Media Release sent on behalf of the Lincoln County Fire Defense Board

LINCOLN COUNTY NOTIFICATION

Issue Date: May 24, 2023

Issued By: Lincoln County Fire Defense Board - Chief Bryan Daniels

Notice: Lincoln County, Debris Burning Notification

Lincoln County Fire Agencies To Begin Debris Burn Ban

With increased temperatures, decreased precipitation, and in cooperation with the Oregon Department of Forestry, fire agencies in Lincoln County will soon be implementing bans on yard debris burning.

Agencies and Effective Dates:

• North Lincoln Fire & Rescue – May 26^th at dusk
• Depoe Bay Fire District – May 26^th at dusk
• Newport Fire Dept./Rural Fire Protection District – May 31^st at dusk
• Seal Rock Fire District – May 31^st at dusk
• Central Coast Fire & Rescue – May 26^th at dusk
• Siletz Valley Rural Fire Protection District – May 30^th at 6:00 a.m.
• Toledo Fire Dept./East Lincoln County Fire District – May 28^th at dusk
• Yachats Fire District – May 28^th at noon
• Oregon Department of Forestry - May 26^th at dusk

This ban is specific to yard debris burning and does not include recreational campfires, portable propane/patio fireplaces, or charcoal BBQ grills.  Please check with your local fire agency for details specific to each jurisdiction. 

Reminder: Carelessness is the largest cause of wildfire.

Escaped fires of any kind resulting in property damage requiring efforts from a fire agency or multiple fire agencies, may result in fines and individual financial responsibility for damages caused and for fire response recovery, per Oregon Revised Statue; 476.920 - Billing owner of property for the cost of extinguishing fire.

Additional Resource Links:

• Lincoln County Public Safety Non-Emergency Contact Numbers
• ODF Public Regulated Restrictions Use
• Lincoln County Emergency Management – Wildfire Hazard Readiness Information
• Lincoln County Wildfire Readiness Videos/Presentations
• Lincoln County Emergency Notifications

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Respectfully submitted, 

Bryan Daniels, FSCEO
Lincoln County Fire Defense Board Chief
Fire Chief - Depoe Bay Fire District
541-764-2202
bdaniels@depoebayfire.com

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SAFETY TIPS FOR RUNNERS

The Newport Marathon is just around the corner, so we can expect to see local and guest runners hitting the road on June 3rd. Motorists should use extra caution, not only during special events like this, but throughout the year. Whether you are a well-seasoned runner or just beginning your running activities, there are some things you should consider to keep yourself safe while running. The time of day and weather impact not only how you feel on your run but can also be more dangerous depending on the situation. Before heading out on your next run, consider these tips. 

Before the Run

• Run with another person or a group.
• Let someone know when and where you are running and when you will return.
• Carry ID and a cell phone. Consider adding a small card with an emergency contact and any allergies or known medical conditions.
• Take a whistle with you.
• Dress for the weather and running conditions. Wear layers and sturdy shoes.
• Wear reflective clothing or gear regardless of the time of day.
• Don’t wear headphones or anything that distracts you. This will help keep you aware of cars passing by and animals you may encounter on your route.
• Vary the route and the time of day that you run.
• If you must run at night, remember to wear a headlamp and a flashing red light on your back. Consider additional reflective gear.
• Remember to stretch! Stretching before running and regular flexibility and strength training help prevent future injuries.

During the Run

• Run against traffic so that you can observe the approach of automobiles.
• When possible, run on sidewalks or designated trails/pedestrian paths.
• Remember to hydrate. Runner’s belts and vests make it easier to carry water and snacks.
• Keep an eye on the temperature and how your body feels. If you start to overheat, feel dizzy, or otherwise unwell, take a break in the shade and drink water.
• Stay alert. When in doubt, follow your intuition. If something seems suspicious, do not panic, but run in a different direction.
• Do not approach a car to give directions. If you feel you must respond, do it while moving.
• Run in familiar areas. Note the location of neighbors or open businesses along the route.
• When in doubt call for help. For an emergency, call 911. Non-emergency dispatch can be reached at 541-265-0777, or call a friend and keep them on the phone until you feel safe again. 
   

