevent wildfires wherever we recreate.”
According to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center’s predictive services, the Pacific Northwest area is anticipated to be at elevated risk of significant fires from August to October. With fire crews responding to new fire starts every day, now is the time for Oregonians to be prepared for wildfires and help prevent future ignitions.
How can people help prevent wildfires?
The Oregon Department of Forestry is urging the public to actively practice wildfire prevention as the state continues to put out new fires every day. Additional human-caused fires on the landscape will draw the firefighting efforts away from the lightning-caused fires and put extra strain on ground and aviation resources, which are already spread thin. YOU can help prevent wildfires by:
- Checking and following your local fire regulations. The majority of the state is either in high or extreme fire danger right now, meaning even the smallest of sparks could start the next large wildfire.
- Debris burning may be prohibited where you live.
- Check local restrictions or contact your local ODF office.
- Return to check on your burn site if you burned earlier in the year.
- Make sure your car has been recently serviced to avoid faulty parts throwing sparks.
- Don’t drag tow chains.
- Avoid parking vehicles on tall, dry grass.
- Recreate responsibly. Where campfires are allowed, make sure your campfire is DEAD OUT before leaving it by drowning it with water, stirring it with a shovel and repeating that process until it is cold to the touch. If there is heat coming off it, there are still embers that could reignite.
Take Simple Steps Now to Protect Your Home from Wildfire
The Oregon State Fire Marshalreminds Oregonians that summer is not the safest time to tackle large landscaping or defensible space projects. Hot, dry conditions increase the risk of starting a fire with tools or equipment. But there are still small, safe steps you can take now to reduce wildfire risk around your home. The Oregon State Fire Marshal encourages everyone to plan ahead and do light cleanup tasks that protect your property without increasing fire danger.
Here are a few easy tasks to reduce risk in the first five feet around your home:
- Clear leaves, pine needles, and other debris from your roof, gutters, and under decks.
- Cut back plants and bushes that are touching your home or growing under roof eaves. Give trees and shrubs space from each other and from structures.
- Remove dead plants and wood mulch. Use nonflammable materials like rocks or gravel near your home. Avoid bark mulch or dry grasses right next to buildings.
- Move firewood, propane tanks, and other flammable items at least five feet away from your home.
- Cover attic vents, soffit vents, and spaces under decks with 1/8-inch metal mesh to block embers.
Avoid using power tools or equipment that could spark a fire, especially during the heat of the day. Summer is a good time to plan defensible space projects so you’re ready to work safely once wildfire season ends.
For more tips or help with defensible space, visit www.oregondefensiblespace.org or https://preventwildfires.
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