Salem-News.com Environment articles Page 2

Oregon`s Nena Springs Fire Update

While Kah-Nee-Ta Resort is still at a Level 3 evacuation, the immediate threat to it is gone.

(WARM SPRINGS, Ore.) - At approximately 3:20pm Thursday, an ember from the Nena Springs Fire blew out of containment lines near Kishwalk. Driven by high winds, the fire began running in grass and brush. Two helicopters, handcrews and at least 10 engines responded in addition to 150 firefighters that were already assigned to the fire.

Winds pushed the fire over Indian Head Canyon and through Charlie Canyon, then continued move a mile east past the Kah-Nee-Ta Resort.

Eclipse Info for Oregon`s Path of Totality Salem-Area Viewing

Important reminders and announcements for Monday's total solar eclipse

(SALEM, Ore.) - The first total solar eclipse since 1979 is an anxiously-awaited event. The shadow of the Moon, the umbra, does not touch any other landmass or island before it touches Oregon on Monday morning.

The eclipse hits the Oregon Coast between Newport & Lincoln City at 10:15 a.m. (PDT), and will continue moving across the path of totality throughout the day.

Wildfire Backs Up I-5 in Southern Oregon for 10 Miles

Drivers should call 5-1-1 or TripCheck.com for up to the minute updates.

(GRANTS PASS, Ore.) - SW Oregon: I-5 MP 53, between Rogue River and Grants Pass: Due to wildfire, expect extreme delays both NB/SB. NB traffic is backed up nearly 10 miles.

Use alternate routes and expect delays. Medford-Grants commuters should consider alternate routes or delaying travel. Watch for emergency crews.

Campfires Prohibited in Oregon State Parks and on Beaches

August is the peak of Oregon's wildfire season, so preventing additional burden on firefighting efforts is high priority.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is prohibiting all campfires and open flames in Oregon State Parks and other properties owned and managed by the department beginning Aug. 16 until further notice.

These restrictions extend to all Oregon beaches. Charcoal briquettes, tiki-style torches and candles are also prohibited. Only fuel sources that can be turned off instantly, such as propane stoves, will be allowed.

Brother and Sister Hikers Rescued off of Three-Fingered Jack area

Conditions became foggy and visibility was near zero.

(LINN COUNTY, Ore.) - Linn County Sheriff Bruce Riley reported his deputies were attempting a rescue of two hikers from the Three Fingered Jack area just before noon today.

On Sunday August 13, 2017, at 4:57 p.m., Linn County Sheriff's Office dispatch received a 9-1-1 call from two climbers saying they lost their way in the fog and was stuck on a rock face, unable to get out on their own.

Oregon National Guard Soldiers and Airmen Soon to Deploy to Fire near Crater Lake

Operation Plan Smokey stipulates how Oregon National Guard members are utilized to assist in firefighting efforts.

(SALEM, Ore.) - More than 100 Oregon National Guard members, activated by Oregon Governor Kate Brown to assist with ongoing firefighting efforts in southern Oregon, are scheduled to complete their refresher firefighting training at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST), in Salem on Tuesday.

The group, comprised of Citizen-Airmen and Citizen-Soldiers from Oregon Air and Army National Guard units across the state are scheduled to deploy to the High Cascade Complex in southern Oregon on Wednesday, August 16, 2017.

Bat in Marion County Tests Positive for Rabies

Bats are the most common mammals known to carry rabies in Oregon.

(SALEM, Ore.) - A bat from the Shaw area of Marion County tested positive for rabies. It was confirmed by Marion County Environmental Health on August 4.

It was reported that the bat was found in a bedroom where two adults and one child had slept. It is unknown at this time if anyone sleeping in the room was bitten and medical advice is being sought.

Propane Tank Ignites Inside Shop While Blacksmithing

Fire officials believe that a leaking valve may be to blame.

(LEBANON, Ore.) - Lebanon firefighters quickly contained a fire from a venting propane tank inside the detached shop of a home on Arlene Avenue on Thursday afternoon.

A resident had been using a propane torch connected to the tank for some blacksmithing work and when the torch came within the area of the tank it erupted in fire.

PGE Customers Set Another Record for Summer Electricity Use

PGE customers use 3,976 MW on Aug. 3, beating the previous day's record.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - PGE customers have set a new summer record for energy demand. The new mark is 3,976 megawatts (MW) net system load, set on Aug. 3 at 6 p.m. At the time it was 105 degrees at Portland International Airport.

The all-time winter peak of 4,073 MW net system load was set on Dec. 21, 1998. The low temperature at PDX that day was 16 degrees F.

Whitewater Fire Closes All Trail Access into Mt Jefferson Park

202 fire personnel are fighting the fire currently 4,579 acres in size.

(SPRINGFIELD, Ore.) - Today’s operations will utilize aviation resources, such as helicopters and retardant planes, to slow fire spread and contain lines. Crews and heavy equipment continue to prepare containment lines on the Southern and Western flanks of the fire.

The trails and road will remain closed to protect public and fire fighter safety until further notice.