For more information and tips, visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and Like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.

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SUMMER CRIME PREVENTION TIPS

Summer brings warmer weather, longer days, outdoor activities and, unfortunately, an increase in theft and burglaries. You can exercise renewed diligence to reduce or eliminate the frequency of these crimes. 

• Keep vehicles locked with the windows up at all times, even when parked at home. Remove all valuables including purses, cell phones, laptop computers, gym bags, briefcases etc.

• Avoid Home Improvement scams. Beware of anyone offering to perform an unscheduled home repair or asking to gain entry into your home. Ask for identification, contact the company they say they work for to verify employment and ask for authorization for them to be at your property. Never agree to pay for home improvement services until the work has been completed. Don’t sign home improvement contracts without reading the entire contract carefully and discussing anything that isn’t clear with the company and trusted family members.

• Keep doors closed and locked. This includes garages, sheds and patio doors. Burglaries from open garages, sheds and residences are more prevalent in summer months and often occur while the homeowner is outside in the backyard.

• Unattended bicycles should always be locked to something sturdy. Remember when you stop to rest, eat or use restroom facilities, to take a few moments to secure your bicycle.

• Vacation plans? Have a trusted neighbor or friend pick up your mail. Set inside lights on a timer. Set your home alarm. Use a home security camera so you can check in while you are away. Have a neighbor keep an eye on your house and make sure to leave a contact phone number for them to reach you in case of an emergency. 

Taking some simple steps now and throughout the summer months can reduce the risk of crime in your neighborhood.

For more information and tips, visit our web site at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.

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HIKING SAFETY

Part of the beauty of Oregon is the hiking opportunities throughout the state. Hiking can be a fun and healthy activity for the whole family. But without proper planning, even a short hike could turn into a dangerous situation. Before you hit the trails, remember these hiking safety tips.

1. Make a Gear List
Whether you're hiking for three hours or three days, you don't want to forget something important. Make a gear list to make sure you have everything you need. Some items to include on your gear list are: 

• Water
• Water filtration such as a filter straw or a filtration waterbottle
• Rain gear and additional climate appropriate clothing
• Compass
• Map
• Extra food
• First aid supplies
• Cell phone or radio with backup batteries

2. Bring a Map
Bringing a map and becoming familiar with the area before you hike is so important. You should never rely solely on GPS technology especially with limited service and battery power. Always pack a map and make sure you know how to read it before you need it. 

3. Hike During the Day
Whenever possible, plan to hike during the day. It is easier to get lost in the dark and the area may be home to wild animals that come out at night. 

4. Know the Area
Exploring new hiking trails can be exciting. Unfortunately, it also means you're unfamiliar with the territory. Before heading out, check regional hiking information for:

• Local wild animals and what to do
• Local poisonous plants
• Local hunting areas and seasons
• Local hiking or emergency alerts

5. Check the Forecast
Check the forecast while planning your hike and keep checking it until you leave. This determines what gear you need to bring and greatly impacts your safety. Hiking in hotter or colder weather have different challenges that impact your trip and your health. If the forecast does predict rain, snow, or ice, be sure the trail you're taking is still passable in such conditions. Consider contacting your local Parks and Recreation Department so they can direct you to real-time information. When in doubt, reschedule your hike for better weather.

6. Be Confident Not Cocky
You know what you can and can't handle. When hiking in a group or with a more advanced friend, you may take risks you aren't ready for. Don't risk injury; be honest with your skill level before hitting the trail. 

7. Tell Someone Before You Go
Tell someone when and where you are going and when they should expect you to be back. If that person doesn't hear from you by a certain time, they can take the necessary action to begin a search. With Search and Rescue missions, time matters. If you don’t make it home on time, having a friend that can report your planned hiking activity and timeline can help searchers locate you. 

8. Stay Together
When hiking with a large group, it's easy to separate into groups of fast and slow hikers. Often, this happens naturally, but it isn't always safe. Keep someone at the front that hikes at a modest pace to ensure everyone stays together.

