Wildfire: Mapleton
A wildfire that sparked around 1:42 p.m. Wednesday at the junction of Highways 126 and 36 near Mapleton prompted swift evacuations and an extensive firefighting response. The Rice Road Fire burned on private land and quickly grew to an estimated 8 acres by early evening. Firefighters from West Lane Fire and EMS, the Oregon Department of Forestry, Coos Forest Protective Association, the U.S. Forest Service, and rural fire districts responded, aided by a Type-2 helicopter for aerial water drops. A Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation was issued at 2:11 p.m. for Rice Road, Hillcrest Road, and First Avenue. By 7 p.m., the evacuation was downgraded to Level 2 “Be Set,” with roughly 30 homes affected. Highways 126 and 36 were shut down for several hours and reopened to limited traffic by 8:30 p.m. Power outages impacted Mapleton and Swisshome but were restored by evening. The Greenhill Humane Society sheltered displaced pets, and local businesses like Mimi’s Café supported first responders. As of last night, the fire was not fully contained. ODF has six fire engines, a hand crew of 20, two fallers, and a dozer along with the helicopter working on the fire. Its cause is under investigation. Authorities urge residents to stay alert and monitor official updates. As of 7AM this morning the evacuation level has been changed to a Level 1: Be Ready
4th of July
Florence is gearing up for a full day of family-friendly activities to celebrate Independence Day, with events taking over Historic Old Town on Thursday, July 4th. The day kicks off with the annual bike parade down Bay Street at 10:00 a.m., followed by afternoon fun including pie- and watermelon-eating contests near Bridgeport Market at 12:00 p.m. Festivities continue into the evening with live music starting at 6:00 p.m. on the Three Rivers Casino Resort Stage, featuring DJ Al Rojas and the band FM DAZE. Prize drawings and patriotic tunes will lead up to the main event—a 30-minute fireworks show over the Siuslaw River beginning around 10:00 p.m. A three-day Porch Parade runs July 2nd through 4th, encouraging residents to decorate their homes or businesses in red, white, and blue. Maps and voting details are available at florencehabitat.org. The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce, the City of Florence, and the Port of Siuslaw are co-sponsoring the celebration.
Recycling Changes
Big changes are coming to recycling in Lane County and across Oregon starting July 1. A new statewide collection list means items like yogurt tubs, milk cartons, and soup boxes will now be accepted curbside. It’s part of Oregon’s Recycling Modernization Act, which also requires large manufacturers to fund recycling improvements through a new statewide system. Local transfer stations will expand services, and rural access will be improved. More details will follow as well as a detailed interview with EMAC from Bob Sneddon for the July Edition of Our Town.