Rain clears air, but wildfires continue

(SEPTEMBER 19, 2020) Many people welcomed the return of rain to Oregon this week. The rain helped to improve air quality across the state. The air was filled with smoke from wildfires. It was very hazardous for many days. The rain is not enough to extinguish the wildfires. However, the wet weather helps to keep the fires from becoming worse.

An unusual weather event in early September brought very strong winds during a very dry period. This situation led to 37 wildfires in Oregon. More than 1,000,000 acres burned. About 40,000 people were evacuated. Many homes and businesses were destroyed. The whole towns of Phoenix and Talent are gone. 16 people are missing. At least 9 people in Oregon died.

“While the rains may help dampen fire growth for a few days, they will continue to present other hazards for our firefighters and communities,” says Alan Sinclair. He is the Incident Commander on the Riverside Fire in Clackamas County. Heavy rain can cause flooding. Heavy winds can knock down trees that are weak from the fires. These things can block roads and make travel difficult.

The Riverside Fire started September 8. Today it covers 137,865 acres. 647 firefighters are trying to put it out, but currently only 10% is contained ("contained" means under control).