County agencies schedule wildfire safety seminar June 20 in Yachats

Representatives of three Lincoln County agencies will visit Yachats on Thursday, June 20 to give a seminar on wildfire safety.

The presentation by the sheriff’s office, Fire Defense Board and public health department will be from 6-8 p.m. in the Yachats Commons.

The goal is to prepare residents, businesses and visitors on wildfire threat conditions, evacuation procedures and efforts individuals can take to be ready for wildfire season, said Jenny Demaris, county emergency manager.

The presentation will incorporate specific topics including wildfire history and seasonal fire conditions, evacuations and what to expect if you receive an evacuation order, and how to minimize health effects of smoky conditions.

“Wildfire threat is not just a risk for rural areas of Lincoln County,” said Lincoln County Fire Defense Board Chief Rob Murphy. “Each property owner should take the time to look at their yards and properties and build a defensible space to protect their homes and structures.”

Although Lincoln County is generally considered to have a lower threat for wildfire compared to counties in central and eastern Oregon, Murphy said people and communities need to cooperate to reduce fire risk and adhere to fire safety rules.

Sheriff Curtis Landers said neighborhood evacuations in Lincoln County are rare and it is uncommon for people to pack up belongings, pets and family members and leave homes quickly.

“These wildfire readiness events are the best way we can educate community members of the three evacuation levels, what to expect when they receive a call from Lincoln Alerts to evacuate or when a deputy knocks on their door to notify them of a wildfire threat and the best route to take to safety,” Landers said.

The Yachats presentation is one of 11 the county is organizing in June and July. Others include 6-8 p.m. Monday, June 24 at Waldport City Hall and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 215 at the Seal Rock Fire Department.