Latest news with #OSFM
New York Post
12-06-2025
- Climate
- New York Post
Thousands evacuated in Oregon as 3,500-acre wildfire scorches homes
The Rowena Fire in northern Oregon continued to burn Thursday after having scorched thousands of acres, destroying at least 20 homes and other structures and forcing many residents to evacuate. Located about 75 miles east of Portland along the Columbia River, the Rowena Fire has burned more than 3,500 acres and is 0% contained. The Oregon State Fire Marshal said the wildfire began Wednesday near the community of Rowena, where 30-mph winds helped the fire to quickly spread. The Rowena Fire has been fueled by record-low moisture, along with gusty winds, according to the OSFM. The winds have also been shifting, leading officials to expand the evacuation zones early Thursday morning. Officials warned of more wind shifts, poor visibility and hazardous conditions that will continue to create dangerous circumstances, particularly for drivers. They also urged residents to follow evacuation instructions promptly and stay up-to-date on the wildfire. 3 A fast-moving wildfire in northern Oregon threatened homes in Wasco County on June 12. Oregon State Fire Marshal via Storyful 3 Map and data on the Rowena Fire in northern Oregon. FOX Weather 3 Fire crews from multiple counties were deployed to fight the Rowena Fire in Wasco County, Oregon. Wasco County Sheriff's Office via Storyful 'This is only the beginning of what could be a difficult year,' said Travis Medema, chief deputy with the Oregon State Fire Marshal. 'This fire is occurring under unseasonable conditions and record-low fuel moistures – combined with unstable wind patterns, all of which signal a long and potentially dangerous fire season across the state.' According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, about 34% of Oregon is experiencing abnormally dry conditions with nearly 18% of the state in a Level 1 drought.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Thousands evacuated in Oregon as 3,500-acre wildfire scorches homes
ROWENA, Ore. – The Rowena Fire in northern Oregon continued to burn Thursday after having scorched thousands of acres, destroying at least 20 homes and other structures and forcing many residents to evacuate. Located about 75 miles east of Portland along the Columbia River, the Rowena Fire has burned more than 3,500 acres and is 0% contained. The Oregon State Fire Marshal said the wildfire began Wednesday near the community of Rowena, where 30-mph winds helped the fire to quickly spread. The Rowena Fire has been fueled by record-low moisture, along with gusty winds, according to the OSFM. The winds have also been shifting, leading officials to expand the evacuation zones early Thursday morning. Officials warned of more wind shifts, poor visibility and hazardous conditions that will continue to create dangerous circumstances, particularly for drivers. They also urged residents to follow evacuation instructions promptly and stay up-to-date on the wildfire. How To Watch Fox Weather "This is only the beginning of what could be a difficult year," said Travis Medema, chief deputy with the Oregon State Fire Marshal. "This fire is occurring under unseasonable conditions and record-low fuel moistures – combined with unstable wind patterns, all of which signal a long and potentially dangerous fire season across the state." According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, about 34% of Oregon is experiencing abnormally dry conditions with nearly 18% of the state in a Level 1 article source: Thousands evacuated in Oregon as 3,500-acre wildfire scorches homes
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Yahoo
Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal warns about ‘Chromebook Challenge' causing fires, smoke
MARYLAND (DC News Now) — The Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) said that there is a 'concerning' new Officials said that students have been putting electrically conductive items into electronic devices' charging ports in what is called the 'Chromebook Challenge.' 'This reckless behavior has been linked to several incidents resulting in fires, smoke, and property damage,' OSFM said in a news release. OSFM said that this 'challenge' started being documented on May 5. In some cases, there have been emergency evacuations at schools across Maryland. School officials: students setting laptops on fire, connected to TikTok trend 'We want to emphasize the importance of educating students about the dangers associated with these acts,' Acting State Fire Marshal Jason Mowbray said in the release. 'It is crucial that parents and educators work together to promote a culture of safety and responsibility regarding electronic devices.' OSFM encourages parents to discuss the dangers of such acts with their children. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Galesburg firefighters honored with awards
