Douglas County Wildfire Update

Douglas Co. Sheriff's Office

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. - As wildfires continue to burn throughout Douglas County, Sheriff Hanlin and his staff are working closely with County Commissioners and fire personnel in response to the emergency. 

The Sheriff's Office has created a page on its website to which contains maps of the current evacuation zones. The maps attempt to provide a visual of the most current evacuation zones by showing roads and specific addresses in some cases. The maps can be found at www.dcso.com/evacuations and are updated as quickly as possible. 

The following evacuations remain in place: 

LEVEL 1 "BE READY"
: Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. This is the time for preparation and precautionary movement of persons with special needs, mobile property and (under certain circumstances) pets and livestock. If conditions worsen, emergency services personnel may contact you via an emergency notification system. ALL COUNTY RESIDENTS SHOULD BE IN THIS LEVEL OF READINESS AT ALL TIMES!
  • ALL OF DOUGLAS COUNTY
LEVEL 2 "BE SET": YOU MUST PREPARE TO LEAVE AT A MOMENTS NOTICE. This level indicates there is significant danger to your area, and residents should either voluntarily relocate to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area, or if choosing to remain, to be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice. Residents MAY have time to gather necessary items, but doing so is at their own risk. THIS MAY BE THE ONLY NOTICE YOU RECEIVE. Emergency services cannot guarantee that they will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate.
FRENCH CREEK FIRE: 
  • North Bank Road 
  • Rivershore Drive
  • Single Tree Lane
ARCHIE CREEK FIRE: 

Nonpareil Road 4400-7500 block (Including Fair Oaks Road, Fraser Canyon, Bonanza Mine, Plat K)
LEVEL 3 "GO!": LEAVE IMMEDIATELY! Danger to your area is current or imminent and you should evacuate immediately. If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand that emergency services may not be able to assist you further. DO NOT delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home or any structure. THIS WILL BE THE LAST NOTICE YOU RECEIVE.
ARCHIE CREEK FIRE:
  • Dry Creek (Happy Creek Ln, Felix Flat, Elk Ridge, Illahee)
  • Steamboat Creek to Little River Road in Glide (Includes all addresses between these points, Includes the towns of Idleyld Park and Glide)
  • All of Little River Road
  • The end of Nonpareil Road west to Banks Creek Road
THIELSEN FIRE (Diamond Lake):
  • Diamond Lake (Includes all recreation sites, Diamond Lake Lodge, Private Summer Homes)
DOUGLAS COUNTY CITIZEN EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM:
All residents are encouraged to sign up their cell phones with the Douglas County Citizen Emergency Notification system. The system, often referred to as a "reverse 9-1-1" is used to provide mass notification in the event of an emergency. The Sheriff's Office has been utilizing the system over the past several days to notify residents of emergency evacuation orders which affect their residence. To register, visit www.dcso.com/alerts.

EVACUATION AND EMERGENCY SHELTER LOCATION:

The Douglas County Commissioners have announced that in addition to the notice yesterday about the Douglas County Fairgrounds being open for displaced wildfire residents, pets and livestock from the area wildfires, the American Red Cross is working with the Salvation Army and has set up a temporary Emergency Shelter in Douglas Hall at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.  They have about 20 beds set up that are COVID-19 friendly, a resource center and are serving limited meals from the available kitchen.  They are working directly with Public Health to make sure that all COVID protocols and guidelines for masks, health, sanitation and screening are properly in place.  

For more information about RV space and livestock availability at the Fairgrounds please contact Ciera Keith at the Douglas County Fairgrounds Office at (541) 440-4394.  At the time of this notice, the RV Park was about 75% full, but there is plenty of land and parking available for dry camping, plus a few additional spots with electrical hook up left.  The horse and large animal stalls are now full, but they might have capacity to handle small animals like rabbits, goats, pigs and chickens.

Please contact the fairgrounds for more information about animal smaller sheltering.  Please note: Space and priority is being given to Douglas County residents who have received Level 2 and Level 3 Evacuation notices.  As additional resources and opportunities for local residents to help and volunteer are made available, we will release updated information. 

CURRENT FIRE INFORMATION:

For current fire information, please visit the websites and facebook pages of the Douglas Forest Protective Association or the Umpqua National Forest. 

ODOT ROAD CLOSURE:

The North Umpqua Highway – Oregon Highway 138 East remains closed from the west end of Glide (Little River Road intersection, MP 17 at the Green Bridge) to the Oregon Hwy 230 (West Diamond Lake Highway, MP 83) junction. Only local traffic and emergency service vehicles will be allowed through. For the latest road and weather condition updates, visit https://www.tripcheck.com/.

HAZARDOUS AIR QUALITY ADVISORY UPDATE:

The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Air Quality Health Advisory due to wildfire smoke for most parts of Douglas County.  Our current air quality index is at 331.  Poor air quality can affect your health. Wildfire smoke creates tiny particles in the air that can cause health concerns. It can cause chest pain, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, headaches, sore throat, coughing and eye irritation.  Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer, Douglas County Public Health Officer, Douglas County Board of Commissioners and DPHN suggest the following public health recommendations: 

•Try to limit your exposure to wildfire smoke.  If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors.

•While you are indoors, try to reduce other sources of indoor smoke and dust. Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. Run an air conditioner, set it to re-circulate and close the fresh-air intake.  Avoid burning cigarettes, candles, gas, propane and wood burning stoves and furnaces.  Avoid broiling or frying food and vacuuming.

•Reduce time spent outdoors, especially any rigorous activity. If you must go out, set your A/C to recycle or recirculate in your car, to limit your exposure.

•Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water. Frequently check current air quality conditions in your area. Go to http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/ or download the #OregonAir phone app to stay up-to-date on the current air quality

•If you have heart or lung disease or respiratory illnesses such as asthma, follow your health care provider’s advice about prevention and treatment of symptoms.

•If you are feeling sick call your doctor or your local hospital or urgent care clinic.

•Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill, and it's not possible to keep indoor air clean or cool, especially if you or those you are caring for are having health problems or are in a sensitive group.  

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