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Archer Mountain Fire Update: Evacuation Notices Reduced

SKAMANIA COUNTY, WA — As the Archer Mountain fire holds at 209 acres, the Skamania County Sherriff’s Office has reduced several area evacuation notices. A smart and hard-working fire crew has been working tirelessly to put the blaze.

The following evacuation notices are still in place:

Level 2 (Be Ready):

  • Archer Mountain Road (west of Deville Drive)
  • Franz Road
  • Archer Mountain Road (east of Deville Drive)
  • Dim Rill Dale Drive

Archer Mountain Road west of Deville Drive was previously issued a Level 3 (Go!) evacuation notice. Residents who live on Archer Mt. Road east of Deville Drive may return to their homes.  This described area is reduced to a level 2 evacuation notice including Deville Drive and Wakina Road.

Evacuation levels are constantly being evaluated as fire behavior changes.  If the evacuation level is reduced, that information will be posted on the Skamania County Sheriff’s website at www.skamaniasheriff.com

Should it become necessary to increase an evacuation level, residents will be notified in person by Sheriff’s deputies or other emergency personnel.

Archer

Archer Mountain Fire. Photo courtesy of KATU.

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Shortened Bake Sale Brings in Needed Funds for Severely Injured Washougal Teen

WASHOUGAL, WA — Local Friends and supporters of Charleigh Chaston and her family attended a bake sale at Washougal High School Tuesday to raise funds to offset the teenager’s medical expenses.

The bake sale was intended to be in conjunction with a car wash, but falling ash from the Eagle Creek Trail, and the Archer Mountain fires altered those plans.

Chaston, a 14-year-old Washougal teen, fell down 60 feet on August 22 while hiking Panther Falls with friends and family. She sustained multiple breaks in her legs, ankles, feet, pelvis and jawbones.

She was in the ICU through August 30, and is currently being treated in a pediatric unit. Chaston has already undergone several surgeries, and doctors are preparing her for more surgeries in the weeks to come.

She is expected to stay in the hospital at least another four weeks.

“It’s been awful,” said Koy Chaston, Charleigh’s brother. “My brother was there, along with a nurse and chiropractor, who were hiking on the trail. It’s a miracle her head, neck or spine weren’t injured. We’re grateful for all the people who came out to support her today.”

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Koy said his mother has not left Charleigh’s side since the accident.

Fundraiser organizers planned this event as a way to help the Chaston family pay for mounting medical expenses, as well as physical therapy treatments over the next several months. It will be a long recovery.

Charleigh Chaston Fundraising Site

Organizers also encourage donations be made to this site: https://sites.google.com/site/cheerforcharleigh/

All funds will go directly to the Chaston family.

 

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City of Washougal Provides Archer Mountain Fire Update

WASHOUGAL, WA— The Eagle Creek Fire jumped the Columbia River early this morning from Oregon and sparked the Archer Mountain Fire in Skamania County.  At this time, Department of Natural Resources crews are hard at work. This fire is causing some of the smoke and ash that can be seen falling on the Washougal and Camas communities, although most of the ash and debris in the air is coming from Eagle Creek across the Columbia River.

While there are some isolated evacuations in Skamania County, there are currently no fires or evacuations in Clark County or within Washougal city limits.  Please avoid traveling on SR 14 due to heavy congestion.

Clark County has activated the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in partial operations as of this morning, in support of our response partners.

To sign up for emergency alerts and notifications in CLARK County, click here.

For Skamania County Emergency Notifications, please sign up at http://www.PublicAlerts.org

Skamania County Evacuations

Skamania County officials say the Archer Mountain Fire is currently sitting at 25 acres on top of Archer Mountain. Fire crews are working hard to contain the fire.

Level 3 (which means leave immediately) Notifications are now in affect for:
– Mclosky Creek Rd
– Archer Mt. Rd
– Smith Cripe Rd
– Franz Rd
– Kellet Rd
– Victoria Lane
-Dimrill Dale Drive

Level 2 Notifications are now in affect for:
– Foggy Ridge
– Patrick Lane
– Hillsberry Rd
– Columbia Ridge
– Mabee Mines Rd
– Columbia Ridge Rd

Level 1 Notifications are now in affect for:
– Bear Creek Rd
– Borden Rd
– Old State Rd
– Deville Rd *new*
– Wakina Rd *new*

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Protect Your Lungs From Wildfire Smoke Using Correct Face Mask

CAMAS, WA — Seeing people wear face masks while outdoors isn’t something we expected a few days ago, but it’s becoming common place. So, we did a little research about finding the right types.

