The latest news stories across the state of Oregon from the digital home of the Oregon coastal cities, OregonBeachMagazine.com
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Oregon Beach Weather
Active Weather Alerts – National Weather Service
...AIR QUALITY ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE... The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency have issued an Air Quality Advisory, which is in effect until further notice. An Air Quality Advisory for Smoke has been issued. Wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels due to smoke at times until further notice. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition. More information about air quality can be found at: www.oregon.gov/DEQ www.lrapa.org
Small Craft Advisory Issued: 11:48 AM Aug. 4, 2026 – National Weather Service
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM PDT WEDNESDAY... * WHAT...North winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 35 kt and seas 7 to 10 ft at 8 seconds. * WHERE...All of the area. * WHEN...Until 5 PM PDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds and/or steep seas could capsize or damage smaller vessels. * View the hazard area in detail at https://go.usa.gov/x6hks
Here’s the overview of our weather outlook, but be sure to check out what we’re predicting in your area: https://www.farmersalmanac.com/extended-forecast
Today’s is the Start of the 2026 Seaside Beach Volleyball Tournament!
Whether you’re here to compete, cheer on your favorite team, or soak up the beach atmosphere, we’re excited to have you with us for an incredible week of volleyball.
Before you head to the courts, make sure your first stop is the Information Booth by Center Court to pick up your free PLAYER’S BAG & TOURNAMENT GUIDE!
Good luck to all of our athletes, and thank you to everyone who helps make this tournament such a special tradition. Let’s kick off an amazing week on the sand! FOLLOW: https://www.facebook.com/seasidebeachvolleyball MORE INFO: https://seasidebeachvolleyball.com
August is Albacore Month on Oregon Coast — Celebrating “10 Days of Tuna”
Welcome to 10 Days of Tuna, a statewide celebration of one of Oregon’s most iconic seafoods. Every August, we recognize Oregon Albacore Month by highlighting the fishermen, businesses, and communities that make this remarkable fishery possible.
From August 1-10, we’ll introduce you to the fish, the fishermen, the ports, and the businesses that make Oregon’s Albacore fishery so special. You’ll learn where to find fresh, frozen, canned, and pouched Oregon Albacore, discover delicious ways to cook it year round, and see why it’s one of the most sustainable and nutritious seafood choices available.
𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗪𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 
Each summer, schools of North Pacific albacore migrate within reach of the Oregon Coast, where Oregon fishermen harvest them using traditional troll gear, one fish at a time. This selective fishing method results in virtually no bycatch, making Oregon albacore one of the world’s most sustainable seafood choices.
Whether you’re enjoying fresh albacore at a local restaurant, grilling tuna loins at home, or opening a can or pouch of Oregon Albacore, you’re supporting local fishing families and one of Oregon’s most sustainable fisheries. https://visittheoregoncoast.com/travel-guides/get-to-know-oregon-albacore-tuna — https://www.oregonalbacore.org/buy-folder/category/Online
Nighttime Pavement Repairs on Hwy 101 Between Seaside and Warrenton
Travelers should expect nighttime lane closures and delays on U.S. 101 between Seaside and Warrenton while ODOT maintenance crews repair damaged pavement.
Work is scheduled for Monday night, Aug. 3, through Thursday night, Aug. 6, from 8 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.
Crews will repair ruts, potholes and other deteriorated pavement by placing new hot asphalt.
What to expect:
- Nighttime lane closures.
- Lane shifts through Seaside using the center turn lane.
- Intermittent lane closures between Seaside and Warrenton.
- Possible northbound detour onto a local county road if needed.
- Minor delays.
Please slow down, follow traffic control devices and watch for maintenance crews and equipment in the work zone. Travelers can find the latest road conditions, traffic cameras and weather information at TripCheck.com.
Funding cut puts Lower Columbia fisheries, coastal jobs at risk
State Representative Cyrus Javadi (D-Tillamook) is calling on the Bonneville Power Administration to reconsider its decision to end funding for the Select Area Fisheries Enhancement Program, known as SAFE, in the Lower Columbia River.
According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), the decision would take effect September 30 and leave a $2.4 million funding gap among Oregon, Washington, and Clatsop County. It could also put more than 7 million hatchery salmon currently in production at risk.
“This may sound like one more fight over a government program with a long name,” Javadi said. “But for people who live and work along the Lower Columbia, it is much simpler than that. It is about whether there are fish to catch, jobs to work, and paychecks to bring home.”
According to Javadi, the SAFE program supports hatchery production and terminal fisheries in the Lower Columbia River. It creates fishing opportunities for commercial and recreational fishers while directing more harvest toward hatchery fish and reducing pressure on weaker wild salmon stocks.
SAFE fish account for nearly all spring Chinook and most coho caught by the Columbia River commercial fishery. The commercial fishery produces roughly $5 million a year in value paid directly to fishermen at the dock, before counting the work created for processors, restaurants, hotels, marinas, fuel docks, boat builders, mechanics, and other local businesses, Javadi said in a release.
“People sometimes talk about the fishing economy as though it begins and ends with the person holding the rod or standing on the boat,” Javadi said. “It does not. When the fish disappear, the effects travel quickly. The deckhand loses hours. The processor handles less product. The restaurant buys less seafood. The marina sells less fuel. The hotel has fewer Guests.”
BPA has helped fund SAFE for more than 30 years as part of regional efforts to address the effects of the federal Columbia River hydropower system on fish and wildlife.
“There is a basic principle here,” Javadi said. “When federal decisions impose costs on local communities, the federal government should not simply hand those costs back to the people who had the least say in creating them.”
Members of the bipartisan Oregon Coastal Caucus are working with fishery partners, state agencies, the Governor’s Office, and Oregon’s federal delegation to urge BPA to reconsider its decision. (SOURCE)
One weekend- countless great flavors to try! Don’t miss the Annual Food Truck Off at @kokwelcasinoresort Coos Bay on Oregon’s Adventure Coast August 7-9, 2026!
This three-day event will feature up to 20 food trucks from the Pacific Northwest. Bring the whole family for a weekend of fun and vote for your favorite truck for the People’s Choice Award!
Coming in from out of town? Take advantage of our $75 Fuel Freebie promotion and get a $75 Gift Card to help cover the cost of gas! Visit oregonsadventurecoast.com/events to learn more about this and other events happening this summer on Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston!
Cape Perpetua Collaborative ·We’ve got some fabulous events over the next couple of weeks that you won’t want to miss
CONCERNED CITIZEN’S REPORT LEADS TO ARRESTS AFTER EV CHARGING STATION THEFT
On July 31, 2026, around 1:00 AM, a concerned citizen witnessed subjects actively cutting Electric Vehicle chargers at the Lincoln City Outlet Mall and immediately notified LCPD. Officers surrounded the Outlet Mall and intercepted the suspects as they were leaving in a blue Honda Ridgeline. Both suspects were taken into custody without further incident.
A search warrant was obtained and executed, leading to the recovery of over two dozen heavy-duty electric vehicle charging cables and a list of targets throughout Lincoln and Marion Counties.The two suspects were lodged on the following charges into the Lincoln County Jail: Criminal Conspiracy, Theft 1st Degree, Criminal Mischief 1st Degree, Possession of Burglar Tools, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Possession of Fentanyl.
If you have any information regarding this string of thefts, please contact the Lincoln City Police Department (case number LCP26010692).
Major Investigation Into Curry County Sheriff’s Office For Misuse Of Donations
A major investigation out of Curry County is underway as multiple donations to the sheriff’s office went undisclosed to the county. The former and current sheriff are at the center of the investigation, as the county says they used the funds for “personal gain.”
Oregon officials have accused the Curry County Sheriff’s Office of improperly using hundreds of thousands of dollars in private foundation donations over more than a decade, alleging the money paid for personal and agency-related purchases outside the county’s normal budgeting process. County leaders say the findings have prompted referrals to state ethics officials, while a separate federal investigation is also underway.
The Curry County Board of Commissioners announced Monday that a review of financial records uncovered nearly $390,000 in expenditures made between 2009 and 2023 using donations from the John G. Atkins Foundation, a nonprofit that has long supported public agencies and schools in the financially challenged southern Oregon county. Commissioners said the sheriff’s office allegedly bypassed county rules governing donated funds and failed to properly account for some expenditures.
Between 2009 and 2023, tax documents showed the John G. Atkins Foundation made several donations amounting to around $390,000 to the sheriff’s office. It is protocol that donations are recorded and deposited into restricted accounts, ensuring appropriate use. The county says they have no records of these funds.
However, the foundation’s records show portions of the funds were used to buy vehicles titled to former Sheriff John Bishop and current Sheriff John Ward. The county said these vehicles were not insured, which would be required to be used for any sheriff’s office operations. Funds were also used for other miscellaneous items, such as a retirement party for Bishop and a warehouse built at Sheriff Ward’s personal property.
