Central Oregon is under a Red Flag Warning for gusty northeast winds from 10 to 20 mph, gusting up to 30 mph and low relative humidity values in the low teens through 11:00 p.m. Saturday, September 10. These critical fire weather conditions, along with temperatures predicted to be in the low 90s this weekend, can lead to extreme fire behavior and significant fire growth on existing large fires like the Cedar Creek, as well as increased smoke in our area.
Evacuation levels can expand quickly in extreme fire conditions and are coordinated through county sheriff’s offices. All three Central Oregon counties have registration systems for emergency notices via text message in each county. Consider signing up for these notices in your area.
· Deschutes County: https://www.deschutes.org/911/
· Jefferson County: https://www.jeffco.net/
· Crook County: http://www.alertcrookcounty.
Smoke may impact large portions of Oregon and Washington, including population centers and areas that have not had smoke impacts yet this summer. For more information on smoke and how to keep your family safe, visit: https://www.oregonsmoke.org/
In critical conditions like these, fire prevention is more important than ever. If you have a fire in a designated campground this weekend, ensure that you keep flame lengths low and manageable and that you clear any combustible material at least 15 feet from the campfire ring. Visitors should always make sure that campfires are “dead out” or cold to the touch when left. Be responsible with all ignition sources—ensure spark arrestors are in good working order if you’re operating a chainsaw or off-road vehicle and protect trailer chains so they don’t drag on the road. Do your part to prevent one more spark.
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OR 58 Willamette Highway is closed for fire activity. The west closure point is now milepost 5 in Pleasant Hill at a point where large trucks can be turned around. The east closure point is Crescent Lake, milepost 70. Oakridge, Westfir, and unincorporated nearby areas are being evacuated. Evacuees should travel west on Highway 58 to the temporary evacuation point at Lane Community College, Building 16. More information on the evacuation is available at www.lanecountyor.gov/
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The Red Cross Cascades Region has opened shelters for wildfire evacuees of the following fires: Cedar Creek burning near Oakridge; Van Meter just outside of Klamath Falls; Vitae Springs Road fire near Salem. The shelters are located at:
Vitae Springs Road Fire
Judson Middle School, 4512 Jones Rd. SE, Salem, OR 97302
Cedar Creek Fire
Lane Events Center 796 W 13th Ave. Eugene, OR 97402
Van Meter Fire
Klamath County Fairgrounds 3531 S 6th St. Klamath Falls Oregon, 97603
Individuals and families affected by the wildfire and in need of shelter assistance are encouraged to simply show up at the shelter for help. For more on what to bring to a shelter visit https://www.redcross.org/get-
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzroja
