WLFEA accepts new wildland engine; Siuslaw National Forest imposes Public Use Restrictions; Oregon Coast Humane Society fund raisers set; Lane County hoping to fill a pair of vacancies on the LC Planning Commission

Western Lane Fire and EMS takes delivery on new engine courtesy of the Oregon Legislature
The Oregon Legislature approved a program in 2021 that provides new “wildland” fire engines to local departments across the state. One of those landed in Florence this week where it will make its home with Western Lane Fire and EMS Authority. Chief Michael Schick says the fully equipped “Type 3” engine is ready to begin responding immediately. Schick said the engine “enhances” his agency’s ability to respond to wildland fires not only in our area, but, through mutual aid agreements across the state. The compact apparatus allows access to remote areas that traditional full-size engines cannot reach, allowing suppression efforts to begin more quickly and hopefully prevent fire spread. The engine, valued at $275 thousand, is one of the first ones made available to fire departments in Oregon. 19 other Type 6 engines, 30 water tenders and 26 “type 3” engines will eventually be made available.

Lane County is seeking two volunteers for the Planning Commission. Public Information officer Devon Ashbridge says one of those positions is open to anyone in the County that lives outside incorporated city limits. The other is for anyone that lives inside one of the 11 cities in Lane County. That includes Florence and Dunes City. She says applicants need to satisfy residency requirements and be able to devote time to the task. (Ashbridge 3) – “Meets at most twice a month. They evaluate land use and zoning applications against any applicable state laws or codes to determine whether they refer those for approval or not. So they’re a really important volunteer body in our community. They really do have a role in literally, in kind of helping build our community out in our unincorporated areas.” Applications should be submitted as soon as possible. She says they hope to make appointments before October 1st. Information, including the application, is available online at lanecountyor-dot-gov-slash-planning commission.
www.LaneCountyOR.gov/Planning_Commission.

Area residents have opportunities to engage in some popular activities in the near future. Activities that aim to help fund ongoing operations of the Oregon Coast Humane Society. Elizabeth Thompson, the executive director of OCHS says local funding is their only source of revenue. (Elizabeth 1) – “We’re your hometown shelter and we have been for 30 years. People often think when they donate to the Humane Society of the United States that a portion of that goes to anybody with Humane Society in their name. But Humane Society is a general term like Bank so we don’t see any of that fund.” Two of the most popular activities for area residents include bargain hunting in the form of estate sales and attending gala events. Today and running through Sunday the Humane Society is hosting a “crafty” estate sale at the vintage home next to their thrift shop on Bay Street across from Veterans Park. Residents can get their “gala fix” September 20th at Three Rivers Casino during their inaugural “Wags and Whiskers” gala. Ticket information for the gala can be found online at oregon-coast-humane-society-dot-org.

Increased fire danger means Public Use Restrictions are in place beginning today for Siuslaw National Forest lands. That means campfires, barbecues, or pellet fires are allowed only in designated recreation sites or campgrounds. Kevin Reese is the Fire Management Officer for Northwest Oregon Interagency Fire Management. He says fire crews are ready, but “persistent hot and dry conditions bring a heightened risk of human-caused fire”. He cites an increase in fire activity over the past few days, including in the Coast Range. In addition to the campfire restrictions, no smoking is allowed outside of an enclosed vehicle or building and the use of generators and motorized vehicles are also limited in National Forest Lands. He says fire restrictions can change quickly and the public is encouraged to “know before you go” by checking the Siuslaw National Forest website. The easiest way to get there is by typing Siuslaw National Forest into your search engine.