Tax documents show about $75,000 of the donations were used by Bishop, who also pleaded guilty to First Degree Theft in connection with embezzling funds from the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association in 2019.
And more than $125,000 of donations were used by Sheriff Ward, who also faced controversy of improper purchase, acquisition and sale of county owned ammunition.
County officials said they referred the matter to the Oregon Government Ethics Commission, alleging what they described as a longstanding pattern of using public resources for personal benefit. Board Chair Jay Trost said county officials had repeatedly requested inventories of sheriff’s office assets over several years but claimed those requests were not fulfilled.
According to county leaders, the review identified more than $125,000 in purchases during Sheriff John Ward’s tenure. Among the items cited were vehicles, a travel trailer, recreational equipment and a metal storage building constructed on property owned by Ward. Commissioners contend the project increased the value of his private property while being funded through foundation donations intended to support the sheriff’s office.
County records referenced by commissioners include a 2019 declaration signed by Ward stating that a metal building purchased with foundation funds was erected on his property because the sheriff’s office lacked another location for storage. The building was reportedly intended to house search-and-rescue equipment and trailers.
Officials also questioned the purchase of a travel trailer valued at nearly $30,000 that was reportedly titled to Ward, along with a jet ski, trailer and off-road vehicle that county leaders said remain in his possession. Commissioners said they also could not determine how more than $90,000 in foundation money had ultimately been spent.
The board’s review also examined spending under former Sheriff John Bishop, identifying approximately $75,000 in foundation-funded purchases that included a jet boat, an off-road vehicle and roughly $15,000 for Bishop’s retirement celebration, which county leaders said included entertainment and other expenses.
Bishop later served as executive director of the Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association and was convicted in 2019 of stealing from the organization, according to public court records. County officials did not allege that conviction was connected to the current investigation involving foundation donations.
The latest findings follow an earlier county investigation into the purchase and resale of about $10,000 worth of ammunition acquired in 2020 during a nationwide shortage. County officials said much of the ammunition was later sold to sheriff’s office employees, including Ward, though the sheriff has denied wrongdoing.
The county also filed a complaint with the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training, which oversees law enforcement certification. Agency officials confirmed they received the complaint and said Ward will have an opportunity to respond before any potential review by a policy committee. The agency noted it does not oversee financial operations of public safety agencies.
The full press release and statement from Commissioner Trost can be found online. This matter is under criminal investigation, and the county states it is seeking civil remedies to restore and protect the public’s interest.
Whale Watching Center Prepares to Close for Repairs
Depoe Bay, Ore. — The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s Whale Watching Center and viewing area around the building will close for repairs this summer. There are still plenty of places along the Oregon Coast to see whales from Astoria to Brookings.
“This has been an ongoing need for the building and we’ve just recently been able to secure funding,” said Park Manager Burke Martin. “We appreciate the community’s patience and support as we work to protect and preserve this unique coastal facility.”
The postwar-era building was built in 1956 and listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2012. This temporary closure will allow the contractors to complete essential roof replacement work. Construction will repair leaks from the promenade deck, replace the original roofing membrane and drains.
Construction can begin as early as Aug. 1 depending on the contractor’s schedule and mobilization plans. Because this is a roofing project on the Oregon coast, construction during the summer months will allow work crews to take advantage of typically drier weather. This timing helps reduce the risk of weather-related delays and protects both the structure and contractor safety.
The Whale Watching Center will remain open until construction officially begins. OPRD anticipates completing repairs by the end of October – well ahead of the annual gray whale migration in the winter.
We acknowledge that this temporary closure may be inconvenient for visitors and the Depoe Bay community, and we appreciate everyone’s understanding as we complete these essential improvements.
The turn out about a block north of the Whale Watching Center will remain open. Nearby parks such as Boiler Bay, Rocky Creek and Cape Foulweather also offer fantastic views for whale watching.
Florence Recycling Event
The City of Florence Environmental Management Advisory Committee is expanding its annual Black and White Community Collection event this year with more local partners and more items accepted. The free drive-thru event is set for Saturday, August 22nd from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the south parking lot of Siuslaw Middle School.
In addition to tires, refrigerant appliances and propane tanks, residents can bring pet supplies for the Oregon Coast Humane Society, non-perishable food for Florence Food Share, and a variety of hard-to-recycle plastics through Circular Action Alliance. Free yard debris drop-off and rechargeable battery recycling will also be available. Volunteers are still needed. More information is available by contacting EMAC at recycleon@ci.florence.or.us.
Get ready, Florence — Florence Feud is back, and it’s going to be bigger and better than ever!
Join the Florence Food Share for a fun-filled evening of friendly competition and giving back to the community at the “Florence Feud” event! This live “Survey Says” parody game will take place on Friday, August 28, 2026, at the Three Rivers Casino Resort and will feature Florence residents. Your ticket includes a delicious light meal, a cash bar, and access to a great silent auction featuring a wide variety of items. Doors open at 5:30 pm, and the game starts promptly at 6:00 pm.
This event is a fundraiser for the Florence Food Share, and we need your help to make it a success. Individual tickets are priced at $45, and tables of 8 can be purchased for $385 and are on sale. You can find more information about the event at FlorenceFoodShare.org or call 541-997-9110 to learn more. Join us for a night of fun, food, and friendly competition while supporting a great cause; we can’t do this without you!
Most of the seats on the Seaside City Council will be up for election this November. All except one.
City leaders had hoped to appoint someone to the vacant Ward 3 seat this summer in time to also get that seat on the ballot in November. Whoever was appointed would serve through the end of this year. But no one applied,
Now the city’s is taking applications for the appointment until the seat is filled. Whoever is appointed will now serve out the rest of this year and through the next two years.
The Ward 3 seat became vacant following a successful recall election of former city councilor Seamus McVey.
Any applicant for the seat must have been a full-time resident of Seaside for at least the previous 12 months. They must be a current resident of Ward 3 and a registered voter. They also need to obtain 20 signatures from registered voters in the ward and complete an online application.
Six of the seven seats on the Seaside City Council will be on the ballot in November, including the position of mayor.
As of July 22, only incumbent Mayor Steve Wright, who is pursuing a second term, had met the filing requirements to be a candidate.
Incumbents have until August 18 to file. All other candidates have until August 25.
Nearly 50 years after the bodies of two teens from Alaska were found on the Oregon coast, authorities are still seeking answers into the unsolved case.
In 1978, Teresa M. Krause and Elena Jacobs were reported missing by the Tongue Point Job Corps center in Astoria.
Later that year, their bodies were found in the area of Del Rey Beach near Gearhart. Alisha Holland and Josh McCulloug, co-hosts of the Murder in the Rain podcast, joined us on AM Extra’s True Crime Tuesday to look back at the unsolved double homicide. https://www.murderintherain.com
Newport Symposium Will Bring Researchers Together to Discuss West Coast’s Gray Whales
Range-wide Gray Whale Science Symposium Coordinated by the Marine Mammal Commission and hosted by the Marine Mammal Institute at Oregon State University — Hatfield Marine Science Center, Newport, Oregon — September 9-10, 2026
Experts from every part of the whales’ historic range, from Mexico to the Arctic, will discuss recent trends in health, feeding behavior, distribution and population dynamics. They will also try to identify priorities for future research, monitoring and coordination among both public and private groups studying gray whale health.
A public range-wide Gray Whale Science Symposium will take place on September 9–10, 2026, coordinated by the Marine Mammal Commission and hosted by the Marine Mammal Institute at Oregon State University in Newport, Oregon.
This two-day scientific meeting will focus on gray whale ecology and health across the Eastern North Pacific (ENP) and Arctic and will synthesize current research and observations to improve understanding of recent trends in health, feeding behavior, distribution, and population dynamics, and to identify priorities for future research, monitoring, and coordination.
The Symposium goals are to:
1) Review gray whale ecology and health status in the context of recent marine ecosystem variability in the ENP and Arctic;
2) Outline future priorities for gray whale ecology research and health surveillance and monitoring to help fill identified data gaps and address management objectives;
3) Enhance communication amongst scientists from Mexico, USA and Canada monitoring and conducting research on gray whale population status, health and ecology; and
4) Produce a workshop report summarizing presentations and recommendations for future directions.
Meeting Format
Day 1: Presentations and poster session
Invited oral presentations will provide a range-wide overview of gray whale status, trends, feeding ecology and health followed by an evening poster session highlighting additional research and observations. Day 1 oral presentations will be available both in person and remotely.
Day 2: Facilitated discussions and synthesis
Structured discussions will focus on key themes, knowledge gaps, and future priorities, with the goal of identifying areas for coordination and next steps.