For more information and tips, visit our web site at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and Like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.

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CWPP Feedback Survey Spanish

Date Correction to Saturday, May “13” vs. 12th.

See attached media release for full information, graphics and information reference for the public feedback request.

Lincoln County Community Members are encouraged to participate in the public feedback process for the Lincoln County Community Wildfire Protection Plan. 

Community Wildfire Protection Plans (referred to as CWPPs) are strategically developed to guide wildfire mitigation at all scales and land ownership to reduce the harmful impacts of wildfire to people, structures, and communities. They are developed through a collaborative effort between local fire departments, emergency managers, and state and federal forest managers. 

CWPP’s have three minimum requirements:

1. Collaboration: Local and state government representatives, in consultation with federal agencies and other interested parties, must collaboratively develop the CWPP.
2. Prioritized Fuel Reduction: The CWPP must identify and prioritize areas for hazardous fuel reduction treatments and recommend the types and methods of treatment that will protect at-risk communities and essential infrastructure.
3. Treatment of Structural Ignitability: The CWPP must recommend measures that homeowners and communities can take to reduce the ignitability of structures.

What do CWPPs do?

• Describe the local community.
• Assess the risk of wildfire to the local community.
• Prioritizes projects that reduce the risk of wildfire to the local community, infrastructure (like water treatment plants), and/or natural resources (like timberland and watersheds).
• Projects outlined in a CWPP are projects like fuels reduction, road improvements, evacuation planning, and prescribed fire used for reducing risks.
• CWPP’s are often required when applying for federal funding for local wildfire risk reduction projects.

Public Feedback Requested: 

The Lincoln County CWPP is being updated in partnership with the Oregon Partnership for Disaster Resilience (OPDP) at the University of Oregon. The plan updates are scheduled to be completed by mid-2023. Community members have two ways to participate in the public feedback process: 

1. Feedback Survey: Complete the public feedback survey, offered in both English and Spanish through May 19^th (approximately 10 minutes to complete). Click this link to access the survey - https://tinyurl.com/CommunitySurveyLincolnCounty
2. Attend one of the in-person or virtual information sessions where community members can ask questions directly to the UofO OPDP team members. See the end of this media release for dates, times, and locations.

Matt Thomas, Oregon Department of Forestry – Toledo Unit indicated “The purpose of the CWPP is to promote awareness of the countywide wildland fire hazard and propose workable solutions to reduce wildfire risk. When solutions are identified, this plan serves as the foundation for locating funding at the Local, State, and Federal level to apply it on the ground to help mitigate wildfire risks.” 

Lincoln County Planning Director, Onno Husing, commented “The Planning Department is committed to updating the Community Wildfire Protection Plan with our local, state and federal partners to ensure a strong foundation continues in the preplanning and mitigation of a wildfire threat for the protection of our communities, businesses, and environment.”

Additional Information/Resources:

• Current Lincoln County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (2018)
• See the attached informational resource about the CWPP update process specific to requested public feedback.
• 2023 Wildfire Readiness/CWPP Information Session Schedule
• Lincoln County Wildfire Hazard Preparedness Information

In Person CWPP Information Sessions:

• These sessions directly follow the Lincoln County Emergency Management Wildfire Readiness Presentations on the same day. The CWPP sessions are approximately 30-60 minutes depending on questions, no registration required.
• #1 – Saturday, May 13^th, beginning at 10:30am. Depoe Bay – Neighbors for Kids, 634 US 101, Depoe Bay [wildfire readiness presentation begins at 9am].
• #2 – Saturday, May 13^th, beginning at 3:30pm. Newport – Oregon Coast Community College, Community Room, 400 SE Collage Way, Newport/South Beach [wildfire readiness presentation begins at 2pm].

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HOW TO DISPLAY YOUR HOUSE NUMBER

Having visible house numbers that identify your address is important for guests, mail and pizza delivery deliver, and of course, emergency personnel. Emergency response teams cannot find your home if your house number is not clearly displayed. Depending on the lighting and placement, your house numbers may not be visible from the street, especially at night. A poorly placed number can cost precious time in an emergency. Consider the following guidelines to help increase visibility as you display your house number.

