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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (June 16, 2021)
SIUSLAW NEWS | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 2021 | 5A BURN from page 1A Though the date is typical for the area and there has been a recent spate of rain, trends show that the region has been getting both warmer and dri- er over the years, according to National Oceanic and At- mospheric Administration (NOAA) data. Scott Borgioli, a meteorol- ogist based in Cottage Grove, attested that the nation’s con- tinental West is overall getting warmer, experiencing a rise in the snowline and seeing earlier spring snow melts. Borgioli recently conducted a special study to answer local agricultural concerns. “I’ve been fielding a lot of questions from the local com- munity,” he said. “People are asking ‘Are we drying up?’ and, ‘Is Oregon burning up?’ This prompted me to do a study, even though I’ve already been seeing these trends in my 20- plus years as a meteorologist.” Much of the study is based on data from NOAA’s Nation- al Centers for Environmental Information, which shows a marked rise in average sum- mer high temperatures be- tween 1991 and 2020. In the long term, annual average temperature trends in the re- gion have also seen a gradual increase between 1895 and 2020. Borgioli also pointed to an increase in dryness. Though drought recordings in Oregon dating back to 1895 show that swings between dry and wet periods are frequent, March 1 through May 31 this year marked the driest meteo- Your guide to great locally owned restaurants. Weekly Special: Crispy Ranch Chicken OR Crispy Ranch Zucchini Sandwich served w/ garlic fried brussel sprouts $13 New summer menu starting 6/16! Check it out at www. nosheateryfl orence.com/menu Friday: Lobster Rolls Wed-Sat 11am-8pm www.nosheateryfl orence.com 541-997-5899 • 1269 Bay Street Old Town Florence rological spring on record. Over the past 45 years, said Borgioli, many areas have had increases in the average time without precipitation events, which means not only drier summers, but during the other seasons as well. Precipitation events themselves are also be- coming more varied. The global temperature for May 2021 tied with 2018 as the sixth highest for the month of May in the 142-year NOAA re- cord, which dates back to 1880. Every 10 years, NOAA’s “30-year Climate Normals” are updated. The most recent update occurred on May 4, 2021, to cover the period of 1991 through 2020. The trends show warmer temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns. Eugene, for example, saw 5.27 inches less rainfall in the new climate normal period. The city’s period of 1981- 2010 saw 46.10 inches of rain- fall, but for the updated period of 1991-2020, the new Normal Annual Precipitation was at 40.83 inches. Nationally, the Southwest is trending toward longer and more frequent droughts and the trend has crept up into parts of Oregon as well. Borgioli pointed to more episodes of strong, persistent, high pressure in the Pacific Ocean which “block” storms as part of the reason for some loss of annual precipitation. “Increased variability and overall lower precipitation has strong influence on agricul- ture, vegetation and wildfires,” said Borgioli. “Increased time between precipitation events has a large impact on wildfires and also affects soil, livestock, vegetation and wildlife.” Borgioli pointed out that the changes in climate are due to both natural and human influ- ences. “We are seeing changes in the climate, some of which ap- pear to be influenced by man — greenhouse gases trapping heat and causing a slightly warmer environment,” he said. “Basically, greenhouse gases act to prevent more radiation from leaving Earth at night. This means the incoming solar radiation (sunshine) has less net escape during the night due to these gases acting like a ‘blanket.’ The end result is more overall heat.” Natural phenomena have had an effect this year as well. The relatively weak turnout this last season of the climate pattern La Nina, for example, impacted the lack of precipita- tion this year while a stronger presence may have meant a wetter period. Ultimately, the overall trends point to higher fire risks. “Summers are getting warmer and thus this affects wildfire behavior,” said Borg- ioli. Fire management Tuesday, June 15, was the final day for outdoor burning for most Lane County resi- dents until October. During the fire season, yard debris may not be burned, however LRAPA noted that re- moving overgrown vegetation is important work to defend against wildfires. Lane Forest Products, Rex- ius, or Lane County’s transfer stations and dumpsites are re- sources available to the com- munity to dispose of debris. Composting and chipping are also encouraged. Residents who burn during the closed season are subject to violations ranging from $50 to BACKED BY A YEAR-ROUND CLOG-FREE GUARANTEE CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE 15 % OFF YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE * + 1-855-536-8838 10 % + OFF SENIOR & MILITARY DISCOUNTS Mon-Thurs: 8am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 8am-5pm, Sun: 2pm-8pm EST 5 % OFF TO THE FIRST 50 CALLERS! ** | Promo Number: 285 *For those who qualify. One coupon per household. No obligation estimate valid for 1 year. **Offer valid at time of estimate only 2The leading consumer reporting agency conducted a 16 month outdoor test of gutter guards in 2010 and recognized LeafFilter as the “#1 rated professionally installed gutter guard system in America.” Manufactured in Plainwell, Michigan and processed at LMT Mercer Group in Ohio. See Representative for full warranty details. 