Note: The Day 1 evening poster session and Day 2 discussions are in-person only.
Registration Register here! Registration is open to all interested participants. Note: IN-PERSON REGISTRATION IS FULL but you can still register to attend virtually or join the waitlist to attend in-person. https://www.mmc.gov/events-meetings-and-workshops/other-events/gray-whale-science-symposium/
Florence Chamber to Host Ambassador Conference
The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce will host the 2026 Oregon State Chamber Ambassador Conference October 1st through 3rd at Three Rivers Casino Resort. The annual event will bring Chamber Ambassador volunteers from communities across Oregon to Florence for leadership training, professional development, and networking. Chamber President and CEO Bettina Hannigan says the conference is an opportunity to showcase Florence as a destination for meetings and conventions while generating business for local hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions. Organizers expect hundreds of attendees from throughout the state.
Reedsport Fire Department Seeks Volunteer Ham Radio Operators
The Reedsport Volunteer Fire Department is looking for volunteers interested in becoming licensed ham radio operators to support emergency communications in western Douglas County. Training is online and offered at no charge.
The Reedsport Volunteer Fire Department is looking for volunteers interested in becoming licensed ham radio operators to support emergency communications in western Douglas County.
The volunteers would work with the Western Douglas County Emergency Operations Center, located at the Reedsport Fire Station at 2680 Frontage Road.
According to the department, training is offered online at no charge. A background check is required for anyone interested in the volunteer positions.
Ham radio operators can play an important role during major emergencies, especially when normal communication systems are down. In those situations, radio operators may help keep local emergency officials connected with county, state and federal agencies.
The department said the positions are vital because ham radio could become one of the last available ways to communicate during an emergency incident.
Anyone interested in learning more can contact Melvina Adolf at 928-200-0979 or the Reedsport Fire Department at 541-271-2423.
Oregon Whale Sightings
Oregon Whale Sightings is a fun place to hear about and report cetaceans along our beautiful coastline.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1176168644064352/
North Jetty Access Closed
Lane County has announced the long-term closure of North Jetty Road in Florence. The closure, which began Tuesday, May 26th, stretches from Harbor Vista Road to the entrance of North Jetty Park and is expected to continue through Friday, September 4th.
County officials say the closure is necessary as crews rebuild parking lots for North Jetty Park and the nearby dive park along North Jetty Road. There are no alternate vehicle routes available during the construction period, however access to the North Jetty beach can still be reached by the outlet near Driftwood Shores. Officials encourage visitors to plan ahead and avoid the area while work is underway.
Puffin Season on the Oregon Coast
The beautiful, beloved tufted puffins are expected back at Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach, where the 2026 Welcome the Puffins Celebration will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. April 18.
Friends of Haystack Rock · We have puffins!
Check out our website, Friendsofhaystackrock.org to see them live! We have our webcam zoomed in on a couple active burrows. Your best chance to see them is in the morning between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Organized by the Haystack Rock Awareness Program and Friends of Haystack Rock, the free event will not only celebrate the return of the puffins to their Oregon nesting grounds but also give the public the chance to spy on the birds as well. Interpretive rangers will be on hand with binoculars and spotting scopes to help people safely observe the tufted puffins.
Respect Nesting Areas to Protect Threatened Snowy Plover Mar. 15 through Sept. 15
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and Siuslaw National Forest remind visitors to the Oregon Coast that western snowy plover nesting season begins March 15 and runs through Sept. 15.
Beachgoers can help recovery efforts for the threatened shorebird by observing recreation restrictions at designated plover beaches.
Sensitive plover nesting areas are identified on maps for the northern Oregon Coast and southern Oregon Coast. Western snowy plovers nest in dry sand above the high tide line and are often difficult to see because they camouflage well.
To help protect these tiny shorebirds, please stay on wet sand and leave your dogs at home or at your campsite, even if they are leashed. Visitors may notice signs at trailheads with additional rules and limitations. There may be rope fencing in dry sand areas; this fencing delineates some, but not all, of the critical plover habitat that should be avoided.
Background on plover protections — Several land managers oversee beach activity for plover protection, primarily the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). For more information on how plovers are managed in Oregon, see the Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP): https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PCB/Documents/WSP-HCP_08182010-web.pdf.
Donor Offers $50K Reward in 40-Year-Old Case of Missing Oregon Coast Teen
Lincoln County authorities hope the recent offer from an anonymous donor of a $50,000 reward will lead to the remains of a 17-year-old Siletz girl who was last seen walking on U.S. 20 more than four decades ago.
An anonymous donor put up money hoping it will spur information that leads not only to Kelly Disney’s remains but also to the conviction of her killer, according to the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office.
The DA’s Office has confirmed that an anonymous donor offered the reward for any information leading to Disney’s remains and/or the conviction of her killer.
Information can be submitted anonymously at 541-265-0669 or online at FindKellyDisney@co.lincoln.or.us
READ MORE on CASE: https://lincolnchronicle.org/15597-2/
Wildlife Center of the North Coast ·
We need your help!
Make a difference in wildlife rescue! Join our Wild at Heart Membership Program starting at just $5/month. Help us save lives! 
https://coastwildlife.org/wild-at-heart/
It’s been a busy summer here at the Wildlife Center of the North Coast, and our rehab clinic has gone through lots of supplies caring for patients!!
->> To help us restock and stay prepared for the next wave of wildlife in need, we’ve updated our Amazon Wishlist with the items we need most. https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/LU97SQA0VPZA
Every donation—big or small—goes directly to helping orphaned, injured, and sick wildlife get a second chance at life.
Check out our wishlist here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/LU97SQA0VPZA Thank you for being part of our wildlife rescue family! 
Volunteers are being sought to help prepare and serve lunch three times a week at the Florence Senior and Activity Center.
They serve lunch Monday, Wednesday, and Friday each week. Both programs, the in-house dining known as Cafe 60, and Meals on Wheels, are very important in helping promote socialization and nutrition for older adults in Lane County. Volunteer drivers for Meals on Wheels use their own vehicles, but they can be reimbursed for their mileage. The Lane Council of Governments operates the Senior and Disabled Services in Lane County. Alisa Andrion encourages potential volunteers to give her a call at L-COG, 541-682-1366.
Gleneden Beach Community Club Events
Look what’s coming up soon at the Club… (sign up at glenedenbeach.org)
Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay
Follow on Facebook: Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay
Oregon Food Bank · Find free food sites near you using OregonFoodFinder.org.
If you can’t make it to a food location, someone else can pick up food for you.You will just need to print and fill out the Authorized Representative form at https://lnkd.in/dsskUpkQ, and have them take it with them to the food sites. You can find step-by-step instructions at https://lnkd.in/dVBRxn-A.
Worried about recent changes or losing assistance?
Here are resources that can help:
211Info: Dial 2-1-1 or visit the211Info food webpagefor information and referrals to more than 1,500 food resources across Oregon.
Oregon Food Bank: Use the Oregon Food Bank’s Food Finder Mapto find over 100 food pantries, free food markets or hot meal programs near you.
Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC): Call 855-673-2372 or visit theADRC food webpage to find local meal programs and food boxes in your area.
8/5/2026 — Gas Prices in Oregon Today
Oregon on track to have one of its most harmful and expensive wildfire seasons in history.
As dozens of wildfires continue to burn across Oregon, state officials say fire suppression efforts this year have cost the state more than $150 million so far, a number likely to grow significantly in the coming months.
Courtesy of Brett Deedon, Oregon State Fire Marshal
Oregon appears to be on track to have one of its most harmful and expensive wildfire seasons in history. In 2024, public agencies spent $350 million on firefighting efforts when a record 1.9 million acres burned. Just days into August, the state has surpassed that record with more than 2 million acres burned. (READ MORE)
Oregon state agencies remind everyone to be informed and prepared
— With the National Weather Service issuing a fire weather watch for Saturday across large portions of north‑central, northeast and southeast Oregon, the state’s public safety services, natural resource agencies, and tourism office want to remind residents and visitors to practice wildfire prevention, prepare their home and a go-bag for evacuation, and know where to go for real-time alerts and information.
According to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center’s predictive services, each year the Pacific Northwest is at elevated risk of significant fires from now until October.
With fire crews responding to new fire starts every day, Oregonians and our visitors need to be prepared for wildfires, help prevent future ones, and be aware of up-to-date conditions as they travel across the state.
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 to Protect Your Home from Wildfire
The Oregon State Fire Marshal reminds 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 from using tools or equipment. There are 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.
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.
- Trim 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.oregon.gov.
How can I prepare myself in case I need to evacuate?
The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) urges everyone to prepare for wildfires and other emergencies by knowing evacuation levels, staying informed, having a plan, and having a go-kit ready.