Wildfire smoke can irritate your eyes, nose, throat and lungs. It can make you cough and wheeze, and can make it hard to breathe. If you have asthma or another lung disease, or heart disease, inhaling wildfire smoke can be especially harmful.

Staying indoors and reducing physical activity are the best ways to protect your lungs from wildfire smoke.

According to the Washington State Department of Health, wearing a special mask called a “particulate respirator” can also help protect your lungs from wildfire smoke.

How to Choose the Correct Mask to Protect Your Lungs

  • Choose a mask called a “particulate respirator” that has the word “NIOSH” and either “N95” or “P100” printed on it. These are sold at many hardware and home repair stores and pharmacies. Home Depot on 192nd Street sold out of them today.
  • Choose one that has two straps that go around your head. DO NOT choose a mask with only one strap or with straps that just hook over the ears.
  • Choose a size that will fit over your nose and under your chin. It should seal tightly to your face. These masks do not come in sizes that fit young children.
  • Do not use bandanas (wet or dry), paper or surgical masks, or tissues held over the mouth or nose. These will not protect your lungs from wildfire smoke.
Masks

N95 particulate respirators WILL protect your lungs from wildfire smoke. Straps must go above and below the ears.

How to Use a Mask

  • Place it over your nose and under your chin, with one strap placed below the ears and one strap above.
  • Pinch the metal part of the mask tightly over the top of your nose.
  • It fits best on clean shaven skin.
  • Throw out your mask when it gets harder to breathe through, or if the inside gets dirty. Use a new mask each day if you can.
  • It is harder to breathe through a mask, so take breaks often if you work outside.
  • If you feel dizzy or nauseated, go to a less smoky area, and take off your mask and get medical help.
  • If you have a heart or lung problem, ask your doctor before using a mask.

 

Mask

A surgical mask will NOT protect your lungs from wildfire smoke.

For more information about protecting yourself from wildfire, please visit: http://www.doh.wa.gov/ 

Search for “Wildfire Smoke.”

Where to find the N95 masks?

We found the last ones today at Home Depot, and most hardware stores do carry them. We do know local stores are ordering more.

Reputable sites like www.amazon.com do have them in stock, and you can get 1-day delivery. Search for “N95 particulate respirators.”

Stay safe out there — and avoid the outdoors as much as possible.

 

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Clark County Public Alerts and Notifications

Clark County, WA — Given the current state of the Eagle Creek fire, it’s good to be aware of what governing agencies are doing to protect people, lands, and structures.

All Clark County residents are encouraged to sign-up for the County’s Public Alerts system, which is utilized by all cities, including Camas and Washougal.

Create an account and add your contact and location information into the Everbridge Mass Notification system.  Once you have created an account you may edit your information and preferences at any time. All information you provide will be kept strictly confidential and will not be shared.

Please follow this link to sign up for the notification alerts:

https://member.everbridge.net/index/453003085616336#/login

Alerts

What is This Alert System?

The jurisdictions within Clark County, WA have partnered on a shared notification system that allows them to send notifications to residents within the county. Public safety agencies encourage you to register your contact information and subscribe to notifications that matter to you based on locations within Clark County.

Alerts

How it Works

When a notification is sent you will receive a message on the voice and text communication methods you have registered. The notification message may request that you confirm that you have received the message, upon confirmation you will not be contacted by any subsequent methods regarding that particular notification. If you do not confirm, the system will continue to attempt to reach you at all of the contact methods that you have registered. In the event of a potential public safety hazard the alert will ask you to take specific actions, please listen to the complete message to hear these actions.  Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA) manages the notification system and is responsible to deliver emergency alerts on behalf of the public safety agencies in Clark County.

  • For additional information on alert and warning systems in Clark County visit CRESA911.org
  • For additional information on notifications in the Portland metro area visits PublicAlerts.org

We encourage you to download the Everbridge Mobile App  to easily see public safety alerts around your location.

 

 

 

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Fundraiser for Washougal Teen Severely Injured After 60-Foot Fall

WASHOUGAL, WA – Friends of Washougal teen Charleigh Chaston are holding a fundraiser for her Tuesday, September 5 from noon-7 pm at Washougal High School to help her family pay for medical expenses after she sustained severe injuries in a 60-foot fall.

