Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Cannon Beach gazette. (Cannon Beach, Or.) 1977-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 8, 2019)
A3 • Friday, February 8, 2019 | Cannon Beach Gazette | CannonBeachGazette.com Protecting the coast from deadly wildfi res Protect your home ahead of time, say fi re offi cials By DAVE FISHER For Cannon Beach Gazette Could it happen here on the North Coast, a wildfi re comparable to the Novem- ber 2018 Camp Fire that, when it was over, was the deadliest and most destruc- tive wildfi re in California history? The answer to that ques- tion posed by fi re offi cials to a standing-room-only crowd of about 100 people gath- ered at Pine Grove Com- munity Center in Manza- nita at the end of January was, hypothetically speak- ing, yes. The similarities between Cannon Beach, Manza- nita and other north Ore- gon coast communities and the densely populated foot- hill community of Para- dise, California are striking: homes and structures nestled in wooded areas, uneven ter- rain, long periods without rainfall, windy conditions at times, older populations, and few escape routes. Looking back at the Camp Fire that engulfed Paradise, Ed Wallmark, Til- lamook District Protection Unit Forester for the Ore- gon Department of Forestry, said he wasn’t there “to scare anybody,” but the sta- tistics he offered were sober- ing nonetheless. The fi re was among the deadliest in U.S. history, said Wallmark, causing at least 86 civil- ian fatalities, most of which incurred the fi rst few hours as people tried to escape the fi restorm. In all, the fi re cov- ered nearly 240 square miles and destroyed nearly 14,000 homes. At its height, 52,000 people evacuated the area affected. However, unlike a typical wildfi re, in Para- dise the fi re sparked struc- ture-to-structure ignitions. While the discussion as to what might happen locally dealt with hypothetical sit- uations, Perry Sherbaugh, fi re chief for Nehalem Bay Fire and Rescue, recounted an incident that occurred in July 2014, three days after the Fourth of July celebra- tion in Manzanita. Strong afternoon winds rekindled a beach fi re among the logs blowing embers into a dry vegetated hillside. The ensu- ing wildfi re climbed the bank and threatened ocean view houses perched atop. “The fi re,” said Sher- baugh, “climbed uphill in about a minute’s time and was the result of a likely beach fi re that hadn’t been entirely extinguished.” Fortunately, only four homes were damaged, but it could have been much worse as, like Paradise, the area affected is densely pop- ulated. To make matters worse, with only one escape road at their disposal, those uphill from the fi re would likely have been trapped. Summertime is particu- larly worrisome to fi re offi - Wall Street Forestry presentation coming to Tolovana Hall Feb. 8 Cannon Beach Gazette “Wall Street Forestry and The Climate Crisis: Putting People Before Profi ts,” a talk by Chuck Willer of the Coast Range Association, comes to Tolovana Hall, 3779 S. Hemlock, on Fri- day, Feb. 8, at 7 p.m. Willer’s presenta- tion will be the fi rst full exploration of the Coast Range Associ- ation’s assessment of Wall Street forestry in light of the climate cri- sis. Given the warnings from the scientifi c com- munity that society has 12 years to move into a full carbon transi- tion, Willer will address what is likely warranted for Oregon’s corporate forests. The conclusions drawn and recommen- dations offered will be a fi rst in Oregon’s evolv- ing discussion of cli- mate, forests and the required economic tran- sition we now face. Nehalem Fire and Rescue The aftermath of wildfi re near Manzanita in July 2014 shows the burnt trail the fi re left. Fire offi cials say it could have been worse. said Wallmark. “I’m not say- ing you have to go out and do right now, but it’s some- thing to keep in mind, do the little things as you can. Like I said, I’m not here to scare anyone, but we can be better prepared.” The January 29 presen- tation in Manzanita was organized by the Emer- gency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay, which offers these additional safety tips for area residents — sign up for reverse 9-1-1 or Nixle to receive public safety alerts immediately, keep a go bag and emergency supplies in your car and know of at least two evacuation routes. In addition, have a family plan in place so separated family members know how to pro- ceed in an emergency. Much more emergency preparedness information is available online at www. Firewise.org, www.evcnb. org, and www.wildfi rersg. org. In addition, the Clat- sop and Tillamook