Evacuation Levels
- Oregon follows a three-level evacuation notification system, each structured around safety threat level.
- Oregonians should become familiar with “Be Ready, Be Set, Go!” evacuation levels to make informed decisions when receiving evacuation notices.
- OEM urges people to evacuate whenever they feel unsafe, conditions can change rapidly; individuals should always make the best decision for their safety.
- Following evacuation, people should not return to the area until public safety officials state it is safe.
Stay Informed
- Stay informed, sign up to receive evacuation at, ORAlert.gov remember to update information if need be.
- Find the websites for your county emergency management, sheriff’s office, or tribal police and follow them on social media.
- Check your phone settings to ensure wireless emergency alerts are turned on.
- Build redundancy into how you can access alerts. Have a personal C.E plan for what you will do if your cell phone stops working. A good place to start is a hand-cranked NOAA radio.
- If you use a third-party app for alerts and situational awareness and notice discrepancy information, default to the information provided by your local emergency management office.
Have a Plan
- Do you know what to do during an evacuation? This evacuation checklist explains what to do before, during and after an evacuation.
- Establish a communication plan with a list of important contacts and a safe place for loved ones to meet if they are separated during an emergency.
- Identify multiple evacuation routes from home, work, or school and plan for transportation needs.
- People with disabilities should consider individual circumstances and specific needs when planning for evacuation, such as special equipment, transportation, and service animals. Then plan extra time, when possible, this may mean treating a level 2 notice like a level 3 notice.
- Have an evacuation plan for pets, make a pet evacuation kit in a tote bag or pet crate, and plan for transportation and sheltering of large animals such as horses and other livestock.
Make a Go-Kit
- Assemble an emergency kit of essential supplies that can be grabbed quickly.
- Pack an easy-to-carry backpack or bag for each household member with health and safety items such as food, water, medication, flashlights, phone chargers, clothing, and important documents. Visit American Red Cross to learn more.
- Find more information and resources at Wildfire.Oregon.gov.
Recreate Responsibly
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) encourages visitors to know before they go when it comes to campfire restrictions. OPRD coordinates with local fire officials throughout the summer and bans open flames in high-risk areas around the state until conditions improve. Please check park webpages or the current fire restrictions list before your next visit. Thank you for helping to reduce the risk of wildfires.
Additionally, many waterways in eastern Oregon are currently being used by firefighting aircraft. Stay clear of the center of major waterways. Recreational boats can block aircraft from accessing the water, which means they will not be able to retrieve water to help put out nearby wildfires.
Occasionally, OPRD will need to evacuate a state park. Evacuations occur at level 2 or earlier depending on fire conditions and the time required to get in and out of the park. Please follow park ranger instructions to pack gear and evacuate. Any park closure information will be posted on the park web page and OPRD social media.
How do I know if I should change my vacation plans?
Oregon is a large state, and while wildfires can disrupt travel in some regions, those impacts are often localized and can change rapidly as conditions improve or deteriorate. Because of this, it’s important to check current alerts at the resources below to see whether your destination is affected. If you’re looking for general guidance about traveling during wildfire season, read Travel Oregon’s Wildfire Travel FAQ.
Before You Go:
- Check road conditions at TripCheck.com or by calling 511.
- Review and follow all local fire restrictions and closures.
- Be aware of air quality conditions that could impact health and visibility.
- View real-time hazard updates, maps, and fire information through OEM’s Wildfire Dashboard.
- Sign up for emergency alerts at ORAlert.gov and ensure Wireless Emergency Alerts are enabled on your mobile device.
Oregon Division of Financial Regulation offers insurance tips for Oregonians affected by wildfires
The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) has tips for homeowners and renters who have evacuated or been affected by wildfires, smoke, or ash damage.
“We know this is a hard time for many Oregonians as wildfires affect communities across the state,” said Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen. “We want people to have these tips so they know what their insurance covers and what steps to take if they are affected by a wildfire.”
- If you were evacuated, save your receipts. Your homeowners policy may pay for expenses such as lodging, food, and even pet boarding due to a mandatory evacuation. Be sure to check with your insurance company or agent to confirm your specific coverage. Coverage is typically available for fire, smoke, and ash damage to your home and personal property.
- Additional living expenses (ALE) are typically subject to your deductible, so before you file a claim, be sure it makes sense to do so. It is important to note that a claim can be counted against you for underwriting purposes, even if the insurance company does not make a payment. Most homeowners and renters’ insurance policies help pay for extra expenses such as ALE if you are unable to live in your home. Every company handles these expenses differently. Check with your company or agent for specifics.
- If you have not evacuated and it is safe to do so, make a quick home inventory list by taking photos or video of each room in your home. Pay close attention to what is on the walls and in drawers and closets. Don’t forget storage areas such as the attic and garage. You can also check your insurance company’s website for an app or checklist that will help. Creating that list will help you after a fire or disaster. If your personal belongings are damaged, the insurance company will request a list of items that are damaged or destroyed. Take some time to work on your home inventory list now. Look through your photos and videos to help recall personal items. Be sure to look for smaller items, such as jewelry. To the best of your ability, write down the age, original cost, and replacement cost of each item.
- Ask about your auto coverage, too. You need comprehensive coverage on your auto policy to cover fire, smoke, and ash damage, no matter where your vehicle is located at the time of loss.
Following these tips will help save you money, time, and stress during a wildfire and its aftermath. For more information on preparing for a wildfire, visit DFR’s wildfire page.
If you still have questions or concerns, DFR’s consumer advocates are here to help. Call the team at 888-877-4894 (toll-free), email them at .insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov“>dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov, or visit dfr.oregon.gov.
### About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.
PACIFIC NORTHWEST WILDFIRE UPDATE
Oregon is currently home to the four largest active wildfires in the United States, with the fifth largest burning in Washington, as fire activity remains elevated across the Northwest and much of the West.
Washington and Oregon continue to battle an extraordinary wildfire season, with more than 1.72 million acres burning across dozens of large active fires.
Washington: 205,055 acres are burning across 12 major incidents, led by the Kaiser Canyon Fire (126,402 acres).
Oregon: 1,516,034 acres are burning across 22 large fires, with the Rowe Creek Complex (294,000 acres) and Big Grass Fire (292,087 acres) among the largest in the nation.
Firefighters continue working around the clock in steep terrain, extreme heat, low humidity, and challenging wind conditions to protect lives, homes, and critical infrastructure. Many communities remain under evacuation notices or heightened fire weather concerns, and conditions can change rapidly.
Please continue to respect closures, follow evacuation orders immediately if issued, and give emergency responders the space they need to do their jobs safely.
To all firefighters, dispatchers, aviation crews, law enforcement, EMS, and support personnel—thank you for your dedication and sacrifice.Stay informed. Stay prepared. Stay safe.
8/5 – WILDFIRE UPDATES of all Oregon Counties
Updated Evacuation information, Acres, and Containment #FireUpdates #oregonfires
REPORT: 6 am #fireevacuations
**JACKSON COUNTY #jacksoncounty
EAST EVANS CREEK FIRE – 18900 Block of E Evans Creek Rd. APPROX 14 miles NE of Rogue River
15,580 ACRES
95% contained
Evacuations still lifted
———————————————-
*(JOSEPHINE COUNTY) #josephinecounty
– I-5 MM 57 NB FIRE
-Area of I-5 & NE Beacon Dr., Grants Pass #josephinecounty 100 ACRES
23% containment
REDUCED TO LEVEL 1
———————————————
**(BAKER COUNTY) #bakercounty
–Fox Fire- Fox Creek Rd, Huntington; Baker County-
79,008 Acres- 61% Containment
EVAC LEVEL 3 / LEVEL 2
LEVEL 1
–Powder River Fire-Southwest of Richland; Baker County-
21,088 Acres- 96% Containment LEVEL 3 / LEVEL 2
#bakercounty
–Anthony Fire-2 Miles North of Anthony Lakes; Baker & Union Counties-2
2,584 Acres-89% Containment
LEVEL 3/ LEVEL 1
–Bob Creek Fire- East of Forest Rd., & West of Homestead Rd.,
Oxbow Area; Baker County
851Acres-
72% Containment
LEVEL 3 GO NOW
————————————————
**(CROOK COUNTY) #crookcounty
–Henry Fire (497) 1.7 Miles South Paulina; #crookcounty
29,888 Acres- 92% Containment
LEVEL 2/ LEVEL 1
–Coyote Fire (500) 22300 Block of Newsome Creek Rd., Post; #crookcounty
17,4.88 Acres-
89% Containment
LEVEL 2
LEVEL 1
———————————————-
**(GRANT COUNTY) #grantcounty
–Olive Butte Fire-South of Granite; USFS 050 Rd., Sumpter
3,090 Acres-66% Containment
LEVEL 2
–Bologna Fire- 9 Miles Northwest Monument; Grant County-
2,425 Acres- 98% Containment #grantcounty
–Salmon Fire-½ Mile Northwest of Greenhorn; Grant County-
1,426 Acres-79% Containment
EVAC – LEVEL 2
———————————————
**(HARNEY COUNTY) #harneycounty
–Coleman Creek Fire-8 Miles Southwest of Warm Springs Reservoir; Malheur & Harney Counties
278,422.3 Acres-
32% Containment LEVEL 3
LEVEL 2 / LEVEL 1
–Second Flat Fire-Approximately 6 Miles NE of Hwy 20 and Hwy 395 Junction; Harney County-
105,462 Acres- 55% Containment
LEVEL 3 #harneycounty
LEVEL 2 / LEVEL 1
–Bald Mountain Fire-Off Dry Creek-McBain Flat Rd and East of Big Hill, East of Diamond-
78,239 Acres and 30% Contained LEVEL 1
–Jackass Butte Fire-Off Jack Mountain Rd near Jackass Mtn.
