Increased Fire Danger Level
Starting today, the Siuslaw National Forest is raising its fire danger level from moderate to high as hot, dry conditions continue across western Oregon. Deputy Fire Staff Officer Anne Trapanese says firefighters have already detected and contained several small fires on the forest this year and is urging the public to help prevent human-caused wildfires. Stage 1 fire restrictions remain in effect, limiting campfires to developed campgrounds and designated recreation sites. Portable cooking stoves and lanterns using bottled fuel are still allowed. Updated restriction information is available on the Siuslaw National Forest website.
Salmon Restrictions
Recreational ocean fishing for hatchery coho salmon between Cape Falcon and the Oregon-California border will close August 19th, five days earlier than planned, as anglers near the season quota of 47,600 marked fish. Fishery managers say the catch is expected to reach 98 percent of the quota by August 18th. Chinook retention remains open as scheduled. From Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain, salmon fishing will stay open through October 31st, except for coho until the September non-mark-select season begins. South of Humbug Mountain, salmon fishing remains open through August 31st, but coho retention will be prohibited for the rest of the year.
Veteran’s Benifit Expo
Veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their families are invited to the 2026 Veteran Benefit Expo on Friday, August 28th, at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Roseburg. The free event, hosted by the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Oregon Lottery, runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and will feature more than 100 organizations offering assistance with VA health care, disability claims, employment, education, housing, mental health services, and more. Organizers say the expo is designed as a one-stop resource to help veterans and their families connect with benefits and services they’ve earned through military service. No registration is required.
Missing Man
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing Drain man. Fifty-two-year-old Jeffrey Alan Hawks was last seen Sunday morning around 7 o’clock leaving Murphy Plywood on Prairie Road in Eugene. Deputies say Hawks was expected to return to his home on Upper Smith River Road near Drain, but there’s no indication he arrived. Family members report he has not been in contact and has missed several days of work. Hawks is described as 6-foot-3, 275 pounds, with hazel eyes and brown hair. He may be driving a white 2005 Toyota Sequoia with Oregon license plate 216-HMS. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
