Hood River County

**Please do not call dispatch to obtain information** Follow our page for updates.

This is a wildfire emergency alert from Hood River County Sheriff's Office. Level 1 - BE READY to evacuate from the intersection of Hwy 35 and Hwy 30, south to intersection of Eastside Rd and Paasch Dr., east to Elder Rd. and due north to Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail.

Esta es una alerta de incendio forestal de parte de la Oficina del Sheriff del condado de Hood River. Nivel 1 - ESTÉ PREPARADO para evacuar de las siguientes zonas: de la intersección
De la Carretera Hwy 35 y la carretera Hwy 30, al Sur de la intersección de la calle Eastside Rd y la calle Paasch Dr., al Este de la calle Elder Rd. y derecho hacia el Norte de la Carretera Estatal Historica del Rio Columbia.

Level 1 - BE READY to evacuate means:

Be aware of danger in your area and stay informed. Check local city and county websites, social media, TV, and radio for updates.
Make plans and prepare to evacuate. Gather necessary supplies for health, safety, and identification. For more info, visit wildfire.oregon.gov.
Act early if you are older, have children, disabilities, or limited access to transportation. Consider moving pets and livestock early.
Plan possible evacuation routes. Use TripCheck.com or call 511 for road closure information.
If you need emergency shelter, call 211 or 1-866-698-6155, visit 211info.org, or text your zip code to 898211. TTY: dial 711 and call 1-866-698-6155. Language interpreters are available by phone. Text is available Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., in Spanish and English.
If you can do so safely, check with your neighbors and share information. Ask for help if you need it. Offer help if you can give it.
This may be the only notice you receive. Don’t wait to evacuate if you feel unsafe. If conditions change, you may receive a Level 2 - BE SET or Level 3 - GO NOW evacuation notice. You do not need to wait for another evacuation notice. Make the best decision for your safety.

Do not call 911 unless experiencing an immediate life safety issue.
Hood River County Sheriff's Office

** Por favor de no hablar a las operadoras de emergencias si necesitan obtener mas informacion sobre los incendios.**

Nivel 1 - ESTAR LISTO para evacuar significa:

Esté consciente del peligro en su área y manténgase informado. Consulte los sitios de internet, las redes sociales, la televisión y la radio local de la ciudad y el condado para obtener actualizaciones.
Tenga un plan y prepárese para evacuar. Reúna lo necesarios para la salud, como medicamentos, gaza, cremas para heridas. Reúna lo necesario para su seguridad y documentos de identificación. Para obtener más información, visite la página wildfire.oregon.gov.
Actúe lo más pronto posible si es mayor de edad, tiene hijos, si tiene alguna discapacidad o si su acceso al transporte es limitado. Considere trasladar las mascotas y el ganado con lo más pronto posible.
Planeé rutas de evacuación. Utilice TripCheck.com o llame al 511 para obtener mas información sobre el cierre de las carreteras.
Si necesita refugio de emergencia, llame al 211 o al 1-866-698-6155, visite 211info.org o envíe un mensaje de texto con su código postal al 898211. TTY: marque 711 y llame al 1-866-698-6155. Hay intérpretes de idiomas disponibles por teléfono. El texto está disponible de lunes a viernes, de 9 a. m. a 5 p. m., en español e inglés.
Si puede hacerlo de forma segura, consulte con sus vecinos y comparta esta información. Pida ayuda si la necesita. Ofrezca ayuda si puede brindarla.
Este puede ser el único aviso que reciba. No espere para evacuar si se siente inseguro. Si las condiciones cambian, es posible que reciba un aviso de evacuación de Nivel 2 - PREPARARSE o Nivel 3 - IR AHORA. No es necesario esperar otro aviso de evacuación. Toma la mejor decisión para tu seguridad.

No llame al 911 a menos que experimente un problema inmediato de seguridad personal.
Oficina del Sheriff del condado de Hood River

The Hood River County Community Development Department is currently hiring for the positions of Principal Planner and Associate Planner. These roles involve applying County, State, and Federal laws and ordinances to various land use permit proposals. These positions also require direct interaction with the public to answer technical planning and zoning-related questions. For more details, visit hoodrivercounty.gov/employment. We have several positions open so consider joining our team, and please help us spread the word.

