Salem-News.com Fire articles

Celebrate Safely this Independence Day Weekend

Before going into a forest, check fire danger level and public use restrictions.

(SPRINGFIELD, Ore.) - The Willamette National Forest Service wants everyone to enjoy a fun and safe time outdoors as we approach Independence Day weekend.

Visitors are reminded that all fireworks are prohibited on public lands at all times and we encourage visitors to keep fire safety practices in mind when vising the forest.

Oregon Firefighter Austin Smith Memorial Service

The memorial service is this Saturday, February 12, 2022 at 1 p.m. at the St. Paul Rodeo grounds.

(SALEM, Ore.) - On Thursday, February 3rd, the St. Paul Fire District as well as other mutual aid partners, responded to a reported barn fire at Champoeg Creek and McKay Rd.

During firefighting efforts, an explosion occurred severely injuring Austin Smith, who was preparing for exterior defensive fire operations. Firefighter Smith died as a result of his injuries.

271 Oregon Firefighters Deployed to California

75 fire engines and 271 firefighters were assembled in a matter of hours

(SALEM, Ore.) - Oregon firefighters mobilized by the Office of State Fire Marshal to join firefighting efforts in California went to work today after arriving in California on Sunday. Crews have been assigned this morning to support efforts to mitigate structure threats and construct control lines.

“It’s very humbling to be a part of a large scale mobilization of resources and see how quickly Oregon can respond in a time of need,” said State Fire Marshal Jim Walker.

California Getty Fire Grows to 618 Acres

INFORMATION UPDATE: As of 10/28/19 at 8:00 PM PDT

(LOS ANGELES, Calif.) - Firefighters and aircraft have made good progress in slowing the spread of the fire, though containment is at only 5% at this time. Firefighters are actively engaged in structure protection throughout the evacuation zone.

Aircraft and dozer teams are continuing to strengthen containment lines.

Early Morning Toledo House Fire Claims One

The fatal blaze is still under investigation.

(TOLEDO, Ore.) - This morning at 4:12 am, the Toledo Fire Department was dispatched to a house fire at 26 Tom Jack Road in Toledo. They were assisted by teams from Newport, Depoe Bay, and Siletz Fire Departments, as well as the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

Once the fire was suppressed, one deceased adult was located. The deceased has been identified as Betty Sue Mcgregor, 84, of Toledo, Oregon.

Fire Investigators Discover Probable Remains of Kroeker Family

The Sheriff's Office is still on scene.

(HUBBARD, Ore.) - Over the past two days, Investigators have recovered the remains of 5 individuals inside of the Kroeker residence. Detectives can confirm that the remains found are of an adult male, one adult female and three children.

Although the remains appear consistent with that of the Kroeker family, confirmation of identity is made through the medical examiner.

Fatal Hubbard Fire a Criminal Investigation

Investigators believe that all three fires were intentionally set.

(HUBBARD, Ore.) - Investigators have worked all day searching and sifting through debris from Tuesday's fire. Investigators have made steady progress during their search but their efforts have been slowed because of the amount of damage to the structures and the adverse weather conditions.

The Sheriff's Office is not currently releasing any information regarding the deceased person found inside the residence or any information regarding the evidence found during today's search.

Early Morning Blaze Destroys Lebanon House

Cause Undetermined Following Investigation

(LEBANON, Ore.) - An early morning fire in the 100 block of Wheeler Street in Lebanon lit up the sky and destroyed a single family dwelling.

A passerby reported the fire to 911 at 3:20 a.m. and the Lebanon Fire District was notified at 3:21 a.m.

Evacuation by the Numbers: Disaster Preparedness

As fire evacuations are underway, here are some things we should all know

(BANDON, Ore.) - The recent heat wave in our region has been, at worst, an inconvenience for most of us. Elsewhere in the Northwest there have been all manner of wildland fires resulting, according to one news report, in the loss of over 300 homes. That’s at least 300 families who were ordered to get out and find safety elsewhere.

The need for evacuation is rare in our regio .... But at this writing, several major wildland fires are threatening more homes and scorching thousands of acres of forest land.

Soaring Temperatures Raise the Red Flag for Fire Danger in Oregon

Temps from 95 to 100 degrees are expected for at least the next 2 days

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Critical fire weather conditions are expected to develop across the Oregon Cascades and the southern Willamette Valley and adjacent foothills on Wednesday and Thursday.

The National Weather Service in Portland has issued a RED FLAG WARNING in effect from noon Wednesday to 11 p.m. Thursday.