Today I am grateful for the firefighters, National Guard members, and Red Cross volunteers working around the clock to keep Oregonians safe and I’m holding all Oregonians and animals impacted by the fires in my thoughts. We cannot begin to understand the full extent of the fires’ impact yet, but I know that together, we will get through these challenging times. The next few days will be hard as reports of damages and lives lost are released, and I am with you in your grief.

Please follow the directions from firefighters, local officials, and emergency responders. If you are asked to evacuate, do so immediately. Your choices could save lives. Here are a few important resources to keep you informed and safe.

Sign Up for Public Alerts

To sign up for alerts in your particular county:

• Clackamas County

• Washington County

Clackamas County Updates on evacuation and shelter

Monitor updated information on Oregon wildfires across the state

Red Cross Info - Preparing for wildfires During COVID-19 (7 languages)

Stay Safe,

Rachel

Clackamas County Evacuations

There are currently four active wildfires in Clackamas county. These fires are:

• Oregon City, Redland and Potter Road

• Colton Area - Under Road

• Molalla Area - Wilhoit and Bird Road

• Beachie Creek fire resulted in an evacuation of the Job Corps at Ripplebrook in the Mout Hood National Forest

The current evacuation map can be found here. Clackamas County has updated the map as of September 10th at 10:30 am. The Wildfire Evacuation Zone map will continue to be updated as the situation progresses. 

Level 1: BE READY for potential evacuation. You should be aware of the danger that exists in the area, monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. This is the time for preparation and precautionary movements of persons with special needs, mobile property and (under certain circumstances) pets and livestock. If conditions worsen, emergency services personnel may contact you via an emergency notification system.

Level 2: BE SET to evacuate. You must prepare to leave at a moment’s notice. This level indicates there is significant danger to your area, and residents should either voluntary relocate to a shelter or with family and friends outside of the affected area, or if choosing to remain, to be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice. Residents MAY have time to gather necessary items, but doing so is at their own risk. This may be the only notice you receive. Emergency services cannot guarantee that they will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate. Area media services will be asked to broadcast periodic updates.

Find Your Local Check-in

As the situation progresses it’s not only important to have your supplies and belongings prepared, but knowing where to go is crucial. Making a plan with a friend or family member who has a safe place is a great choice for those who have that available to them. If you are still trying to locate a safe location Clackamas County provided a list that will be updated here. However, I have included a copy of the locations as of now (information may change over time):
 

Check-In Sites

Updated: Sept. 9, 2020 at 12:35 p.m.

Canby

Clackamas County Fairgrounds

Livestock only Currently full

694 NE 4th Ave.
Canby, OR 97013

Clackamas

Clackamas Town Center

Northeast area of the parking lot available for RVs only. Contact the Security Department at 503-653-6962 for check-in.

12000 SE 82nd Ave.

Happy Valley, OR 97086

Gladstone

Oregon Conference Headquarters of Seventh-day Adventists

RVs only

19800 Oatfield Road

Gladstone, OR 97027

Milwaukie

Milwaukie-Portland Elks Lodge #142

RV and tent sites

13121 SE McLoughlin Blvd.

Oak Grove, OR 97222

Oregon City

Clackamas Community College

Evacuation check-in site. Limited shelter space in the gym.

19600 Molalla Ave.

Oregon City, OR 97045

Oregon City High School

Limited shelter space in the gym. Check-in at Clackamas Community College first.

19761 S Beavercreek Road

Oregon City, OR 97045

How You Can Help

Remember the Health Risks

The smoke from the multiple fires is causing poor air quality throughout the state. It is important to remember the health risks and take precautions to protect yourself. The smoke can irritate the eyes and lungs and worsen some medical conditions. Young children, adults over 65, pregnant women, and people with heart disease, asthma, or other respiratory conditions are most at risk.

• Stay inside if possible. Keep windows and doors closed.

• Be aware of smoke in your area and avoid places with the highest levels.

• If smoke levels are hazardous, consider leaving the area.

• Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. These can be portable filters or can be installed in indoor heating, ventilation, cooling, and air purification systems.

• If you have heart or lung disease or asthma, follow your health care provider’s advice.

The Oregonian has centralized its coverage here of fires across the state, and Oregon Public Broadcasting has live updates on fires and evacuation orders running here.