Here is the most recent news on temporary closures from Hood River County due to the Whisky Creek Fire (located five miles southeast of Cascade Locks) and the Microwave Tower Fire just east of us in Wasco County.

Hood River County has temporarily closed public access to the Kingsley Day Use Area and Campground as of late Monday. Temporary road closures are also in place for Kingsley Rd. above the 2800 forestry road, Dead Point Rd. above the 2800 forestry road and Green Point Rd. Please avoid these areas as fire crews will be staging and utilizing these areas until further notice.

Additionally, parts of the Old Dalles Drive road starting at the “County Pit” roughly 1.1 miles from the intersection of Eastside Road and Old Dalles Drive have been temporarily closed by Hood River County.

We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your cooperation.

Breathing in smoke can be harmful. Please check your local Air Quality Index regularly. If air becomes smoky, our partners at OSU Extension Office-Hood River County offer these instructions for making a DIY fan filter to improve indoor air quality. Wearing N95 masks also protects a person from smoke. Check out SmokeReadyGorge.org for more information and feel free to share these resources.

In support of the Whisky Creek firefighting efforts, Hood River County is temporarily closing public access to the Kingsley Day Use Area and Campground on July 22 at 5:00 pm. Also closing are Kingsley Rd. above the 2800 forestry road, Dead Point Rd. above the 2800 forestry road and Green Point Rd. (map attached). Please avoid these areas as fire crews will be staging and utilizing these areas until further notice.

We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your cooperation.

The Whiskey Creek Fire is located five miles southeast of Cascade Locks near the confluence of Whisky Creek & Herman Creek Trail in the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness Area.

The fires started early Saturday and is now estimated to be 165 acres. Firefighters have ordered water-dropping helicopters and additional ground resources. Firefighters must hike 4 to 6 miles to reach it. County resources are mobilized and working in tandem with ODF and USFS.

We will share updates as news develops.

WHISKY CREEK FIRE UPDATE: July 21, 2024; 3:00 p.m.

Whisky Creek Fire is located about five miles southeast of Cascade Locks, OR and was first reported Saturday, July 20, at 11:00 a.m. The fire started on the Mt. Hood National Forest in the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness near Herman Creek Trail. Despite a helicopter dropping water on the fire, excessive heat helped the fire grow to 10.5 acres by 10:00 p.m. The fire is burning in dense, west-side forest with a thick understory of dead and down wood. A local Type 3 Team has taken over management of the fire.

Today, fire resources will be focused on scouting areas to safely construct indirect fire line. Weather and low visibility due to smoke has limited both airplane and helicopter operations. If conditions improve, helicopters will drop water on the fire where possible.

A red flag warning has been issued due to lightning and critically dry fuels.

The Mt. Hood National Forest and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area are issuing a joint emergency closure for the fire area.

Closures:
• Campgrounds: Rainy Lake, Black Lake, and Wahtum Lake Campgrounds
• Trailheads: Indian Springs, Warren Lake, Wahtum Lake, Mt. Defiance South, Wyeth, & Herman Creek Trailheads
• Trails: Gorge #400, Herman Creek #406, Herman Bridge , Gorton Creek #408, Wyeth #411, Green Point Ridge #418, Deadwood #422, North Lake #423, Rainy Lake , Ridge Cut-off #437, and Nick Eaton #447

The cause of the fire is from human activity and is currently under investigation. The public is reminded that fire restrictions are in effect and campfires are prohibited across both Mt. Hood National Forest and Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area lands.

The Hood River County Fair begins this Wednesday, July 24, and runs through Saturday, July 27.

Check the website (hoodriverfairgrounds.com) for a complete line-up of activities, events, and entertainment. You can buy Fair Admission, Ride Bracelets, and Concert Tickets online. Be safe and have fun!