Chaston and her family were hiking at Panther Creek when she slipped and fell 60 feet to a rock at the bottom of the falls. Immediately after the fall, a nurse, a chiropractor, and her brother Taeg took care of her until she was life-flighted to a Portland hospital with severe injuries to her legs and jaw.

Her family reports she had no neck, head or spinal injuries.

Her injuries include shattered legs and jaw bones, as well as foot, heel, ankle and pelvis breaks. Chaston has already had several surgeries, with more to come.

Her legs are rodded, plated and screwed back together. Her jaw bones were also plated, screwed and wired shut. Her pelvis is cracked, but stable, and she will have surgery next week to repair her foot, heal, and ankle.

Until August 30, she was in ICU in critical condition, but stable condition. She is currently in a less critical pediatric unit.

The Chaston family has been grateful for the overwhelming love and support they’ve received from family, friends, and the community.

The road ahead will be challenging, and expensive as it will include four more weeks of hospitalization, physical therapy, and high school tutoring.

Friends of the Chaston family are holding Tuesday’s fundraiser to help with those expenses. Any and all donations will be accepted.

For more information, call 360.991.1135.

 

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Coston Officially Running for Washougal Mayor; Sets Vision For City

When former Washougal city councilwoman Molly Coston officially announced her 2017 Washougal mayoral campaign August 6 it set the stage for a vigorous Fall political season in a city rocked with leadership turmoil.

Coston is competing with Washougal city councilman, Dan Coursey, for the mayor’s position to succeed former mayor Sean Guard, who resigned earlier this year amid harassment allegations. A completed Washington State Patrol investigation shows a string of electronic communications between Guard and an unidentified woman that may result in the case being handled by the county prosecutor.

Following Guard’s resignation, Coston was encouraged by supporters to run for Mayor. And, this isn’t the first time she’s answered the call to serve amid unfavorable conditions.

Coston has been active in city politics for much of her 16 year residency in the city, serving on the city council from 2005-2011, and as Mayor Pro Tem in 2010 when former Washougal mayor, Stacy Sellars, abruptly resigned.

“There was a dispute about her mayoral policies,” said Coston. “And when Stacy resigned I spent three months as acting Mayor. It was a very difficult time filled with confusion and challenges. I gained a good understanding of how the city works. And here we are again.”

She said Washougal has been pummeled by turmoil which is why she’s created a vision for the city.

Top Reasons Coston Is Running

“I have a vision for Washougal,” she said. “And, it’s very bright. I want an engaged community with a focus on public safety, a vibrant economy, and continued improvements in transportation.”

Coston outlined a three-pronged vision for Washougal, which is as follows:

  • Economy: Create a favorable business environment for businesses by keeping government that is small and stable. Coston believes in working with private enterprise to create public-private partnerships to attract more companies into Washougal.
  • Public Safety: “We need more policemen,” she said. “I want to add one more per year as our economy and community grows. Our officers answer more calls than Camas does.” She wants to engage local neighbors and build community with more communication and involvement.
  • Transportation: Find a way to reasonably manage current roads and walkways. “As we continue to grow, we need solutions and the public-private partnerships are key to making this happen.”

Molly Coston

Community Involvement

As a city councilwoman, she was involved in the following:

  • Parks Board  (Council Liaison) 2005- 2011
  • Cemetery Board (Council Liaison) 2005-2011
  • SW Washington Regional Transportation Council-  2008-2010; Elected as Camas/Washougal Representative to serve on the Board of Directors. RTC Board of Directors Chair – 2010
  • Clark County Community Action Advisory Board – Director representing East County  2009-2011

She has served in the Camas-Washougal Rotary Club since 2004:

  • Club President – July 2014-June 2015
  • Local Foundation President – July 2015-June 2016
  • Community Service Chair – July 2016-present

League of Women Voters of Clark County, 2000-present

  • President 2007-2010
  • Board of Directors 2005-2012

Civil Service Commission: 2013-present

Columbia Gorge Refuge Stewards, 2010-present

  • Board of Directors – 2014-present
  • President, 2016-current

Citizens for Better Schools PAC, 2005-present

  • Chair – Washougal Schools District Levy Campaign 2005 (successful)
  • Active Member – Washougal School District Levy Campaign 2008
  • Active Member – Washougal School District Levy Campaign 2014
  • Active Member – Washougal School District Bond Campaign 2015

Unite! Washougal Community Coalition, 2010-present

  • Long standing member of state funded coalition that work together to support youth, enrich community, encourage families, and guide healthy choices. 

