Month: September 2020

FROM SOS –

Tomorrow (Friday, 9/18), we will be getting the Shady Cove/Trail/Prospect areas that we were unable to get late last week and earlier this week, this service will most likely spill over into Saturday to get everyone with our internal procedures listed below.  We will still be unable to get Butte Falls Hwy, the Town of Butte Falls, and some rural areas NE of Eagle Point.

UPDATED INFO –

 

Our routes are restricted today in the Shady Cove and Hwy 62 areas north of the Evacuation areas.  I have attached the internal policy that we have been practicing since last week in both Jackson and Josephine Counties regarding the Obenchain and Slater fires. The short answer is that we wont be inside the City of Shady Cove today, but I will be in contact regarding when we will be able to service your area when the Evacuation level decreases.

Transfer Stations

• While we did open Sunday we had been closed Monday due to air quality and are open today 9/15/20, our policy is an AQI above 300 or if area is in a stage 2 or 3 we stay closed. With that we have made a few exceptions that I wanted you to know about. Commercial customers can bring in loads and Residential customers that have perishable food can also come in. When these customers come in or call we will take care of them. I know you to understand that studies have been done that show even n95 masks do not help when the air quality is above 300 and we have a first responsibility to keep our employees safe.

Garbage and Recycle Routes

Zone 1

• SOS will continue all operations per our normal operating procedures. There is no intended delay unless the area in inaccessible due to road closures created by adjacent fire evacuation zones.

Zone 2

• SOS operations will not enter this evacuation zones to pick up residential refuse and recycling.
• SOS operations will only enter this zone to service commercial customers on a call in basis, however all routes are delayed until the restrictions are lifted.
• At the request of EMS groups, we will deliver drop boxes in support of fire operations.

Zone 3

• SOS will not enter or circumvent these restrictions to complete any residential, commercial, or industrial refuse or recycling services. This includes any request for fire boxes within zone 3.

Please let me know if you need anything, we are currently evacuated out of our EP office as it is still in a Level 2 Evacuation area, we are running all routes out of our GP office.

SOS

https://jcgis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=3caa39804db54631a61007180d5ef415

Indian Creek Road up from Aunt Caroline’s Park is closed as that it the access point for fire equipment.

Please be careful and mindful of first responders.

Drive safely.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s office will issue a formal news release today at 2:00 p.m. regarding a possible change in our evacuation status.

The predicted strong winds did not materialize Sunday which helped with the spread of fire.  However, dense smoke remains in the area and inhibits air support.

The Fire Incident Management Team stated in this morning’s update that containment is 20%. Equipment is being used to contain lines and mop up to reinforce the perimeter.  Fire personnel continue to secure lines and watch for spot fires.  So when we are able to return to our homes, be mindful of their presence and avoid impeding the crucial work they are doing.

The Fire Incident Management Team also warned that to keep first responders and the community safe and healthy, we should continue to follow the appropriate recommendations to protect ourselves and others against the coronavirus.

So far, Shady Cove has been able to escape a potential disaster and we need to focus on helping our neighbors and our community to complete the restoration process. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to those who have brought our City through this potentially tragic incident with only minor damage and inconvenience.

Mayor Lena Richardson

September 13, 2020 –

Chief Winfrey reported that dozer lines are being reinforced around Shady Cove and fire has spotted over Indian Creek.  The evacuation level will remain the same through the current Red Flag Warning period and will be re-evaluated tomorrow.  The Red Flag Warning for wind up to 25 miles per hour is expected from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. today.

At this time our area is receiving help from Portland, Yamhill, Salt Lake City, and other agencies at all levels, both state and federal.  However, they want to make sure that when we are allowed back into our homes that we will not be sent through a revolving door and have to turn around and go back into evacuation.

In addition, the Sheriff’s Department, Oregon State Police and other law enforcement agencies are working to keep our homes safe while we are in evacuation.

This is an especially frustrating and anxious time for our citizensand an unprecedented test of our fortitude.  However, we must stay committed to enduring this challenge and re-committing to making Shady Cove a better place to live and work together when we are able to return.

Mayor Lena Richardson