Hood River County Fairgrounds

The Hood River County Veterans Service Officer would like to share that the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall will be displayed at the Oregon Veterans' Home - The Dalles next week from Monday through Wednesday, July 22nd to July 24th. An opening ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday with details at Oregon Veterans' Home - The Dalles . Please see the flyer for details.

Join the Hood River County team as a Property Appraisal Assistant working with property appraisers. Responsibilities include conducting property inspections, performing data entry, collecting and documenting property characteristics, photographing and measuring buildings and structures, reading architectural plans and producing building sketches, compiling market information, and other duties. If you want to start an appraisal career, consider joining our team.

Hood River County currently has seven jobs available and encourages all interested to apply.
Visit hoodrivercounty.gov/employment for more information and applications.

With the increasing fire danger, ALL County Forest trails will be closed to motorized (combustion engine) use effective yesterday, July 16th. The Northwest Area, including Post Canyon, will be elevated to IFPL level 3, and this Regulated Use Closure (RUC) will be in place until rains begin and the County Forest Director deems it safe to resume.

NO CAMPFIRES, OPEN FIRES, OR SMOKING is allowed in County Forestland. State law requires passenger vehicles to carry a shovel and a gallon of water (or a 2-1/2 lb. or larger fire extinguisher) to be fire-safe in the woods. Please help spread the word!

The Oregon Department of Forestry implements the RUC regulations during fire season to reduce fire starts. To learn more about IFPL restrictions and help prevent wildfires in Hood River County, visit oregon.gov/odf/fire/documents/industrial-fire-precaution-levels.pdf

Starting today July 16th, Regulated Use Closure (RUC) & Industrial Fire Precaution Level 3 (IFPL 3) will be in effect in Hood River and Wasco County. The RUC restrictions will 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐓𝐨 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐔𝐬𝐞 due to fire danger. E-motos and E-bikes are still permitted.

• Open campfires in the County Forest and campgrounds are also prohibited.
• Portable cooking stoves that use liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed.
• All vehicles traveling on County Forest roads must have a shovel and a gallon of water or 2-½ pound fire extinguisher or larger.

The Oregon Department of Forestry implements the RUC regulations during fire season to reduce fire starts. To learn more about IFPL restrictions and help prevent wildfires in Hood River County, visit oregon.gov/odf/fire/documents/industrial-fire-precaution-levels.pdf

Please report any non-active fires to the HRCSO Non-Emergency line at 541-386-2711. In the case of an active fire call 911 immediately. Help us spread the word throughout the community!

The Hood River County Forestry Department seeks a seasonal FOREST TRAIL CREW member to start in mid-August. This position involves various manual and semi-skilled tasks for its multi-use trail systems, including but not limited to Off-Highway Vehicle trails, mountain bike trails, day-use areas, campgrounds, and other forest recreation activities within the County’s Tree Farm.

Hood River County aims to attract, retain, and engage committed, hardworking, thoughtful employees who support our shared goals in service delivery and responsible stewardship of public resources. For more information and applications for this and other available jobs, visit hoodrivercounty.gov/employment

Are you enrolled in EMERGENCY ALERTS from Hood River County? Sign up to receive time-sensitive messages in various situations, including wildfires. You can specify where you receive them (by phone, email, text, and more). To register or check your preferences, follow this link.
https://member.everbridge.net/892807736721762/login

The Hood River County Board of Commissioners will meet on Monday, July 15. A work session will start at 5 p.m., followed by the business meeting at 6 p.m.

Board of Commissioners meetings are typically held on the third Monday of each month. You can access meeting agendas, packets and video recordings at hoodrivercounty.gov/meetings.

The Hood River County Health Department is looking for a Health Services Outreach Coordinator to work with community and regional partners to fulfill grant deliverables for outreach programs such as OHP, SNAP, and other services offered by the Hood River County Health Dept.

This role may involve regional travel using an authorized county vehicle. Candidates should be comfortable using office equipment and demonstrate good judgment. Spanish fluency is a requirement. For more information and to apply for this and other available jobs, visit hoodrivercounty.gov/employment.

Hood River County aims to attract, retain, and engage committed, hardworking, and thoughtful employees who support our shared goals of service delivery and responsible stewardship of public resources.