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Early bird 3pm to 4pm 15% off your bill Dine-in only 541-590-3569 165 Maple Street, Florence, OR Offbaystreetbistro.com 541-902-6447 Drift wood Shores Resort 88416 1st Avenue, Florence We are open for dine-in, take-out, sidewalk & patio seating We are doing everything we can to safely serve our community. We are open: 11am to 9pm every day F E BEST O F LO E N C R During the time a wildfire is in your area • Stay aware of the latest news and updates from your local media and fire depart- ment. Get your family, home and pets prepared to evacuate. • Place your emergency supply kit and other valuables in your vehicle. • Move patio or deck furni- ture, cushions, doormats, and potted plants in wooden con- tainers either indoors or as far away from the buildings, shed, and garage as possible. • Close and protect your building’s openings, including attic and basement doors and vents, windows, garage doors, and pet doors to prevent em- bers from penetrating your buildings. • Connect garden hoses and fill any pools, hot tubs, garbage cans, tubs, or other large con- tainers with water. Firefighters can potentially use these items during a wildfire. • Leave as early as possible before you’re told to evacuate. Do not linger once evacua- tion orders have been given. Promptly leaving your home and neighborhood clears roads for firefighters to get equipment to fight the fire and helps ensure residents’ safety. After a wildfire has been contained • Continue to listen to news updates for information about the fire. Then, return home only when authorities say it is safe. • Visit FEMA/Ready.gov for more information regarding wildfire after an emergency. Learn more about how to protect your home, business, and property at www.firewise. org or disastersafety.org. Richard Beaudro Principal Broker 541 991-6677 Covered heated porch, In-door dining and ToGo’s Call 2020 In your community • Contact your local plan- ning/zoning office to find out if your home or business is in a high wildfire risk area and if there are specific local or county ordinances you should be following. • If you are part of a home- owner association, work with them to identify regulations that incorporate proven pre- paredness landscaping, home design, and building material use. • Talk to your local fire de- partment about how to pre- pare, when to evacuate, and the response you and your neighbors can expect in the event of a wildfire. Closed Mon., Tue., Wed. Surfside Restaurant at Drift wood Shores Resort Is Open for Dine-in & take out from 4pm - 8:30 pm Tuesday - Saturday VOTED it with everyone in your home and business. • Plan two ways out of your neighborhood and designate a meeting place. Get Results...List With Richard. Reservations highly recommended LOCATED IN OLD TOWN $2,500 or more. The Lane County Fire De- fense Board will decide to open the fall burning season on Oct. 1 or delay its opening due to high fire risk. The Special Districts Asso- ciation of Oregon’s member fire districts have asked for public and fire district assis- tance to reduce fire spread in the event of a wildfire. The National Fire Protec- tion Association (NFPA) of- fers some tips on mitigating the risks: • Before a wildfire threatens an area, much can be done to minimize risk. • Creating “defensible space” is a critical first step in and around homes and businesses. • Clearing leaves and oth- er debris from gutters, eaves, porches, and decks prevents embers from igniting build- ings and removing dead vege- tation, firewood piles and oth- er items from under a deck or porch and within 10 feet of the building can give a location a safety buffer. • Screen or box in areas be- low patios and decks with 1/8- inch wire mesh to prevent de- bris and combustible materials from accumulating. • Remove flammable mate- rials (firewood stacks, propane tanks, etc.) within 30 feet of your foundation and outbuild- ings, including garages and sheds. If it can catch fire, don’t let it touch your buildings, deck, or porch. • Wildfire can spread to treetops. Prune trees so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet from the ground. • Keep your lawn hydrated and maintained. If it is brown, cut it down to reduce fire in- tensity. Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfire. • Don’t let debris and lawn cuttings linger. Instead, dis- pose of these items quickly to reduce fuel for a fire. • Inspect shingles or roof tiles. Replace or repair those that are loose or missing to prevent ember penetration. • Cover exterior attic vents with metal wire mesh no larger than 1/8 inch to pre- vent sparks from entering the building. • Enclose undereave and soffit vents or screens with metal mesh to prevent ember entry. 1285 Bay Street, Old Town Florence (541) 902-8338 www.1285Restobar.com 240 HOURS Is your family prepared? If an emergency happens in our community, it may take emergency workers some time to reach you. You should be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for a minimum of 240 hours. Get your emergency kit started with these essentials: ❑ Battery powered radio ❑ First aid kit an manual ❑ Sleeping bags and blankets (wool or thermal) ❑ Manual can opener ❑ Waterproof/windproof matches ❑ Water storage (1 gallon/person/day) ❑ Water purifi cation tablets ❑ Non-Perishable Food ❑ Utility knife ❑ Emergency candles ❑ Extra eyeglasses and contact lenses ❑ Essential medications This message brought to you by the West Lane Emergency Operations Group. www.wleog.org IDENTIFY • PREPARE • SURVIVE 1035 Royal St Georges Dr – Fairway frontage and solid, well built home with great golf course views. This home is full of luxury amenities includ- ing stainless appliances and gas range, propane fi replace, an elevator, media/theater room, and expansive Trex deck overlooking the green. $850,000. #3137-20502246 1749 Highway 101 • 541-997-1200