On Your House

1. The number should be posted so that it is visible from both directions of street travel.
2. Trees, bushes, and other debris should not block visibility from the road.
3. Numbers should be placed above eye level, near the front door and well-lit at night.
4. Avoid placing numbers away from the front door such as above garage doors.

On Your Mailbox

1. Remember to mark both sides and the front of your mailbox. Do not use your mailbox as the only means of identification for your house. Numbers on the mailbox door may be great for your mail carrier, but they can be difficult to be seen by drivers during an emergency.
2. The numbers on the mailbox need to be highly visible. Remember to use high-contrast stickers or paint when adding your numbers to the mailbox. White numbers on a black mailbox are a great choice for visibility. Shiny silver numbers on a black mailbox are NOT very visible.
3. Another high-visibility option is to mount a sign above or below the mailbox. Again, use contrasting colors such as white on black.
4. If your mailbox is not in front of your house or near your driveway, emergency responders cannot use this to locate you. To help emergency responders locate your house faster, place your house number on your house or on a signpost in your yard.

Address Signs

1. The bigger, the better. The number should be at least four inches tall if displayed on a house or sign. Use boldface type that is wide.
2. Address signs should be placed about two feet from the driveway in the direction of the house.
3. Pick a color that will contrast with the background. If your house is a dark color, the address sign should be light so that the number stands out and can be viewed from the street. For example, a black number is perfect on a white house. A white number will also show clearly on a brick house.
4. Ensure the address sign is well-lit, especially at night.
5. Use caution with brass or bronze numbers as they are difficult to see on many backgrounds.

Following these guidelines can save valuable time in the event of an emergency by allowing emergency responders to find your home faster. Help us help you!

For more information and tips, visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and Like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.

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See attached media release for full information, graphics and schedule of presentations. 

Public Safety and Emergency Management organizations of Lincoln County are excited to announce our wildfire readiness season line up for our Lincoln County community members, businesses, and visitors.   

Over the next several weeks you will see many of our state partners kicking off their wildfire awareness month campaigns to the public as well. We will try to share these when they are referred to us and share on our “What’s happening now” webpage and our social media Facebook page for easy access; however, we have included some of them in this announcement.

1. National Wildfire Preparedness Day – May 6^th
2. Lincoln County Wildfire Readiness Community Presentations May-June
3. Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office Wildfire Readiness Presentation

A. National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day – May 6, 2023:

Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is a national campaign that encourages people and organizations everywhere to come together on a single day to take action to raise awareness and reduce wildfire risks. It is held in the United States and Canada on the first Saturday in May. Prep Day is focused on what residents can do on and around their home to help protect against the threat of wildfires. Lincoln County utilizes these concepts in our local wildfire readiness presentation materials. For more information check out the wildfire community preparedness day website.

B. Lincoln County Wildfire Readiness Community Presentations:

Lincoln County Emergency Management will be joined by our local Oregon Department of Forestry team and Fire Districts/Departments at the below outreach events in May and June. Our in-person presentations will focus on modules 3 and 4 of our 8-part wildfire readiness series. 

• Review Modules 1-8 Pre Recorded Videos/Presentation Slides
• Review the 2023 In Person Presentation Schedule 

Depoe Bay
Saturday, May 13, 2023, 9-11am
Neighbors for Kids, 634 US 101

Eddyville
Monday, June 26, 2023, 6-8pm
Eddyville Church, 6890 Crystal Creek Loop

Lincoln City
Tuesday, June 20, 2023, 6-8pm
NLFR - St. Clair Station, 4520 SE Hwy 101

Newport
Saturday, May 13, 2023, 2-4pm
OCCC Newport Campus, 400 SE Collage Way

Otis
Wednesday, May 24, 2023, 6-8pm
NLFR - Otis Fire Station, 318 N Old Scenic Hwy 101

Siletz
Tuesday, June 6, 2023, 6-8pm
Siletz Valley Charter School, 245 NW James Franks Ave