24,742 Acres
78% Containment #harneycounty
Evacuations Removed
–Stubble Fire- East of HWY 205 near Sodhouse Ln., South of Malheur Lake- Harney County-
15,673 Acres-93% Containment #harneycounty EVACS Removed
–Egypt Fire- Just South of Emigrant Butte., 13 miles North of Riley;
4,553 ACRES
82% Contained #harneycounty
Evacuations Removed
–Crater Fire- Northwest of Diamond Crater; Harney County-
705 Acres- 97% Containment #harneycounty EVACS removed
———————————————-
**(JEFFERSON COUNTY) #jeffersoncounty
**ROWE CREEK COMPLEX
#crookcounty #wheelercounty #wascocounty #jeffersoncounty
325,265 ACRES
57% contained
**ROWE CREEK COMPLEX / WEST ZONE
Near Brewer Reservoir Approx 11.5 miles – East of Madras #crookcounty
#JeffersonCounty
LEVEL 3
( GO NOW)
LEVEL 2 ( BE SET)
LEVEL 1 ( BE READY)
**ROUND BUTTE FIRE (0658)
5500 Block of SW BOULDER LN., Culver #jeffersoncounty
1,163.1 ACRE
56% contained
EVACUATION: LEVEL 3
GO NOW
LEVEL 1
( BE READY)
–AKAWA BUTTE FIRE
-9 Miles Northwest of Crooked River Ranch; Jefferson & Deschutes Counties- 27,491 Acres-
99% contained
ALL EVACUATIONS LIFTED #deschutescounty #jeffersoncounty
–Bench Fire-9 Miles Southwest of Warm Springs; Jefferson County- 67,079.5 Acres-
84% Containment –
LEVEL 2 / LEVEL 1
merged with larger fire –
———————————————-
**(MALHEUR COUNTY)
#malheurcounty
–Big Grass Fire
– Skull Creek Rd., & Upper Horse Camp Reservoir Rd. Jordan Valley #malheurcounty #owyeecounty
349,081.9 ACRES
35% containment
LEVEL 3 / LEVEL 2
LEVEL 1
–Hat Fire-Approximately 1mi East of Hat Butte; Malheur County-
44,122 Acres-
99% Containment
#malheurcounty
Evacuations Removed
————————————————-
**(UMATILLA COUNTY)
#umatillacounty #unioncounty
–HORSE RIDGE FIRE
– East of Klondike Creek, near NF Road 050, S/W of Duncan #umatillacounty
860 Acres
98% Containment
Evacuations Removed
–HAGEN FIRE
– Hagen Creek / Hagar Ridge -South of Bingham Rd., Approx. 4 miles East of Gibbon; #umatillacounty #unioncounty
40,804.3 Acres- 11% Containment
LEVEL 3 / LEVEL 2
LEVEL 1
——————————————-
**(WALLOWA COUNTY) #wallowacounty
–Burnt Creek Fire- Davis Creek, East of Hwy. 3 near Day Ridge intersection; Wallowa County
4,169 Acres-
70% Containment
EVACS REMOVED
#wallowacounty
–Paradise Fire-Area of Paradise Creek and the Mill Creek Watershed; Wallowa, Columbia, Walla Walla, Umatilla Counties-
1663.8 Acres-
0% Containment
#columbiacounty #wallawallacounty #umatillacounty
LEVEL 2 (BE SET)
LEVEL 1 (BE READY
————————————————
**(WASCO COUNTY) #wascocounty
–Little Buck Fire (567) – 2 miles East of Hwy. 97 at MM51-5.8 Miles Northeast of Shaniko; Wasco County-
43,818 Acres-
89% Containment #wascocounty
ALL EVACUATIONS REMOVED
–Grasshopper Fire-
0.3 Miles West of Rocky Butte / 12 Miles East of Government Camp; Wasco & Hood River Counties-
39,439 Acres-
19% Containment
LEVEL 3
LEVEL 2 – LEVEL 1
#hoodrivercounty #wascocounty
——————————————
**(WHEELER COUNTY) #wheelercounty
–Crosswhite East Fire (445) (Rowe Creek Complex)- Rowe Creek Rd., North of Twickenham; Wheeler, Crook, Wasco, & Jefferson
#wheelercounty #crookcounty #wascocounty #jeffersoncounty
Counties-
311,407.5 Acres-
55% Containment
LEVEL 3
LEVEL 2 / LEVEL 1
–Camel Hump Fire (446) (Rowe Creek Complex)-Between John Day River and Service – Creek 3 Miles Northwest of Richmond; Wheeler County-
6,789 Acres-
68% Containment
LEVEL 3
LEVEL 2 – LEVEL 1
#wheelercounty
–Shingle Fire – 1.5 miles East of Barnhouse Campground -13 Miles Southeast of Mitchell; Wheeler, Grant, & Crook Counties-
70,569.7 Acres-
50% Containment
#wheelercounty #grantcounty #crookcounty
EVAC: LEVEL 3/ LEVEL 2
and LEVEL 1
Governor Kotek presses feds to get Oregon farmers, ranchers same urgent wildfire relief as red states
‘Oregon asks for the Utah clock,’ Gov. Tina Kotek wrote in a letter for immediate and robust aid to Oregon farmers and ranchers hit by wildfires
The Akawa Butte Fire in Central Oregon on July 22, 2026. (Photo courtesy of the Oregon Department of Forestry)
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek is urging federal officials to help Oregon farmers and ranchers respond to, and rebound from, wildfires at the same scale and speed those officials delivered in Republican-controlled states hit by natural disasters this year.
In a letter requesting aid that Kotek sent Thursday to Brooke Rollins, head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Doug Burgum, head of the U.S. Department of the Interior, Kotek wrote: “Oregon asks for the Utah clock.”
Immediately following early July fires that broke Utah’s 10-year records, USDA officials made available to ranchers and farmers in the state the full suite of federal loan, reimbursement and grant programs for losses and rebuilding, as well as expedited permits and fee waivers for livestock that needed federal land to graze on.
Kotek has asked for the same as more than 80 fires, including the four largest wildfires in the nation at present, burn across more than 1 million Oregon acres. That’s three times the amount that burned all of last year, and early in a wildfire season that still has up to three more months to go and two of the hottest and driest to come.
Kotek sent her letter just one day after the Federal Emergency Management Agency approved firefighting assistance grants for three Oregon fires but denied assistance that Kotek requested for two others. The grants are meant to help cover the majority of a state’s costs fighting specific fires that threaten to become a major disaster.
Kotek’s reminders in her request to Rollins and Burgum that they promised and delivered aid this year in the immediate aftermath of natural disasters in Nebraska, Texas and Utah reflect concerns that the agency under President Donald Trump is selectively approving aid based on the political makeup of the state’s leaders.
A federal lawyer earlier this month admitted the administration withheld federal grants to states based on whether voters backed Trump or former Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, as well as whether the state had two Democratic senators. And a recent Politico analysis found Trump in his second term has approved less than 25% of requests for disaster aid from blue states, compared to nearly 90% approval for red state requests.
Kotek in her letter requested a wildfire disaster designation for 14 counties, which would allow farmers and ranchers access to emergency loan and disaster relief programs. She also requested fence replacement funds for hundreds of miles lost to fires and temporary federal-land grazing permits and fee waivers for displaced livestock.
She asked Rollins and Burgum to ensure their agencies collaborate on aid with state officials and with the tribes in Oregon, and requested a written commitment from Rollins that the USDA’s new plans to reorganize its regional U.S. Forest Service offices will not interrupt any wildfire recovery work. Kotek asked that USDA appoint one contact for Oregon fire recovery to coordinate interagency work, “so the state works one door rather than six.”
