At least 7 dead, dozens missing as 36 wildfires burn across Oregon
(Update: Marion County reports 2 more deaths, total of 4 in Beachie Creek Fire; White River Fire death was helicopter pilot before this week's blazes)
Change in weather helps firefighters, but spreads thick smoke
PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) – At least seven people have died and dozens more are missing amid dozens of Oregon wildfires that have burned more than a million acres, put a half-million Oregonians under evacuation alerts or orders and sent hazardous smoke pouring across the state, officials said Friday, adding that the largest blazes are likely to burn until the fall rains.
Gov. Kate Brown and others speaking to reporters did share some welcome news of a change in the weather from a system that sent downslope winds from the Cascades roaring into canyons and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses earlier in the week, fueling 16 major wildfires as of Friday and about 20 smaller ones.
“We anticipate cooler air and moisture coming in the next few days,” Brown said. “That’s really good news. Still, firefighters work around the clock to save lives."
And the change also pushed the smoke blanketing much of the western part of the state into other areas as well, including Central Oregon.
“Well over 1 million acres have burned – that’s over 1,500 square miles,” the governor said. “Right now, our air quality ranks the worst in the world.”
While officials were hesitant to get into details, the state’s interactive dashboard and map lists five total deaths in active fires: two fatalities due to the Beachie Creek Fire, one on the White River Fire near Mount Hood and two on the Almeda Drive fire in southwest Oregon.
(The White River Fire death was a helicopter pilot killed in a crash late last month, before this week's extensive fire damage.)
The Marion County Sheriff's Office Friday evening reported on Facebook a total of four deaths on the Beachie Creek Fire in the county.
And late Friday came this announcement from the Lane County Sheriff's Office from the 156,000-acre Holiday Farm Fire:
"We are saddened to report that on 9/11/2020, fire personnel were in the area of Goodpasture Road in Vida when they located a deceased person in a residence within the perimeter of the Holiday Farm Fire.
"First responders are working with the Medical Examiner’s Office to identify the deceased, which may take some time. After the person has been identified, we will notify next of kin and afford them the opportunity to notify additional family and friends prior to releasing the person’s name.
"The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death along with the Lane County Medical Examiner’s Office, who will determine cause and manner of death."
Andrew Phelps, director of the Oregon Office of Emergency Management, said while the numbers are early and will fluctuate, with thousands of structures burned, “We are preparing for a mass fatality event.”
The governor added, “As of now, there are early reports from our State Police that there are dozens of missing persons related to the fires in Jackson, Lane and Marion counties. We will keep you updated as we gather more information.”
Brown said she talked Thursday with President Trump, who approved the state's disaster declaration.
"He said, 'You have all of our support. Let us know what you need,' and 'God Bless Oregon," the governor recalled.
Oregon Wildfires Impact Hundreds of Thousands of People
Oregon Office of Emergency Management - 09/11/20 3:43 PM
As firefighters continue to battle widespread wildfires that have burned more than one million acres, emergency responders are working around the clock with a focus on saving lives.
Throughout the week, evacuation levels have been changing by the hour as a result of the dynamic fire conditions. Evacuation areas expanded on Thursday afternoon, affecting tens of thousands of people. By late in the afternoon, the number of Oregonians under some level of evacuation notice had jumped to an estimated 500,000, with notices affecting the more densely populated Clackamas County and including additional notices across Oregon.
The statement provided by the Office of Emergency Management of 500,000 evacuated was referenced incorrectly. As Governor Brown stated in her press conference today, 500,000 Oregonians are under an evacuation notice (Level 1, 2 or 3) and more than 40,000 have evacuated.
With the rapidly changing situation, all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information to best inform response efforts and those seeking safety. OEM is working directly with the Red Cross, FEMA, local counties and law enforcement, as well as incident management teams to coordinate and align these crucial information efforts.
“We fully recognize the importance of this information to Oregonians – for response and for planning efforts, and for those seeking safe shelter,” said OEM Director Andrew Phelps. “We are committed to getting it right.”
OEM urges the public to update information on their status with the Red Cross, seek shelter and stay informed. As with all disasters, evacuated Oregonians are sheltering with friends and family, with many choosing to stay in vehicles. Let loved ones know you are safe at the American Red Cross Safe and Well Website. State emergency managers encourage people affected by the fires, whether or not they have evacuated, to register on the site. It is a helpful tool that can bring relief to people looking for loved ones during these fires, and help inform search efforts.
More information will be shared as soon as it is verified and available. We recognize the uncertainty and anxiety Oregonians are feeling at this time and that people need timely and accurate information. Thank you for your understanding and support as we work to keep you informed.
Members of the public who are seeking additional information, dial 211 or 1-866-698-6155, also reachable by texting your zip code to 898211 (TXT211).