Toledo
Wednesday, May 10, 2023, 6-8pm
Toledo High School, 1800 NE Sturdevant Road

Waldport – East of
Thursday, June 15, 2023, 6-8pm
OR Hatchery Research Facility, 2457 E Fall Creek Road, Alsea

Yachats
Thursday, June 8, 2023, 6-8pm
Yachats Commons, 441 Hwy 101 N

C. Oregon State Fire Marshall’s Office:

OSFM has some really great resources on their refreshed Wildfire Awareness Month page…we encourage you to check out the education section, statistics info, and the Oregon Wildfire Response & Recovery page. See the attached OSFM wildfire readiness webinars.

Additional Resources:

State and regional Cooperator Resources:

• Keep Oregon Green - Keep Oregon Green
• Oregon State University Extension Service - Fire
• Oregon State Fire Marshall’s Office – Wildland Urban Interface
• Oregon Department of Forestry – Fire Prevention
• Oregon Health Authority – Prepare for Wildfire/Reducing Health Effects of Wildfire Smoke
• Oregon Wildfire Response and Recovery – Oregon Wildfire Response & Recovery page
• National Fire Protection Agency – Wildfire Community Preparedness Day

If you are unable to attend one of the sessions or want additional information on wildfire preparedness, protection, prevention, response or recovery check out our Wildfire Hazards website page. 

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Respectfully submitted, 

Virginia "Jenny" Demaris
Lincoln County Sheriff's Office
Emergency Management Division
Office: 541-265-4199
Email: vdemaris@co.lincoln.or.us 

 

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ANIMAL SHELTER LOCATION DETERMINED

5/3/23 – Lincoln County, OR 

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, including our Animal Shelter team, Board of Commissioners (BOC), and Animal Shelter Development Team have been working on securing a new location for an improved and updated shelter. “After years of research, planning, and hard work, we are excited that the new Animal Shelter building will expand and improve the services that are currently available to our communities and animals” stated Sheriff Landers. This team has been working on this project since the shelter moved to a temporary building in 2019. The County’s long-term plan for the Commons required a new location for the future building of the Animal Shelter. We are pleased to announce the County is purchasing a property on SW Dahl Ave. in Waldport, Oregon as the new Animal Shelter location.  

The development of a new Animal Shelter in a spacious and suitable area was prioritized to enhance service to dogs, cats and other small animals in the community. Size, facility needs, and construction evaluations helped the County’s new Animal Shelter Development Team review possible site locations. To gain multiple perspectives and input, the County and the design team engaged local stakeholder groups throughout this process. The team for the new site and building included:  

• Lincoln County Divisions
  • County Administration
  • County Counsel
  • Sheriff’s Office
  • Public Works
    • Facilities Management

• Planning Department
• Surveyor’s Office
• Assessor’s Office
• Treasurer’s Office
• Finance Department

• Volunteers and Community Organizations
  • Animal Shelter Volunteers
  • Oregon Coast Humane Society
  • Friends of the Lincoln County Animals (FOLCAS)
  • Community
  • Veterinarian, Dr. Hurty

With animal care, facility requirements, and local stakeholder input in mind, a variety of sites were identified and reviewed. Land requirements for constructing the new animal shelter had to meet several criteria. 

Through this process, the Animal Shelter Development Team and stakeholders identified and examined eighteen sites. Sites were located throughout the County including Lincoln City, Newport, Toledo, South Beach, and Waldport. After each site was assessed, the property on SW Dahl Avenue in Waldport was identified as the recommended site. Our team, stakeholders, and members of the local veterinary community agreed it was the best option out of the sites reviewed. This two-acre plot offers plenty of space to build a facility to meet our current needs, with the option to expand if needed in the future.  

The next steps include creating and finalizing plans with architects and collecting construction bids. The timeline for construction to begin is fall of 2023 with the goal of the new facility opening in fall of 2024.  

More information and updates on this project can be found on the Lincoln County Website and at our public announcement and media briefing on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at 2:00pm in the Board of Commissioner’s room in the Lincoln County Courthouse.  

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