Kotek wrote that the state, and its farmers and ranchers, have held up their side of the bargain, investing in post-fire recovery from major blazes during the last several years, as well as prevention, mitigation and response planning.
Oregon’s farmers and ranchers “will rebuild again,” she wrote. “What they ask of their government is not sympathy; it is speed.” (SOURCE)
Oregon agency issues emergency order to pause insurance cancellations due to wildfires
The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation has issued Wildfire Emergency Order and bulletin for people affected by the state’s growing wildfire situation.
This order requires all property and casualty insurance companies to take proactive measures to protect people in wildfire affected areas. The order:
- Suspends cancellations and nonrenewals
- Establishes a grace period for premium payments for all insurance policies issued, delivered, or covering a risk in the affected areas
- Extends all deadlines for policyholders to report claims or submit other communication related to claims
- Take all practicable steps to provide opportunities for policyholders to report claims
The order applies to all insurance companies transacting property and casualty insurance in Oregon. It provides temporary protections to policyholders in affected areas, including those in ZIP codes subject to wildfire evacuation notices as provided in the order. The emergency order follows Gov. Tina Kotek’s state of emergency declaration on June 16 due to the imminent threat of wildfires. Since that declaration, Gov. Kotek has invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for 11 fires.
“Last week, I met with fire response teams and community members in Sisters currently challenged by the Akawa Butte Fire,” Governor Kotek said. “I could not be more proud of the way Oregon communities are supporting each other during this time, but the last thing anyone needs to worry about in this moment is losing their homeowners insurance. I’m taking immediate action with this directive to ensure that families and communities across the state that are or will be responding to the catastrophic effects of wildfires this summer are provided with stability and certainty during this ongoing wildfire state of emergency.”
The order protects consumers in ZIP codes under evacuation notices who may be required to leave their homes, businesses, or both, and may be unable to access their property, records, mail, internet, financial information, or other resources. Evacuation may also inhibit an insured’s ability to communicate with their insurer, make a timely premium payment, report a claim, document a loss, or perform other duties required under insurance contract terms.
Providing these temporary measures extends grace periods for premium payments and postpones cancellations and nonrenewals. They also provide relief from reporting and other required communication related to claims submission and processing for insureds, and they give relief from other duties of insureds that may be burdensome. These measures will help ensure that Oregonians do not lose insurance coverage because an evacuation notice or order was complied with.
“We issued this order to make sure evacuees and other Oregonians affected by these wildfires are able to access the insurance resources they need, especially while they are displaced,” Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen said. “We appreciate all the work our state’s insurance representatives are doing to help their customers right now, and we encourage everyone to be patient and work together throughout the recovery process.”
If your home or property was damaged by the wildfires, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to discuss your situation and learn next steps. If you still have concerns, the division’s consumer advocates are here to help. Call 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email dfr.insurancehelp@oregon.gov .
Visit the DFR’s wildfire insurance resource page to view the order, bulletin, and more insurance information.
### About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.
Statewide hotline available for Oregonians affected by wildfires and smoke
People anywhere in Oregon who have been affected by wildfires or wildfire-related air quality can call 1-833-699-0554 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The statewide hotline is available to people experiencing any wildfire-related impact, including those who:
- Lost a home or property
- Evacuated and have ongoing needs
- Are sheltering in place and have wildfire-related needs
- Are affected by wildfire smoke or poor air quality
- Have another need or concern caused by a wildfire
“During this difficult wildfire season, Oregonians impacted by fires deserve immediate and reliable access to the help they need,” said Governor Tina Kotek. “That’s why we’ve established a dedicated, 24/7 hotline – so that no Oregonian has to navigate this wildfire season alone or wonder where to turn to for help.”
The hotline is staffed by 211info. If a call is not answered, callers can leave a message and will receive a return call within one business day.
This hotline does not provide emergency evacuation assistance or help people locate immediate shelter. People who are in immediate danger, have a medical emergency, or need emergency help evacuating should call 911. People looking for information about shelters or other immediate resources can call 2-1-1. For current 211info operating hours, visit 211info.org.
People can also enter their contact information and describe their wildfire-related needs using the Oregon Wildfire Assistance web form. An ODHS staff member will review the information and follow up with them.
“This wildfire season is already affecting a growing number of Oregon Tribes and communities,” said Ed Flick, Director, ODHS Office of Resilience and Emergency Management. “Wildfires can affect people in many ways, even when their homes have not burned. We want people to know there is one place they can call to share what they are experiencing and learn what resources may be available.”
In previous years the hotline has been used to connect people who lost homes in disasters with recovery support. This year, the Oregon Department of Human Services is expanding it to people experiencing a broader range of wildfire impacts.
ODHS has informally coordinated individual assistance following Oregon disasters since 2020. This year, Governor Tina Kotek directed ODHS to be ready to formally activate individual assistance when needed as the state prepares to establish a formal program in 2027 under House Bill 4121.
211info and ODHS will work with local communities to connect people with existing programs and local resources. If those resources are not enough to meet the level of need, ODHS will work with state leaders to identify additional support and funding options.
The hotline does not guarantee financial assistance or eligibility for a particular program. Staff will listen to each caller’s experience, document their needs and help identify available resources and next steps.
Hotline information
- Call: 1-833-699-0554
- Available: 24 hours a day, seven days a week
- Missed calls: Leave a message and your call will be returned within one business day
- Shelter and other immediate resource questions: call 211
- Emergencies or emergency evacuation help: call 911
The Lloyd Center Mall in Portland, which has been in operation for over 60 years, is set to close this Saturday, and a variety of activities are scheduled for its final week.
Among these is Prom on Ice, taking place this Friday evening, where participants will don formal attire and vintage prom dresses.
On Saturday, August 8th, the mall will host several events, including a community walk, a bike ride, and a final skating session dedicated to Jerry and Tally Leonard, who have been regular skaters at the Lloyd Center for nearly six decades. For further information, details can be found on Lloyd Center’s official website.
Award-Winning Capital City Retro Fest Returns to Salem Aug. 14-16
Three-night, all-ages music festival returns to Riverfront Park following Oregon Festivals & Events Association Music Festival of the Year honor.
— After earning the Oregon Festivals & Events Association’s Music Festival of the Year award following its inaugural season, Capital City Retro Fest returns to the Gerry Frank | Salem Rotary Amphitheater Aug. 14-16 for three nights of live music, food and family-friendly entertainment.
The festival features nine tribute bands celebrating the music of artists including the Fleetwood Mac, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Def Leppard, Foo Fighters, Tom Petty, Alanis Morissette, Duran Duran, U2, Hall & Oates and the Doobie Brothers.
Presented by Harefest, LLC, the festival offers an affordable outdoor concert experience in the scenic setting of Salem’s Riverfront Park, bringing together music fans of all ages for a weekend celebrating some of the most recognizable songs in rock history.
Beyond the music, attendees can enjoy local food vendors, alcoholic beverages for guests 21 and over, misting tents, free water refill stations, family-friendly activities, and the festival’s interactive photo stage, where fans can grab an instrument and capture their own rock star moment.
“There’s something special about hearing thousands of people sing along to songs they’ve loved for decades,” said Jason Fellman, co-founder of Harefest, LLC. “Capital City Retro Fest brings generations together through music that’s stood the test of time, all in one of the most beautiful outdoor settings in Oregon.”
The festival was created to provide an accessible, high-quality live music experience in downtown Salem while contributing to the city’s growing lineup of summer events. Organizers expect attendees from throughout the Willamette Valley and beyond to gather at Riverfront Park for the second annual celebration.
Festival gates open Friday and Saturday at 6:00 p.m. with music beginning at 7:00 p.m. Sunday’s gates open at 4:00 p.m. with music beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Tickets are on sale now. Single-day and three-day passes are available, and children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult.
For tickets and complete festival information, visit CapCityRetro.com.
About Harefest, LLC — Harefest, LLC produces live music festivals and entertainment experiences throughout the Pacific Northwest, including HAREFEST: The Mother of All Tribute Festivals, Capital City Retro Fest, Legends Reloaded, 90’s Flannel Fest, and Seattle Retro Fest. The company is dedicated to creating memorable live music experiences that bring communities together through the music they love.
Avoid contact with bats to reduce rabies exposure risk
OHA, ODFW officials say people can support important wildlife and stay safe by not touching dead or dying animals, keeping pets away
What you should know
- Bats are the natural carrier for rabies in Oregon.
- Twenty-two bats have tested positive for rabies so far in 2026.
