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Wildfires threaten communities in the West as Oregon fire closes interstate, creates its own weather
BELLINGHAM, Wash. (AP) — Firefighters in the West are scrambling as wildfires threaten communities in Oregon, California and Washington, with at least one Oregon fire so large that it is creating its own weather. Interstate 84 in eastern Oregon was closed in both directions Tuesday between Ontario and Baker...
Battle Mountain Complex Fire in Umatilla County grows to more than 42,000 acres, air quality advisory issued
UMATILLA COUNTY, Ore. - The Battle Mountain Complex Fire in Umatilla County has grown to 42,474 acres. It is a combination of three wildfires currently affecting the central and southwestern area of Umatilla County and the southeast corner of Morrow County. The three wildfires that make up the Battle Mountain Complex Fire include the North Fork Owens Fire, which has burned 3,887 acres, the Snake Fire, which has burned 13,557 acres and the Monkey Creek Fire, which has burned 25,030 acres.
Pendleton backs river housing project
PENDLETON – The city has decided what it will do with the two houses it owns along the Umatilla River near Backfire Station. The Pendleton Development Commission has awarded Baker Investment Group a grant to demolish the homes and develop the property. “It will be a residential facility right...
Air quality alert for Oregon Wednesday
An air quality alert was issued in effect until Wednesday at 2 p.m. for Crook, Grant, Morrow, Umatilla, Union and Wheeler counties. According to the National Weather Service, "Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory IN EFFECT UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. A Smoke Air Quality Advisory has been issued. Wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes runny nose aggravate heart and lung diseases and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition."
Heppner Ranger District is temporarily closed
PENDLETON – (News release from the Umatilla National Forest) Due to active wildfires on Heppner Ranger District, compounded by extremely unfavorable weather conditions, limited firefighting resources and concern for public safety, forest officials on the Umatilla National Forest are Temporarily closing the Heppner Ranger District. The objective of the...
Downtown signs up for discussion
PENDLETON – The Historical District Sign Ad-hoc Committee meets at 6:30 p.m. today to discuss proposed changes to the sign ordinance that would govern signs that are used in the historical district downtown. The committee is calling for the public to come forward and provide input about the signage for the area between the river and the railroad tracks and mid-block of Southeast Third and Southwest Third streets.
City of Walla Walla asks for volunteers for city committee vacancies
WALLA WALLA, Wash. - The City of Walla Walla is seeking applicants to fill six openings over multiple city committees. Arts Commission (term expires Dec. 31, 2026) Looking to fill an unexpired term for an artist representative. Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (two openings, terms expire Dec. 31, 2027)(. One position...
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