(Posted Sept. 10, 11 a.m.)
**Sign up for emergency notifications**
McKenzie Fire (aka Holiday Farm Fire) Updates and Evacuation Notices
Lane County Non-Emergency Call Center
Residents who are affected by the McKenzie Fire are welcome to call Lane County’s non-emergency call center at 541-682-3977 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. After-hours calls will be transferred to the Sheriff’s Office non-emergency phone line.
Fire Safety Messages
- Avoid the area: Do not approach the area as fire crews are working to respond. Unnecessary traffic can cause delays and confusion during the response. Respect any road closures.
- Follow the evacuation notices: If you are under an evacuation notice, please comply with requests made for Level 1 (Be Ready), Level 2 (Be Set) and Level 3 (Go Now).
City Opens Clean Air Day Centers for Individuals with Respiratory Issues
The City of Eugene is opening two community centers for individuals who have compromised respiratory systems and need respite from the wildfire smoke. Petersen Barn and Hilyard Community Centers will serve as daytime Clean Air Centers, opening today, September 9. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic these centers will have limited capacity. Appropriate safety precautions, including physical distancing and sanitation, will be taken to keep patrons and staff safe. No showers, food or supplies are available at the Clean Air Day Centers but charging of electronic devices will be available. These day centers will remain open for the next two days and may be extended if needed. Please note that anyone wishing to donate supplies should contact the Red Cross.
Additionally, Lane County is opening a day center at the Lane Events Center.
Eugene Locations
- Hilyard Community Center (2850 Hilyard St.) 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Petersen Barn Community Center (870 Berntzen Rd.) 9 to 5 p.m.
- Lane Events Center (796 W. 13th Ave.) 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Willamalane Opens Temporary Smoke and Fire Shelter
Willamalane is opening Bob Keefer Center (250 S. 32nd St., Springfield, OR 97478) and Willamalane Adult Activity Center (215 W. C St., Springfield, OR 97477) as temporary rescue shelters for community members who have been evacuated or lost power. These shelters are open effective immediately.
These sites will have capacity limits, adhere to social distancing requirements, and include other regular sanitation protocols as required with current health guidelines. Willamalane cannot offer showers right now, but that status may change as the situation progresses. Willamalane will not be charging any fees for people to use their facilities for temporary shelter. Bob Keefer Center parking lot is allowing RV parking. There are limited spaces available.
Eugene YMCA
The Eugene YMCA (2055 Patterson St., Eugene, OR 97405) opens its showers from 12 to 8 p.m. Thursday, September 10 to those displaced by the wildfires. The facility will continue to offer showers to those affected by the wildfires during normal operating hours on Friday and Saturday as well.
COVID-19 regulations will continue to be enforced: including masks, physical distancing, a health screening and sanitization. More information: 541-686-9622.
Air Quality Updates and Information
Smoke Safety Tips
- Stay indoors and keep windows and doors shut.
- Do not exercise outdoors.
- Be prepared for power loss by having flashlights, headlamps and candles available.
- If you have heart or lung disease or asthma, follow your healthcare provider’s advice.
Water and Power Information
Alternative Power Safety Tips
For those without power, the City also urges taking extra precautions when using alternative power. Use only listed and labeled equipment. Never leave such items unattended. Read and follow all manufacturers’ instructions. The use of gas appliances, such as generators, grills and bullet heaters increase the number of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is known as the “silent killer”, it is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas. Exposure to carbon monoxide may cause headache, dizziness, fatigue, weakness, nausea, vomiting, impaired vision, loss of consciousness and death. Battery operated carbon monoxide detectors are recommended. Make sure alternative heat sources are approved for indoor use. Pay special attention to clearance and ventilation requirements.
Library and Recreation Updates for September 10
- All Eugene Rec programs are canceled due to hazardous air quality. All facilities are closed other than Hilyard and Petersen Barn Community Centers which are open as clean air day centers only.
- Bethel & Sheldon branches and book returns are closed. Downtown Library plans to open at regular time 12 p.m.
Ridgeline Park System and Skinner Butte Summit Closed
Due to local fire conditions, the City of Eugene Parks and Open Space Division will keep both the entire Ridgeline Park System as well as Skinner Butte Summit in downtown Eugene closed until further notice and possibly through the weekend. Hendricks Park is considered part of the Ridgeline Park System and remains closed as well.
Donations and Support
United Way
United Way of Lane County has just launched an emergency fund to support local wildfire response efforts across Lane County.
United Way’s Wildfire Response Funds will specifically support nonprofits and community organizations assisting community members who have experienced the loss of a home or business, or are otherwise impacted as a result of the 2020 fires. Funds raised will support these organizations in Lane County working directly to meet the needs of families and individuals affected by the fire. unitedwaylane.org/wildfires
Red Cross
The Red Cross has mobilized to provide support and assistance for local evacuees. Find urgent volunteer needs at redcross.org/volunteer.
For the safety of shelter residents and workers, the Red Cross is unable to accept material donations of any kind right now. Due to increased safety measures for COVID-19, storing, sorting, cleaning and distributing donated items could be risky.
The first priority for the Red Cross is to provide shelter and support to those affected, and financial donations are the quickest way to get help to those who need it. Your financial donation helps provide shelter, meals, relief supplies, emotional support and recovery planning.
If you are interested in making a financial donation, please visit redcross.org/donate.
Tree Damage Across Eugene due to Windy Conditions
Community members are asked to use extreme caution around trees and watch for overhead limbs that could be dangling. Parks and Open Space tree scouts have fanned out across Eugene to look for fallen trees and tree hazards such as hanging limbs.
How to Report Downed Trees
To report hazardous downed trees such as those blocking roadways please call 9-1-1 if its an emergency or 541-682-4800 on Mondays through Fridays, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. To report other downed trees along streets and in medians please visit our Service Request Page and choose Tree Service Request or call 541-682-4800. Learn more on our Storm Response web page (see Tree Hazard Response tab).
Additional Resources