Busy Fire Week
Over the past week the Western Lane Fire and EMS Authority has responded to several fires in the community. The latest was an early morning Tuesday where they came upon the scene at approximately 12:35 and found several structures and vehicles fully involved. A motor home under repair, a detached garage, an atv and two vehicles were destroyed. The fire was at the Oddfellows RV Park on South Jetty. Additional support was requested by WLFEA and Lane Fire Authority and the Reedsport Fire Department assisted. Chief Michael Schick with WLFEA says they were called back late Tuesday evening to extinguish a small rekindle. He also says they have asked the State Fire Marshall to investigate. No injuries were reported. On June 6th they responded to a fire in Mapleton that damaged a detached garage and on Saturday they were at a fire in Swisshome/Deadwood that damaged two RVs.
Rhody Increases Times
The Lane Transit District is reporting that public transit use in Florence is just about back to pre pandemic levels. The Rhody Express has seen an 18% increase for May of 2024 over the previous year. For that reason they have set Monday, June 17th as the day they will increase their routes to every half hour rather than the one hour pick up currently in place. They are planning a kick-off event on Monday at the Grocery Outlet Rhody Express stop and invite the public to celebrate with them. The event will be a half hour from 10:15 to 10:45. The Rhody Express runs Monday through Friday from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm and has several stops including Florence food Share, Three Rivers Casino, Old Town Park, Siuslaw Public Library and Peace Harbor Hospital.
Shellfish Warning
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife wants to reiterate the fact that bay and razor clamming is closed for the entire coast of Oregon. They also include Mussel harvesting in that warning. In addition they remind beach visitors to not remove young wildlife from their habitats. Often times a young deer, coyote and even bobcat can be seen alone and they say it is likely that the mother is nearby. ODFW is reporting that of late there has been an increase in drop-offs of animals, but that they are better left in the wild. ODFW meets tomorrow to set the fall salmon season.