KWSO News Aug. 7, 2018

BIA Roads has closed East Tenino Road until 3:00 to repair guardrails damaged in the recent Mecca fire.  Please plan an alternate route. The road will likely be closed for a period tomorrow as well.

Central Oregon is getting yet another excessive heat watch with temperatures up to 110 degrees possible in many locations. Even higher mountain elevations will get up into the 90’s on Wednesday and Thursday. Afternoon into the early evening hours will bring the peak temperatures. Hot temperatures will increase chances for heat related illness especially for those without access to air conditioning. Drink plenty of water and limit outdoor exertion. Heat stress is also possible for livestock and outdoor pets.

MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) — After a few days of milder temperatures, triple digit heat is back in the forecast for southern Oregon. The high temperatures will make life more difficult for crews battling several major wildfires. Crews have been making progress in recent days. Containment is about 40 percent on the largest fire in the region, which is burning west of Grants Pass

LAKEPORT, Calif. (AP) — Twin fires in Northern California being treated as one are now the largest wildfire in state history, destroying 443 square miles. That’s nearly the size of Los Angeles. The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection says more than 14,000 firefighters are battling more than a dozen major blazes throughout California. Experts blame hotter weather attributed to climate change as well as expanding cities and towns.