October 5, 2012
Fire Danger Remains High
A late evening fire Wednesday near the Presbyterian Church on Highway 101 burned about two-thousand square feet of brush and proved challenging for firefighters. A lack of wind helped immensely says Siuslaw Valley Fire Marshall Sean Barrett.
Sean Barrett – “The fire was moving, it was growing, but because of the wind it didn’t go, you know, really high into the trees and spread into a lot of brush it just did it by convective heat.”
Barrett said the fire appeared to have started at a homeless camp. Firefighters spent about 90-minutes containing and extinguishing the blaze, only to be called out two hours later to put out a hot spot.
Barrett says the blaze points out the need for caution.
Sean Barrett – “Our area is just as susceptible right now as any other area in the state for these fires.”
Forestry officials have increased restrictions in state and federally managed forest lands and say fire danger remains exceedingly high.
Street Reconstruction to Restrict Traffic
Traffic on Spruce Street between 16th and 18th has been restricted for the past few days as construction crews work to rebuild the roadway. Street closures will move across Highway 101 the first of the week when work on 15th street between 101 and Kingwood begins. That will limit traffic to local vehicles only beginning Monday. A third section of street rehabilitation, on 27th street between 101 and Oak Street is set to begin October 17th. The estimated $500-thousand repair project is being financed through a street maintenance fee that city residents began paying in July.
Bridge Realignment to Slow Motorists
Travel on Highway 101 across the Siuslaw River will be restricted to one lane next week as Oregon Department of Transportation crews perform deck maintenance on the bridge’s lift spans. Beginning Monday and through Wednesday, flaggers will control traffic on the bridge between 9 AM and 4 PM. An O-dot spokesman says drivers should be prepared for ten to 15 minute delays.
Oregon State Police Seek Public Help
Oregon State Troopers are asking the public’s help in locating a registered sex offender, wanted on several warrants, who eluded police north of Newport last month. 20-year old Kyle L. Wallace fled a traffic stop on Highway 101 at Otter Crest Loop Road September 24th. His vehicle was found abandoned about a mile away. He’s describes as a white male; six foot; 170 pounds; brown hair and blue eyes with a pierced left ear. He’s known to frequent the Siletz area. Troopers say the man’s family has not heard from him since the day he eluded police and are concerned for his welfare.
