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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (May 13, 2020)
THESIUSLAWNEWS.COM WEDNESDAY EDITION | MAY 13, 2020 | $1.00 Community & Lifestyle Prevention tips on top causes of wildfires The 2015 Stouts Creek Fire was started by a lawn mower and burned more than 30,000 acres. For many, the term “wildfires” conjures up large forest fires in remote, unpopulated areas. And, in many cases, these “wildfires” are believed be the from lightning. The truth, however, is just the opposite. People, and things created by people, are actually responsible for 70 percent of wildfires in Oregon. And the majority of these fires start near homes and communities. The top three human-caused wildfires are escaped, or rekindled, debris burns; sparks or exhaust from power equipment, and escaped campfires; all of which can be prevented. Escaped debris burns is, and has consistently been, the number one cause of wildfires in Oregon for decades. While the general cause falls under debris burning, the spe- cific cause may result from a num- ber of reasons. Burning during windy condi- tions; not having adequate clearing around the burn pile; leaving the burn site unattended; rekindling days or weeks after the initial burn due to increased wind and/or heat; or not having water and tools imme- diately available to manage the burn site. Whatever the reason, all of these fires can be prevented by following this simple checklist. Call before you burn. Local regulations may restrict See FIRE 2B PHOTOS BY MARK BRENNA/SIUSLAW NEWS Teacher and student volunteers from Siuslaw Elementary School, along with Florence Habitat For Humanity board members and staff, collected donations of bottles and cans May 8 and 9 for the local Habitat program. Collecting for a good cause By Mark Brennan Siuslaw News H abitat for Humanity had a high- ly successful bottle collection event last Friday and Saturday, May 8 and 9, with literally thousands of cans and bottles dropped off behind an impromptu collection site along Spruce Street behind the Habitat ReStore. Staff and student volunteers from the elementary school, as well as Florence Habitat, were on-hand both days to collect donations. Tide Tables Entrance Siuslaw River High Tide Low Tide May 13 4:44am / 6.3 6:53pm / 5.8 11:56am / 0.0 May 14 5:51am / 5.8 7:53pm/ 5.8 12:25am/ 3.3 12:56pm/ 0.5 May 15 7:05am / 5.4 8:44pm / 6.0 1:44am / 3.1 1:55pm / 0.8 May 16 8:20am / 5.2 9:26pm / 6.1 2:54am / 2.5 2:50pm / 1.1 May 17 9:27am / 5.2 10:02pm / 6.4 3:49am / 1.9 3:38pm / 1.3 May 18 10:25am / 5.3 10:34pm / 6.7 4:35am / 1.3 4:21pm / 1.5 May 19 11:15am / 5.5 11:05pm / 6.9 5:14am / 0.7 4:59pm / 1.8 “The turnout has been way beyond what we expected,” Mike Harklerode, Florence Habitat board president and Siuslaw Elementary School Principal, said early Saturday. “We have already filled five trailers with bottles, and we have had cars dropping off more all day.” Harklerode said he believed the large number of donations was due in large part to the COVID-19 measures current- ly in place, which prohibit retailers from accepting bottle returns. As a result, many residents had cans and bottles collecting at home waiting for the opportunity to turn them in. Harklerode also attributed the event’s success to a common theme when it comes to local nonprofits, which is community support. “We have a great community and we really appreciate its support,” he said. “This is a tough time, but it is good to see people come out to support Habitat and the good work it does for our community.” The Florence Habitat for Humanity office is located at 2004 Highway 101. For more information on the program, to donate or volunteer, call 541-902-9227. The Habitat ReStore is located at 2016 Highway 101, or call 541-997-5834. Local firefighter, EMT union donates to Florence Food Share On Monday, representa- tives from Siuslaw Valley Fire & Rescue and Western Lane Ambulance District were on hand for the presentation of a $2,500 check to Florence Food Share. The donation came as the result of an in- ternal fundraising drive by members of the Lane Pro- fessional Firefighters, IAFF L851 to help support com- munity members experi- encing food insecurity. The fundraiser raised a total of $20,000, which included a $17,500 check given to Food For Lane County. “As firefighters and para- medics, we often serve as our community’s last line of defense, whether fac- ing fires, traumatic events, medical emergencies, men- tal health emergencies, or weather emergencies,” said Mike Caven President, Lane Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 851. “The cur- rent COVID19 pandemic is an emergency of a different kind. Where they respond to NED HICKSON/SIUSLAW NEWS First responders from SVFR and WLAD — both of which are members of the IAFF L851 — were on hand during the presentation of a $2,500 check from union president Mike Caven (right) to Florence Food Share Operations Manager Colin Morgan (left) and Director Janet Engel (far left). the virus on the front lines, firefighters and paramed- ics also saw an opportunity to respond to increased de- mand for food support in the communities we serve.” According to Florence Food Share Director Janet Engel, the food pantry has seen a near 50 percent in- crease in service needs from within the community as a result of the pandemic over the past eight weeks. “Every dollar makes a difference in what we can provide to those who need it most,” En- gel said. “We are extremely appreciative of this support from our first responders.” The Lane Profession- al Firefighters Association, IAFF L851, is a local affiliate of the International Associa- tion of Firefighters. IAFF L851 represents the professional Firefighters and Paramedics in Lane County Oregon serving with Eugene Springfield Fire, South Lane Fire & Rescue, Lane Fire Au- thority, Western Lane Am- bulance, Siuslaw Valley Fire, Oakridge and Crescent Ru- ral. Yippee! Coldwell Banker is open for business! Tentatively our offi ce hours are 9am-4pm. One agent will be available at all times. We will practice social distancing since we still aren’t out of the woods yet with COVID-19. I trust you’re all well and ready to get out of the house. Next week I will be highlighting a new listing on Parkside Drive. It’s .19 acre with a 30 ft . shop, electric and water meters, and 3 rv hookups. If you’re interested, give me a call. I’m always available. 100 Hwy. 101, Florence, OR • 541.997.7777 Lynnette Wikstrom Broker “We’re next to the Bridge.” lynnette@cbcoast.com • Cell: 541.999.0786 COAST REAL ESTATE