- Don’t touch or handle dead or dying wildlife.
| —Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) are urging people to prevent exposure to rabies while highlighting the importance of bats and other wildlife to the state’s ecosystems.So far, 22 bats have tested positive for rabies in 2026, according to OHA data. That means the state has matched – and is poised to surpass – its record for the number of bats that test positive for rabies in a single year. Bats have carried the rabies virus in their populations for thousands of years and are well known to carry rabies today, but generally at a very low level. Nevertheless, they account for the most human exposures to the virus more than any other species in the U.S.The highest number of animals testing positive for rabies since 2000 was in 2006, when 22 bats and two foxes were found to be carrying the disease. In 2023, 20 bats tested positive for the virus.Emilio DeBess, DVM, public health veterinarian at OHA’s Public Health Division, said the more contact someone has with bats, the higher the risk of exposure to rabies. “Unfortunately, when people find a dead or dying bat, they may pick it up with their hands because they want to help it, or maybe they’re just curious,” DeBess said. “When a bat or other wild animal is sick or dying with rabies, there’s an increased chance they will bite or transmit the virus in other ways.”Colin Gillin, DVM, ODFW state wildlife veterinarian, agrees that bats and other wildlife rarely bite people but may do so if they are sick or feel threatened. Oregon bats, in particular, eat only insects—about 1,000 insects every hour—and avoid people. “Bats provide important ecosystem services in Oregon, but also globally with insect control, seed dispersal, and pollination of specific plants, supporting agriculture and forest systems,” Gillin said. “And like many animals that can carry disease, bats can also prevent or suppress disease by reducing mosquitoes and other vectors that carry human and animal pathogens.”What to do if you find a bat — Bats are protected wildlife, which makes it illegal to harm or keep them. If you see a bat that appears to be sick:Stay calm, do not touch it, and keep people and pets away. When the sick or dead bat is indoors, do not release the bat. It may have exposed someone or a pet to rabies. If it is safe to do so, place a container or box over the bat.When the sick or dead bat is outdoors and may have exposed someone to rabies, cover it with a box or bucket to keep it in place, if safe to do so. Finding a dead bat does not require any action unless someone was bitten or scratched before the bat died. Contact your local health authority or veterinarian for your area right away to discuss potential exposures to humans or pets. If there are multiple sick or dead bats observed in an area, report it to ODFW.When a person or pet has been bitten or scratched by an animal that may have rabies, report this exposure immediately to your local animal regulation services or local public health authority. Seek medical care immediately from a medical provider or veterinarian.Teach children to avoid all contact with bats and other wildlife. Avoid bats seen in the wild, such as while hiking.Make sure your dog or cats’ vaccinations are up to date, whether they are indoor or outdoor pets. Unvaccinated pets that come into contact with a bat may be quarantined for up to four months, or euthanized. Protect your home from bats by covering vents, chimneys, and other entry points with screens.If you have roosting (nesting) bats living in your attic or other areas of your house, call a wildlife control operator (WCO). ODFW is unable to respond to homeowner requests for bat removal. Find additional information about rabies and bats at: OHA’s bats and rabies website ODFW’s bats website “Help Oregon’s bats with a bat-friendly home” article (ODFW)Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s rabies website |
L. L. Stub Stewart and Rooster Rock State Parks will host OMSI Star Parties this summer
— L.L. Stub Stewart and Rooster Rock State Parks will celebrate the night sky with free stargazing parties in July, August and September.
The parks are partnering with OMSI and Rose City Astronomers to host an OMSI Star Party 2026, which includes a presentation at dusk and stargazing from 9 to 11 p.m. Telescopes will be provided by volunteers, and visitors are welcome to bring their own. Depending on the weather, stargazers will search out stars, the moon, and planets.
“We love helping people experience the park in a different way. After dark, everything feels calmer, quieter, and a little more magical,” shared Park Ranger Jeremy Williams at L. L. Stub Stewart State Park.
These events are free. Parking in the day-use areas requires a $10 parking permit per vehicle or you can use an annual parking pass if you have one.
Visitors are encouraged to bring their own chairs, blankets, warm clothing, snacks and water. Bug repellent is always a good idea. Please use red flashlights to avoid interfering with the dark sky viewing. You can also cover your flashlight or smartphone with red electrical tape.
Star maps will be provided along with recommended astronomy apps that visitors can load on their phones if interested.
Visitors should arrive early to familiarize themselves with the area and park only in designated spaces. Overnight camping is not permitted in day-use areas, though campground reservations are available at stateparks.oregon.gov.
On the scheduled day for OMSI Star Parties, visitors should visit the OMSI website for possible weather-related cancellations. The long-range forecast looks promising for excellent viewing.
“Whether you come to Rooster Rock to count Perseids or simply to spend a peaceful evening under the stars, the meteor shower is a wonderful excuse to slow down, look up, and experience the Gorge in a whole new light”, said Park Ranger Elika Paki at Rooster Rock. “And if you lose track of how many shooting stars you’ve seen, don’t worry, that just means you’re doing it right.”
All events begin at dusk. We recommend arriving early to accommodate parking. Parks will close at 11:45 p.m.
Perseid Meteor Shower Watch | Wednesday, August 12
- L. L. Stub Stewart State Park
- Rooster Rock State Park
Equinox Celebration | Saturday, September 12
- L. L. Stub Stewart State Park
You can find additional details about the event, parking logistics, whether pets are allowed, and how to request accessibility accommodations on the L.L. Stub Stewart State Park and Rooster Rock State Park event pages, and the OMSI event page.
Oregon State Parks often hosts stargazing events across the state. More opportunities can be found on Oregon State Parks’ event page.
Public invited to comment on plan to possibly triple logging in eastern Oregon national forests
The U.S. Forest Service’s proposed revisions to the Blue Mountain Forest Plan would allow more logging and taking older trees in the name of wildfire prevention
Officials at the U.S. Forest Service are proposing new management plans for eastern Oregon’s Blue Mountains that include potentially tripling the amount of logging across 5.5 million acres in the next decade.
The Forest Service published a draft of proposed changes to the 35-year-old Blue Mountain Forest Plan last week. It would allow more logging, mining and grazing across four national forests spread across eastern Oregon, as well as parts of southeast Washington: the Malheur, Ochoco, Wallowa-Whitman and Umatilla National Forests.
The public has until Sept. 30 to submit comments on the 350-page draft proposal.Submit comments on the revised Blue Mountain Forest Plan here.
The draft plan describes increases in logging and animal grazing as important to local economies and to preventing wildfire.
It predicts everything from habitat conservation to forest carbon storage would improve over the long term if more logging is allowed because strategically logging and grazing parts of the forest would prevent wildfire, which officials characterize as the biggest threat to habitat and forest loss.
Environmental advocates disagree with the framing.
The Blue Mountains encompass Oregon’s largest protected wilderness areas. Conservation groups have expressed concern and outrage over the draft management plan, which they say could exacerbate area drought and water quality issues, wildfire risks and impact habitat for elk, wolverine, wolves, moose, owls and salmon.
“This plan seeks to open up and pillage one of the wildest places left in the U.S.,” Lauren Anderson, a climate forests manager at the nonprofit Oregon Wild, said in a statement. “The Trump administration is already taking a hatchet to protections for water, wildlife and the public’s voice. This plan is that philosophy in action, putting at risk the very values that make the Blue Mountains special.”
Bev Law, a forest scientist and professor emerita at Oregon State University who has studied extensively the potential forest carbon storage in Oregon forests, found that protected wilderness areas in the Blue Mountains contain the second highest proportion of above-ground carbon stocks in all of Oregon’s protected wilderness areas.
Nick Smith, a spokesperson for the American Forest Resource Council, a trade association representing the timber industry, said in a statement that the group is still reviewing the proposed updates but that change is overdue.
“These national forests face some of the highest wildfire, insect and disease risks in the West. At the same time, the region is steadily losing the sawmills, logging contractors and the skilled workforce needed to carry out active forest management and provide markets for the material that needs to come out of the woods,” he said.
The draft Blue Mountain Management Plan proposal also includes rescinding a 32-year-old rule called the Eastside Screens that prohibits logging trees that are 21 inches in diameter or larger on six eastern Oregon and Washington national forests. Forest Service officials attempted to rescind the rule during the first Trump administration, but conservation groups sued and it was blocked by a federal judge.
Forest Service officials have argued that some younger trees that grow fast should be able to be removed even if they are more than 21 inches in diameter, because they are crowding out other tree species that take longer to grow but are important to the forest ecosystems.
The proposal also assumes Congress will soon rescind the 25-year-old Roadless Rule, which prohibits road construction, logging and mining on roughly 60 million acres of public land, including about 2 million acres of forests in Oregon. That alone would increase the amount of land classified as open for logging in the Blue Mountains by 17%, according to the draft.
