WLFEA Receives New Fire Truck
Western Lane Fire and EMS Authority is one of 76 fire agencies across Oregon to receive a new fire engine through the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Engine Program. As part of the Response Ready Oregon initiative, the agency was awarded a Type 6 engine designed for wildland-urban interface response. The program, funded by Senate Bill 762, distributed 76 fully equipped firefighting vehicles—26 Type 3 engines, 20 Type 6 engines, and 30 water tenders—to boost wildfire preparedness statewide. Officials say the goal is to keep wildfires small and prevent them from reaching communities.
Gas Prices Climb
Gas prices are climbing in Oregon and across the nation due to rising tensions between Israel and Iran, which have pushed crude oil prices to their highest levels since January. Analysts warn that fuel prices will remain volatile as long as the conflict threatens global oil supply. Oregon’s average price for regular gas is up four cents to $4.01 a gallon, while the national average adds five cents to $3.17. Here in Florence, the average price for a gallon of regular is $3.81, according to AAA Oregon
Camping Season Begins
This weekend marks the start of Oregon’s summer camping season, and behind the scenes, state park rangers have been hard at work all year. From clearing thousands of downed trees to repairing trails, bridges, and infrastructure, rangers have spent nearly 800,000 hours maintaining over 250 parks and campgrounds. Oregon welcomes around 56 million park visits annually, with up to 17,000 campers on the busiest nights. Officials say parks operate like small cities, and staff are ready to ensure a safe, enjoyable summer for all visitors.
New Bill Could Boost Home Ownership
Advocates for homeownership in Oregon are celebrating a new bill that sets targets to boost the state’s homeownership rate, which currently sits at 64—percent, just below the national average but among the lowest in the country. The bill sets a goal of 65-percent by 2030, with incremental increases every five years until 2045. Habitat for Humanity Oregon’s Shannon Vilhauer says while the state also needs more rental housing, homeownership brings many long-term benefits, including better education outcomes for children.
“We just don’t want to lose sight of this important wealth building, stabilizing opportunity for all of our communities. As we prioritize production together, let’s keep homeownership in the mix. “
On the heels of the victory, Vilhauer says she was shocked to hear that the current state budget nearly zeros out funding for homeownership assistance programs, which does not set the state up well to begin meeting the new goal. She says Habitat will do everything it can to restore the funding.
Aphid Outbreak
A spruce aphid outbreak detected earlier this year near Yachats is prompting the Oregon Department of Forestry to assess potential spread along the central coast. The invasive insect targets older needles on Sitka spruce trees, causing yellowing and needle drop by early summer. While the damage rarely kills trees outright, those already stressed by flooding or salt exposure are more vulnerable. ODF officials say warmer winters and fewer cold snaps—linked to climate change—may lead to more frequent outbreaks in the future.