On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, the Galesburg Fire Department held its Annual Department Firefighter Awards Ceremony for 2024 at Central Station. The awards ceremony is held to recognize firefighters whose quick actions resulted in the saving of lives during an emergency incident, as well as those who exemplify dedication and professionalism to the fire service in the Galesburg Fire Department. Fire Captain Kyle Harms, Firefighter Josh Webber and Firefighter Kyle McGee all received the Galesburg Fire Department Unit Citation Award for their actions in rescuing individuals from a balcony and an apartment that were on fire during a structure fire in 2024. All three will also be recognized at the 32nd Annual Firefighting Medal of Honor Awards Ceremony in Springfield, IL, with the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Firefighter Unit Citation Award. Fire Captain Justin Moffitt (not pictured), Firefighter Tyler Brackett and Firefighter Nick Morrissey all received the Galesburg Fire Department Unit Citation Award for their actions in rescuing a woman who was trapped in the basement of a residential structure fire in 2024. They will also be recognized at the 32nd Annual Firefighting Medal of Honor Awards Ceremony in Springfield, IL, with the OSFM Firefighter Excellence Award. Firefighter Nick Morrissey received the 2024 Firefighter of the Year Award for his actions on the above mentioned structure fire, for his dedication to maintenance and training of the water and ice rescue program, training of RIT skills within the department that he learned while attending outside training, membership on the pension board, and his dedication to the training of new Galesburg Fire recruits and the betterment of the shift that he is assigned to. Firefighter Morrissey exemplifies what all fire departments hope to see in their members. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBC
25-03-2025
- Business
- CBC
New paid parking system sparks concerns for businesses in Old Strathcona
Social Sharing Some businesses are concerned that the City of Edmonton's changes to the parking system at the Old Strathcona Farmers' Market (OSFM) will impact their operations. Free two-hour parking at 83rd Avenue and Gateway Boulevard lot on Saturdays will be no more, as the City is set to take over the lot's management staring April 6. The market has leased the parking lot from the City for the last 40 years, which allowed it to provide parking to visitors, along with discounted parking for other businesses around the area. In June 2023, city councillors voted to not renew the lease. Farmers' market patrons — and anyone parking there any other day of the week — will have to pay $2.50 per hour, with different maximums depending on the time of day. No EPark machines will be installed there, so all drivers will have to pay with an app or online. WATCH | What lies ahead for the parking lot near the OSFM? Old Strathcona Farmers' Market parking lot could become a park 6 months ago Duration 2:17 The City said the change is part of its Old Strathcona Public Realm Strategy, aimed at preparing for the future of the area. "The transition of the parking lot back to the City enables the City to begin the early preparation and scoping towards the long-term goal of establishing a district park," said the city of Edmonton in a statement to CBC News. "An additional park will add space for the public visiting Old Strathcona to play, be active, and relax." Micaela Szpigiel, the OSFM communications coordinator, said that although the new parking fee is relatively low, it could discourage people from visiting. "Unfortunately, there are a lot of comments being made of people not coming to support our market because of the free parking," she said in an interview. "But we're hoping that our team can really get the word out about this parking change so that people don't get tickets from the city and they can still come and support their favourite local farmers market." For the OSFM, it says these parking changes could impact foot traffic, particularly tourist visitors, many of whom arrive in motorhomes. To help mitigate the impact of the new parking system, the OSFM is making some changes of its own. Starting in May, the market will open on Saturdays and Mondays, and they're exploring the possibility of opening on additional days during the week. It is also offering some giveaways to help customers pay for their parking fees between April and May. The Varscona Theatre, located just across the market, was one of those businesses that benefited from the discounted parking offered by the market. Kendra Connor, the theatre's executive director, said the market's parking has been essential for their patrons. "We've had a $3 discount for six hours of parking for our customers, which is really generous," she said. "It's allowed our patrons to come see a show, perhaps stay for drinks or dessert afterwards, or go for dinner before a show." Though the hourly rate will decrease from $3.15 to $2.50 and the daily rate will drop from $18 to $10, Connor said the switch raises concerns about accessibility for some of their visitors. "Many of them are older, some of them have mobility needs or are disabled," she said. "So their ability to get close, accessible parking is really crucial to them coming and enjoying our shows." Both the OSFM and the Varscona Theatre expressed their support for the overall goals of the Old Strathcona Public Realm Strategy, but they aren't convinced that eventually replacing the parking lot with a park is the best solution for the community. The Varscona Theatre plans to communicate the parking changes to their patrons through social media, newsletters, to ensure a smooth transition, said Connor. "Some of our patrons have a difficult time using apps, so we'll be on hand in the lobby to make sure that we can answer any questions and get their parking set up for them," Connor said. "We just want to make it as clean and easy and simple for folks to get to the theatre."
