A Fire Weather Watch—often a precursor to the more severe Red Flag Warning—was issued Friday afternoon by the Portland office of the National Weather Service for Saturday beginning at 11 a.m. through 9 p.m.
News
County seeks public input on commissioner redistricting process
Following the 2020 census, political boundaries across the landscape are shifting thanks to redistricting, and Washington County residents have been asked to weigh in on the process of redrawing the four Board of Commissioner Districts that divide the county.
State forester rescinds wildfire risk map in response to public, political outcry
On Thursday afternoon, just five weeks after publishing a wildfire risk map, the state Forestry Department axed it.
Federal officials declare a public health emergency for monkeypox
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra announced Thursday a public health emergency for the monkeypox virus, which means the federal government can more quickly assist states with distributing vaccines and conducting testing and public health campaigns.
Oregon State Police seek help in solving cold case
Skeletal remains, a car chase, a Revolutionary War replica button: The remains of a Washington County man, missing since the late 1960s, were found in the Tillamook State Forest in 2004. Now, thanks to modern technology, police know who he was. But they need help finding out how his body came to rest near Highway 26 just over the county line
Forest Grove, Banks fire crews head to Wasco County to fight Miller Road Fire
Among those battling the 10,500 acre Miller Road Fire in Wasco County are crews from Banks Fire District and Forest Grove Fire & Rescue, who joined a task force of other Washington County Fire agencies Wednesday.
Electric utilities submit final plans to prevent wildfires, shutoffs as season ramps up
Nearly all of Oregon’s 41 electric utilities have submitted their final plans to the state for preventing wildfires and managing shutoffs, according to the Public Utilities Commission.
Contract awarded to begin dam removal project at Balm Grove
The Washington County Board of Commissioners—who also serve as the Clean Water Services Board of Directors—awarded a $924,950 contract to remove the Balm Grove Dam and do stream restoration work at the site to Biohabitats, Inc. Tuesday evening.
Highway 6 closed for crash near Lees Camp
Highway 6 is currently closed near Lees Camp in Tillamook County as emergency crews respond to a vehicle crash, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation.
Vandalism causes ‘severe flooding damage’ in Forest Grove High School science wing
Seven of eight classrooms in the Forest Grove High School science wing suffered severe flooding damage after a vandalism incident at the high school, the Forest Grove School District said.