Lincoln Co. Sheriff's Office

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News Release

July 17, 2025, Tip Of The Week- Encountering Bears In Your Community (Photo) -07/17/25

ENCOUNTERING BEARS IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Recently, there have been an increase in the number of bear encounters in our communities. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) urges Oregonians to respect wildlife and do their part to ensure that wildlife, including black bears, and people coexist. A bear's strongest sense is smell. This means everything from trash cans to grill drippings can bring them to your property.


Bears also have a great memory when it comes to food. They remember where they have found food before, including trash. Female bears will also pass this knowledge down to their young. Intentionally or accidentally feeding bears can negatively affect multiple generations of bears.

Feeding bears (intentionally or accidentally) will not only bring unwanted visitors to your community, but can also be harmful. Wildlife have specialized diets that coincide with seasonal changes. Food provided by humans can negatively impact their health, lead to conflict and safety issues with people, and in some cases, have fatal consequences for the animals. For the sake of Oregon's wildlife and their health, do not feed them.

Living responsibly with black bears is possible and it's up to everyone to do their part to keep people safe and bears wild. Follow these tips:

  • Never feed or approach bears. Feeding bears, intentionally or unintentionally, will cause them to associate people with food. It is also against the law in Oregon (ORS 496.730).
  • Secure food, garbage and recycling. Please ensure that your trash and dumpsters are secure from bears by using commercially available garbage cans, metal bars over dumpsters, fully enclosed trash storage, or by storing garbage inside. Take trash out immediately before pick-up, not the night before. Wash garbage cans with bleach to reduce their smell. Food waste is one of the strongest attractants for black bears and allowing bears access could qualify as illegal feeding if appropriate steps are not taken to prevent the issue.
  • Remove bird feeders in bear habitat when bears are active. Birds have plenty of naturally available food sources during all seasons which is why some species migrate in winter. Bears can be food rewarded from bird seed and suet in feeders leading to habituation and food conditioning, destroyed birdfeeders, and public safety issues.
  • Never leave pet food outdoors. This practice can easily attract bears and other wildlife, putting your pets and wildlife at risk.
  • Clean and store grills after each use.
  • Alert neighbors and ODFW to unusual bear activity (continued sightings during daylight hours, lack of wariness around people or pets, etc.).

Share these tips with your neighbors, friends and family. A community effort is vital to preventing problems with bears and situations like the one in Cottage Grove. One person who feeds or attracts bears, intentionally or not, can pose a risk to everyone in the neighborhood.

Find out more about living responsibly with black bears at https://myodfw.com/articles/help-keep-bears-wild.”

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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July 10, 2025 - Lincoln County Fire Defense Board Deploys Task Force To Elk Fire In Klamath County (Photo) -07/10/25

Lincoln County, OR — The Lincoln County Fire Defense Board has mobilized a specialized wildfire Task Force to assist in battling the Elk Fire, currently burning in Klamath County. The deployment was made at the request of the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) as part of the state’s coordinated wildfire response under the Emergency Conflagration Act.

The Task Force 26 departed Lincoln County late Wednesday afternoon, July 9, expected to arrive at staging by 9:00 PM tonight and, includes personnel and equipment from the following agencies:

• Depoe Bay Fire District

• North Lincoln Fire & Rescue

• Central Oregon Coast Fire & Rescue

• East Lincoln County Fire & Rescue • Siletz Valley Fire District

• Clackamas County Fire District

The Elk Fire, sparked by dry lightning earlier this week, has burned thousands of acres in southern Oregon, prompting multiple evacuation notices and drawing a significant response from state and local fire agencies. Firefighters are working around the clock to protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure.

The Task Force includes a strike team of engines, command personnel, and support staff, with an initial deployment period of up to 14 days, subject to fire conditions and resource needs.

This mobilization is part of Oregon’s Mutual Aid System, which ensures timely support between counties and regions during large-scale incidents.

July 10, 2025, Tip Of The Week- Summer Crime Prevention Tips (Photo) -07/10/25

SUMMER CRIME PREVENTION TIPS

Summer brings warmer weather, longer days, outdoor activities and, unfortunately, an increase in theft and burglaries. There are some ways you can help prevent these crimes in your communities.

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 or friends.

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 website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.

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July 3, 2025, Tip Of The Week- How To Display Your House Number (Photo) -07/03/25

HOW TO DISPLAY YOUR HOUSE NUMBER

Having visible house numbers to identify your address is important for guests, mail delivery, and of course, emergency personnel. It is much harder for emergency responders to 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 numbers 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.


 

June 26, 2025, Tip Of The Week- Firework Safety (Photo) -06/26/25

FIREWORK SAFETY

Summer fun is officially here, and the Fourth of July is just around the corner. For many, fireworks are a sign of celebration, however, there are some important safety measures to consider. Fireworks, loud sounds, and bright, sudden flashes can trigger vets, pets, and people with PTSD. If you choose to use fireworks, remember to check for local ordinances and regulations, be considerate of others, consider the time of day and the location, and prioritize safety.

Know the Difference and Consequences

It is important to know the difference between a legal consumer firework and a dangerous explosive device. Illegal items in Oregon include any firework that flies into the air, explodes or behaves in an uncontrolled or unpredicted manner. Some examples include firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, Roman candles, bottle rockets, or other items of similar construction and any item containing explosive or flammable compounds.

Tablets or other devices containing explosive substances or flammable compounds are not legal in Oregon without a permit. Items such as M-80s, M-100s and blockbusters are not fireworks, they are federally banned explosives. They can cause serious injury or even death. Stay away from anything that isn't clearly labeled with the name of the item, the manufacturer's name, and instructions for proper use.

Possession of illegal fireworks in Oregon is a Class B Misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $10,000 and/or six months in jail. If you are aware of anyone selling such devices, contact your local law enforcement agency.

All fireworks are prohibited in all state parks and on ocean beaches. Violations may be punishable by fine.

General Firework Safety

Read and follow all warnings and instructions on fireworks. Be sure that people maintain a safe distance from where fireworks are lit. Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from buildings, dry leaves, and flammable materials -never light and throw any fireworks.  Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned.

Fireworks are not toys. NEVER give fireworks to children. Close adult supervision of all fireworks activities is mandatory, this includes sparklers. 

Pets are more sensitive to loud noises, flashing lights, and strong smells. It is best to leave your pets safely indoors, preferably with a radio or TV turned on to soften sudden noises. If you cannot leave your pet indoors, keep them leashed and under your direct control at all times. Keep your pet’s collar and ID tag on at all times and update your pet’s license with your current contact information in case they get separated from you.

If you are traveling and plan to use fireworks, look up local ordinances that may be in place. Remember to save the address of where you are staying or using the fireworks in case you need to call 911.

Fire Prevention

Be aware of your surroundings and weather conditions. Areas are more prone to fires when the weather is warm and windy. Dry landscape greatly increases the likelihood of fire starting, not just from fireworks, but other activities that create sparks or flame.

If you choose to use fireworks, make sure the area is clear of anything flammable such as debris, furniture, and grass or shrubbery. Keep fireworks pointed away from buildings, greenery, and other areas that may catch fire. Keep a bucket of water and a hose ready to respond if needed.

Whether you are lighting fireworks yourself or watching an organized show, know the address so that you can quickly call 911 if a fire starts.
 

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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