The Hood River County Prevention Department seeks a PREVENTION & EDUCATION SPECIALIST fluent in Spanish and passionate about healthy living and choices. If you have experience working with K-12 students, listening in an unbiased manner, and respecting the viewpoints of others, consider joining our team.

Hood River County aims to attract, retain, and engage committed, hardworking, thoughtful employees who support our shared goals in service delivery and responsible stewardship of public resources. To join the Hood River County team, visit hoodrivercounty.gov/employment and apply today.

Edit: A Red Flag Warning is also in effect on Wed. from 2 pm to 11 pm.

Hood River County’s RED FLAG WARNING remains in effect until 11 pm Tuesday for the Central and Northern Oregon Cascades. Critical fire weather conditions are present due to hot temperatures, low humidity, and wind. These conditions can lead to extreme fire behavior, so please exercise caution, and be prepared.

If you are not already subscribed to Citizen Alerts, you may do so (or update your information) at member.everbridge.net/892807736721762/login.

Hood River County’s Citizen Alert System has issued a RED FLAG WARNING for our area and other parts of the Northern Oregon Cascades until 11 p.m. Tuesday due to dry, unstable conditions for fire. “ANY NEW AND EXISTING FIRES HAVE A STRONG POTENTIAL FOR EXTREME FIRE BEHAVIOR,” the warning states.

If you are not already subscribed to Citizen Alerts, you may do so (or update your information) at member.everbridge.net/892807736721762/login.

IT'S HOT OUT THERE! Some people are more at risk for heat-related illness, including people with health conditions, the very young, and seniors. Please check in with neighbors, family, and friends who live alone.

Here are a few suggestions for staying cool during this heat wave:
• Cooling bundles are available at MCCAC's Hood River office at 606 State Street.
• Libraries throughout the county offer cool locations to be in when they are open (closed Mondays).
• You can find information on staying cool at 211info.org.
• The Cooling Shelter at The Gloria Center in The Dalles is open through Wednesday. The Columbia Area Transit-CAT bus can transport folks to this location.

The Gloria Center Emergency Shelter will be open as a Cooling Shelter due to extreme heat:

TODAY, Monday, July 8 - 11 am to 7 pm
Tuesday, July 9 - 11 am to 7 pm
Wednesday, July 10 - 11 am to 7 pm

The Gloria Center is located at 2505 W. 7th Street in The Dalles.

Cooling Shelter operations are led by MCCAC staff and supported by community volunteers. Supports provided include a cool location, water, snacks, hygiene, and first aid items.

For details on Cooling Shelter operations visit our Emergency Shelter page:
https://www.mccac.com/shelter-2

For information about other services including cooling bundles and transportation, visit our Severe Weather Resources page:
https://www.mccac.com/shelter-1

We are also accepting donations of supply items for the Cooling Shelter, including gatorade, shelf-stable snack items, lip balm, and sunscreen. Supply donations may be dropped off to The Gloria Center during Cooling Center operations hours or regular business hours.

If you need immediate assistance, call 911.

County Ordinance No. 376 prohibits using fireworks in unincorporated areas of Hood River County from July 6th until November 15th.

Illegal fireworks use can be reported to your local law enforcement agency via its non-emergency number. Fire danger will quickly increase as fuels dry out with warmer weather. Wildfire prevention should be top of mind for anyone at home, working or playing outdoors.

Please have a happy 4th of July and celebrate safely! County offices are closed today for the holiday.

Hood River County includes forests and wildlands with dangerous fire risks, especially during hot and dry conditions.

For tips on wildfire prevention, visit keeporegongreen.org/prevent-wildfires or this Oregon State Fire Marshal link. Thank you for protecting our community.

The weather forecast is calling for hot and dry conditions across the state this coming week. We've seen how quickly a fire can spread with the Darlene 3 Fire in Central Oregon.

Please, please, please take every precaution to avoid sparking a wildfire. We have a bunch of tips to prevent a wildfire on our website from BBQing to recreating.

LEARN MORE: https://www.oregon.gov/osfm/education/pages/prevent-wildfires.aspx

Hood River County is looking for three prospective employees.

