wildfire

2024 Wildfires Still On The Minds Of Oregon Ranchers
2024 Wildfires Still On The Minds Of Oregon Ranchers
2024 Wildfires Still On The Minds Of Oregon Ranchers
Unfortunately, 2024 was one for the record books in Oregon, for all of the wrong reasons.  The wildfire season was one of the worst, acreage wise, with nearly two million acres of the state burning last year.  And Matt McElligott, President of the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association said the industry is still feeling the economic impact.   “People are tryi...
Oregonians Asked To Prepare For Active Wildfire Season
Oregonians Asked To Prepare For Active Wildfire Season
Oregonians Asked To Prepare For Active Wildfire Season
More than 70% of Oregon’s wildfires are caused by people.  Kristin Babbs, with Keep Oregon Green, said it causes a lot of damage.   "Overall, the acres burned last year were off the charts," she noted.  "It was about 92,000 acres were attributed to human caused wildfires."   The two leading...
Bill Looks To Address Fire Insurance In Oregon
Bill Looks To Address Fire Insurance In Oregon
Bill Looks To Address Fire Insurance In Oregon
Last week, the Oregon House passed a bill that attempts to help homeowners in high-risk fire areas keep their insurance.  Some property owners report losing coverage.  Medford-area state Senator Jeff Golden said the bill directs the state to help communities take action to reduce wildfire risk.   "All prope...
Could Lottery Dollars Be Used To Fight Oregon Wildfires?
Could Lottery Dollars Be Used To Fight Oregon Wildfires?
Could Lottery Dollars Be Used To Fight Oregon Wildfires?
Oregon lawmakers are trying to find a regular source of funding to pay for fighting wildfires.  Fighting wildfires across the state costs around $300 million annually.  The Legislature is trying to find a regular source to pay that bill, instead of relying only on the general fund.  State Senator Fre...
Oregon’s Wildfire Risk Map Could Be Scrapped
Oregon’s Wildfire Risk Map Could Be Scrapped
Oregon’s Wildfire Risk Map Could Be Scrapped
A controversial law involving Oregon’s Wildfire Risk Map would be repealed, under a bill in the Legislature.  The map would have required property owners to take steps to reduce wildfire risk on their property.  Derrick Wheeler, with the Department of Forestry, said the new bill would remove those requirements.   "It removes the ...
Merkley Worries Wildfire Funding Could Be Cut
Merkley Worries Wildfire Funding Could Be Cut
Merkley Worries Wildfire Funding Could Be Cut
The Trump Administration says it's reviewing federal spending, in an effort to cut waste, and that has some Oregon lawmakers concerned about what MIGHT be deemed wasteful.  With the ongoing threat of cuts to federal programs and funding, Oregon stands to lose millions in anticipated payments.  U....
Western Wildfires A Top Story of 2024
Western Wildfires A Top Story of 2024
Western Wildfires A Top Story of 2024
If you take a look back at the top 10 weather stories for 2024, USDA meteorologist Brad Rippy said the wildfire season that blackened so many acres across the Northwest and California would easily make that list.  And while we saw many acres burn here in the west, he pointed out that the southern plains saw a host of wildfires in 2024 as well.  When lo...

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