County offi ces of the Oregon Depart- ment of Forestry offer free onsite home assessments as to how homeowners can reduce wildfi re risks. In Clatsop County, Department of Forestry can be reached at 503-325-5451; in Tillamook County, 503-842-2545. Dave Fisher Ed Wallmark of the Oregon Department of Forestry along with Chris Beswick and Perry Sherbaugh of Nehalem Bay Fire and Rescue discuss measures homeowners can take to protect their homes should a wildfi re threaten them. cials as conditions are typ- ically dry during what is the height of tourist sea- son. “High public use areas increase the risk of fi res,” Sherbaugh noted. Added Wallmark, “Of the 1,115 wildfi res in Oregon in 2018, 896 were human caused while 219 were caused by lightning. Light- ning-caused fi res burned more acres, but the gap between lightning-caused fi res and those attributed to humans is closing.” While the scale of the California fi res is probably much larger than would be experienced here, the condi- tions that helped create the widespread devastation in California still exist, espe- cially in communities like Manzanita, Cannon Beach, Arch Cape and Gearhart where urban homes inter- face with natural wooded areas. According to Wall- mark, “Homeowners who live in such areas can make a big difference to reduce the risk of their home burning with pre-fi re activities. The biggest thing is by mitigat- ing fuels close to structures.” To that end, the creation of defensible space around one’s home and “harden- ing” the structure itself is most important. Of the three zones of defensible space, Zone 1, beginning from the framed edge of the house, is most important. If you have grass, keep it cut short or, better yet, replace with dec- orative rock or some other infl ammable cover; remove shrubs next to exterior walls; keep gutters free of needles and debris; eliminate tight places where embers could potentially land; don’t store fi rewood or other fl ammable materials next to the house, garage or carports, and even underneath decks. As far as hardening the house, metal, clay or cement tile roofs offer the best protection. Fire resistant siding helps too. “These are things you can do over time that will help,” FLOORING CCB# 205283 Luxury vinyl planks and tile. you walk on our reputation Flooring Installation 3470 Hwy 101 Suite 102 • Gearhart, Oregon 503.739.7577 • carpetcornergearhart.com PAINTING Randy Anderson Licensed • Bonded • Insured CCB# 89453 36 Years Experience Anderson Painting (503) 738-9989 • Cell (503) 440-2411 • Fax (503) 738-9337 PO Box 140 Seaside, Oregon 97138 www.andersonpainting.biz “Custom Finishing” CONSTRUCTION B oB M c E wan c onstruction , inc . E xcavation • u ndErground u tiitiEs r oad w ork • F ill M atErial s itE P rEParation • r ock owned and operated by M ike and C eline M C e wan 503-738-3569 34154 Hwy 26, Seaside, OR P.O. Box 2845, Gearhart, OR S erving the p aCifiC n orthweSt S inCe 1956 • CC48302 LANDSCAPING Daniel Elliott Benefit Thank You! Wow what an incredible turnout! Words can’t express how grateful Dan and I are for everyone who attended the benefit and made a donation. Your kind words and generosity have truly helped during this difficult time. We are so fortunate to live in such a supportive community. Dan and I would like to thank all the local businesses who donated items for the silent auction and raffle. There were too many to list! Your generosity helped make it an amazing evening of giving and support. Laurelwood Compost • Mulch • Planting MacMix Soil Amendments YARD DEBRIS DROP-OFF (no Scotch Broom) 503-717-1454 34154 HIGHWAY 26 SEASIDE, OR Laurelwood Farm CONSTRUCTION Thank you to Cash and Carry, Seaside Golf Course and the American Legion for donating the food and supplies and hosting the event. Thank You, Dan & Kim “Helping shape the character of Cannon Beach since 1973” Residential • Commercial • Remodeling New Construction • Storm Damage Repair Full Service Custom Cabinet Shop We have the Sweetest Treats for your Valentine! 503.436.2235 www.coasterconstruction.com • CCB# 150126 STORAGE STORAGE AVAILABLE CANNON BEACH BUSINESS PARK Pre-order CHOCOLATE DIPPED S STRAWBERRIE 4th for February 1 s) (limited supplie 10’ x 10’ Heated Valentine’s Day Balloons NOW Available!! Making Sweet Memories for over 50 Years! 256 N Hemlock Cannon Beach OR 97110 503-436-2641 www.brucescandy.com Contact Holly at 503-436-2235 ADVERTISING YOUR AD HERE! Our Business Directory is an inexpensive way for your business to advertise with us! ONLY $ 25 APRIL OLSEN Call 503-325-3211 to discuss new and exicting ways to promote your business on the North Coast