• The District Attorney’s office seeks a full-time LEGAL SECRETARY to perform legal secretarial work involving complex legal principles and terminology. The role is responsible for tracking and filing complaints, typing judgments, and maintaining the trial calendar.

• The Hood River County Prevention Department seeks a PREVENTION & EDUCATION SPECIALIST fluent in Spanish and passionate about healthy living and choices. If you have experience working with K-12 students, listening in an unbiased manner, and respecting the viewpoints of others, consider joining our team.

• The Hood River County Forestry Department seeks a seasonal FOREST TRAIL CREW member to begin in mid-August. This position performs various manual and semi-skilled tasks for its multi-use trail systems, including but not limited to Off-Highway Vehicle trails, mountain bike trails, day-use areas, campground, and other forest recreation activities within the County’s Tree Farm.

Hood River County aims to attract, retain, and engage committed, hardworking, thoughtful employees who support our shared goals in service delivery and responsible stewardship of public resources. To join the Hood River County team, visit hoodrivercounty.gov/employment and apply today.

As we approach the 4th of July holiday, please remember that dry and windy conditions increase the risk of wildfire. Fire Season has already begun in our area. If you plan to use fireworks during this holiday, only use them where they are allowed, and make sure they are legal in Oregon. Always be safe, responsible, and prepared. For more info, visit oregon.gov/osfm/Pages/Fireworks-.aspx.

County ordinance bans fireworks after July 5. Illegal fireworks should be reported to your local law enforcement agency via their non-emergency number. Let's work together to prevent wildfires and have a safe 4th of July holiday.

Beginning Monday, July 1st, Regulated Use Closure (RUC) will go into effect in Hood River and Wasco County. This means County Forest trails on Middle Mt., Pinemont, and Fir Mt. (Eastside) will be closed to motorized use due to fire danger.

Open campfires throughout the County Forest are prohibited. The only allowed campfires are inside fire rings at the Kingsley Campground at this time. However, portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed.

A waiver of the RUC restrictions for OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle/Motorized) use will be in place again this year for Hood River County’s Northwest Area Trail System (Post Canyon) until further notice.

The Oregon Department of Forestry puts RUC regulations in place during fire season to reduce fire starts. For more information, visit: odfcentraloregon.com.

“It was another productive day,” said Matt Jordan, County Parks & Building Maintenance Supervisor. Another clean-up took place earlier this week at the Powerdale Corridor "big island,” county-owned land next to the Hood River.

A local contractor provided by Hood River County focused on clearing concentrated debris sites. The Public Works Parks & Buildings crew scoured the banks and bushes for litter. In total, eight cubic yards of debris were removed from the island. This is in addition to around 20 cubic yards of garbage and metal cleared out of neighboring lands in April. Thank you again to Mt. Hood Railroad for supplying the rail cart to help haul out the debris more efficiently.

To learn more about the Powerdale Corridor clean-up and planned improvements, read our story at hoodrivercounty.gov/powerdale-corridor-cleanup-spring-2024.

The Hood River County Elections Office certified official results for the May 21 Primary Election earlier this month. The final voter turnout was 49.05% with 8,055 ballots cast out of 16,423 registered voters.

The final reporting for election night included 7,742 ballots cast. 182 ballots were postmarked by Election Day and received within the required seven days. Challenges were resolved for another 131 ballots within three weeks of election day, contributing to Hood River County’s official results. Challenges are usually questionable signatures that the County Elections Office resolves with the voter. You can find the official results at hoodrivercounty.gov/electionresults.

Call the Hood River County Elections Office if you have any questions (541-386-1442). Thank you to all who returned your ballots!

The Hood River County Health Department seeks an Outreach Coordinator to work with community and regional partners in completing grant deliverables related to outreach programs such as OHP, SNAP, and other department services offered by Hood River County Health.

The role may require regional travel using an authorized county vehicle. Candidates should be familiar with office equipment use and demonstrate good judgment. Spanish fluency is a must. If you are interested in this role, please apply today! More information and the application are available at hoodrivercounty.gov/employment.