Most of the increased logging would take place in the Malheur National Forest, followed by the Wallowa-Whitman and then Umatilla national forests. (SOURCE)
The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation has issued a warning regarding a newly identified fraud ring that enrolls individuals in life insurance policies without their awareness or consent.
This fraudulent activity primarily targets older adults and has been reported across several states, including Oregon. The scheme involves licensed insurance agents who initiate contact with victims through multiple telemarketing calls, during which personal information is solicited. This information is subsequently passed on to the participating insurance agents, who then reach out to the victims to gather any additional details necessary to finalize an application for a life insurance policy.
These applications are submitted without the victims’ knowledge, resulting in the issuance of one or more policies for which the agents receive commissions, despite the fact that the premiums have not yet been paid. The fraud typically comes to light when the insurance company seeks the initial premium payment.
The Division of Financial Regulation’s consumer advocates are available to assist with inquiries or to facilitate the filing of complaints. They can be contacted at 1-888-877-4894 or via email at DFR.InsuranceHelp@dcbs.oregon.gov for insurance-related assistance, and dfr.financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov for help with financial services.
Check out Oregon State Parks with your library card
Borrow an Oregon State Parks parking permit for free at 82 libraries statewide.
– Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (ORPD) and the State Library of Oregon are partnering to offer free state parks parking permits to Oregon public libraries. There are currently 200 parking permits available at 82 libraries across the state.
“Oregon’s state parks are for everyone,” said OPRD deputy director JR Collier. “As we assess ways to manage our budget responsibly, we also want to uplift equitable access to our parks.”
Each participating library received up to four parking permits. These are the physical hang tags you check out from the library and put in your car. The permit covers parking in all Oregon State Parks day-use areas for one vehicle. Go to the Oregon State Parks website to find participating libraries. All you need to participate is your library card.
“Libraries help make life more affordable for Oregonians. This program leverages the existing borrowing system to help connects folks of all income levels with the beauty and splendor of Oregon’s State Parks,” said Wendy Cornelisen, State Librarian.
Both OPRD and the State Library contributed 100 parking permits to the program to distribute to libraries. The agencies determined how many passes each library would receive based on interest from the library, its proximity to a park charging a day use fee, and the size of the population it serves. The State Library purchased permits with Library Services and Technology Act funds from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.
OPRD first distributed parking permits to 28 libraries as part of a year-long pilot program starting in August 2024. Those passes were checked out more than 2,100 times. At the pilot’s conclusion, OPRD evaluated how to best move the program forward in the context of its changing fees. In 2027, OPRD and the State Library will continue to explore options for an expanded long-term program that will serve even more libraries and people in Oregon. Learn more about the OPRD Library Pass Program.
Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs
No veteran should be without a place to call home, and the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is committed to ending veteran homelessness in our state. The new ODVA Houseless Veterans Program collaborates with federal, state, county, and Tribal agencies, veteran services offices, and community homeless service providers to meet the urgent and unique needs of Oregon’s diverse veteran communities challenged with housing stability. In addition to advocating for Oregon veterans experiencing or at risk for houselessness, the program provides direct service to veterans and their families seeking federal and state veterans’ benefits, including access to local VA health care, documentation of service, as well as other available state benefits, and local homeless services organizations and low-income assistance programs. If you or a veteran you know is dealing with homelessness, contact the ODVA Houseless Veterans Coordinator today at houselessvets@odva.oregon.gov or visit https://ow.ly/V4EH50VnL93 to learn more.
Staying Informed During a Communications Outage: Best Practices for the Public
Disasters can damage critical infrastructure, leading to temporary outages in cell service, internet, and power. When communication systems go down, it’s vital to be prepared with alternate ways to get emergency information and stay connected. Here’s how you can prepare and respond:
Have a Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Emergency Weather Radio
- Why it matters: Emergency radios can receive Emergency Alert System (EAS) broadcasts via AM/FM or NOAA Weather Radio frequencies—even when cell towers and the internet are down.
- Note: Emergency radios do not receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) like cell phones do. Tip: Pre-tune your radio to your local emergency broadcast station (e.g., OPB in Oregon or NOAA frequencies).
Turn On WEA Alerts on Your Phone
- Make sure Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are enabled in your phone’s settings. These alerts include evacuation orders, severe weather warnings, and other urgent notifications.
- WEA messages are sent through cell towers—if cell service is out, WEA alerts will not be delivered. This is why having backup methods like a radio is essential.
Charge Everything in Advance and Have Backup Power
- Charge phones, power banks, laptops, and rechargeable flashlights before fire weather conditions worsen.
- Consider solar-powered chargers or car chargers as backups.
- If you are sheltering in place, a generator (solar or gas powered) is helpful.
Know Your Evacuation Routes in Advance
- Save printed or downloaded evacuation maps in case you can’t access GPS or navigation apps.
- Most mapping services (like Google Maps or Apple Maps) offer the ability to “Make maps available offline.” Download your area in advance so you can navigate even if cell towers or internet access are down.
- When in doubt, call 511 or visit the TripCheck.com website if you have cell service.
- Don’t wait for a notification—if you feel unsafe, evacuate early.
Print or Write Down Critical Contacts and Info
- Phone numbers of family, neighbors, and local emergency contacts.
- Address of evacuation shelters, veterinary services (for pets/livestock), and medical facilities.
- Your own emergency plan, including meeting locations.
- Have copies of vital documents in your go-bag and take video of your property (inside and out) for insurance claims later.
If Calling 9-1-1 Over Wi-Fi or Satellite, Check Your Location Settings
If you call 9-1-1 using Wi-Fi calling or a satellite-connected phone (like an iPhone or Android), your location might not be automatically visible to dispatch. Instead, it may rely on the emergency address saved in your phone’s settings.
- Update this emergency address when you travel or relocate—especially in evacuation zones or rural areas.
- Most importantly, always tell the dispatcher exactly where you are—include your address, landmarks, road names, or mile markers to help first responders reach you quickly.
Sign Up for Alerts Before There’s an Outage
- Register for OR-Alert and your county’s local alert system.
- Follow your local emergency management officials’ and bookmark resources like: wildfire.oregon.gov.
Prepare for Alert Delays or Gaps
- Know the three levels of evacuation:
- Level 1 – Be Ready
- Level 2 – Be Set
- Level 3 – GO NOW
- If you hear a siren, see a neighbor evacuating, or witness fire behavior increasing—take action even if you haven’t received an alert.
Be Your Own Info Network
- Check on neighbors, especially seniors or those with disabilities.
- Post printed signs with updates for those passing by.
In rural areas, community bulletin boards or fire stations may serve as local information points. Support and Restoration in Progress To help maintain emergency communications during this incident, OEM deployed eight Starlink terminals under the guidance of ESF 2 and the Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC). A Communications Technician (Jeff Perkins) was also deployed to assess connectivity needs on the ground. These Starlink terminals have been providing service to the Lake County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Oregon State Police (OSP), Warner Creek Correctional Facility, and will soon support the town of Lakeview, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the Lakeview Ranger Station. OEM’s Regional Coordinator (Stacey) is also on-site supporting the Lake County EOC. Coordination has been strong across local, state, and private sector partners. *** Update: As of 7/10/25 at 1:47 PM, fiber service has been restored.
Reconnect When Service Returns
- Once communications are restored, check official websites:
- Oregon.gov/oem
- Your county emergency management page
- TripCheck.com for road conditions
- Share verified info—not rumors—on social media or community pages.
Prepare for Delays in Restoration
- Communication may come back in phases. Damage to fiber lines or cell towers can take time to repair.
- Continue using backup methods and stay alert for updates via radio or in-person notices.
Final Tip:
In an emergency, CALL 9-1-1 to report life-threatening danger, not for general information. Use local non-emergency numbers or go to physical information points if needed. You can find more tips for preparing in OEM’s Be2Weeks Ready toolkit.
https://www.oregon.gov/osp/missing/pages/missingpersons.aspx
Oregon’s Missing Persons
Many times you’ll see postings without case numbers or police contact. There is rarely a nefarious reason why (the nefarious ones are pretty obvious). Usually the loved one tried to call to report their missing person and they are either refused or told to wait a day or two by people who are unaware of SB 351 and the laws that they are bound to when answering the phone. Many people don’t bother calling LE if their loved one is homeless or in transition because they believe LE won’t care. The biggest myth is the 24 hour rule.
In Oregon we don’t have those rules and an officer or person answering the phone is not allowed to decide. The law decides. We have Senate Bill 351 and it states that the police CANNOT refuse a request for any reason and they must begin working on it within 12 hours. The person making the report does not have to be related to missing person either.
Here is SB 351 written by families of the missing here in Oregon in conjunction with Oregon law enforcement officers. This should be common knowledge, please make it this way. https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/…/SB351/Introduced
Contact us: Info@OregonBeachMagazine.com
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