To learn more about her campaign, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/mollyformayor/

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Choosing to Eat Healthy Fats

Remember the low-fat craze of the 90s? While fat has had a bad rap in the past, new research shows not all dietary fat is unhealthy.

Good vs. Bad Fats

Bad fats increase your risk for heart disease and negatively affect your cholesterol, while healthy fats protect your brain and heart.

Instead of adopting a no-fat diet, focus on swapping unhealthy fats for healthy ones.

All fats are high in calories, so the key is choosing healthy fats and practicing moderation. The most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans from the US Department of Health and Human Services recommend the following:

  • Replace saturated fats with healthier monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
  • Limit saturated fats to less than 10 percent of calories a day.
  • Avoid trans fats, also known as partially hydrogenated oils, formed through an industrial process that adds hydrogen to vegetable oil to give foods a longer shelf life.

Eat These Foods

Eat more polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. These can have a positive impact on your heart health and include Omega-3 fatty acids. They are found in plant and seafood sources.

Examples:

  • Fish (salmon, trout, and tuna)
  • Nuts
  • Seeds
  • Avocados
  • Oils (canola, olive oil, soybean)

Proceed With Caution

Eat saturated fats in moderation. Too many saturated fats raise your total cholesterol and bad (LDL) cholesterol levels. Saturated fats are typically found in animal products.

Examples:

  • Red meat
  • Full-fat dairy (milk, ice cream, cheese)
  • Processed meats
  • Lard
  • Fast food
  • Avoid these foods

The US Food and Drug Administration plans to ban trans fats, but current regulations allow food with small amounts of trans fats to be labeled “trans fat free.” Check the ingredient list on packaged foods and skip anything with partially hydrogenated oils.

Examples:

  • Biscuits
  • Margarine
  • Frozen pizza
  • Coffee creamer
  • Packaged pies
  • Fried fast food
  • Doughnuts
  • Microwave popcorn
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Camas: Residents Urged to Conserve Water

The City of Camas is issuing a voluntary water use restriction advisory in an effort to conserve water during this summer’s heat wave. The advisory is as follows:

Water your lawn on odd or even days depending on the last digit of your home address. The current heat wave is generating higher water use and stressing the City’s water supply.

Other ways to conserve water include: 

  • Accept a dry lawn – grass becomes dormant during periods of drought but rejuvenates naturally when winter approaches
  • Let your grass grow taller in  the summer – longer blades promote deeper rooting and shade the root zone, reducing water loss
  • Use a broom to clean driveways and paths – sweeping will get them clean without wasting water.
  • Water your grass or garden in the evening – give your gardens a light water at dusk (between 7pm – 9pm); if you water in the middle of the day, it evaporates
  • Take short showers
  • Turn the tap off while brushing your teeth
  • Only wash full loads in your washing machine or dishwasher (unless they have a setting for half loads)

As part of the city-wide effort, the public works department is reducing irrigation at local parks and facilities, as well.

Click here for more information – http://www.cityofcamas.us/pwwater

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Today’s August First Friday: “Small Town Summer Fun!”

First Friday in Camas is coming today with a focus on “Small Town Summer Fun” with the fun beginning at 5 pm in downtown Camas on 4th Avenue. The festivities end at 8 pm.

Due to the heat, several of the outdoor games and crafts are moving indoors.  

Downtown shops, restaurants, galleries, and the Liberty Theatre will have their air conditioning to keep things nice and cool. Stop by Journey at 304 NE Birch for games, crafts, and your activity list for the evening.

First Friday Activities

  • Play the “Guess the Missing Word” game in downtown businesses & earn tickets to win great summer prizes!
  • Outdoor fun & games including duckie race, marble grab, cornhole, ring toss, and more with prizes (*most will be brought inside Journey due to the heat)
  • Woo-hoo! 3 Ribbon Cuttings and Grand Opening Celebrations for Salon 904 at 5pm, 904 NE 2nd; Camas Beauty Bar at 5:15pm, 210 NE 4th; and Salud! Wine Bar-Event-Center-Wine Storage at 5:30pm, 224 NE 3rdAvenue. All are invited.
  • Free kids’ painting sponsored by The Paint Roller Mobile Paint Party
  • Make a paper boat and see if it floats!
Friday

Artist working on 4th Avenue in downtown Camas.

To learn more, visit www.downtowncamas.com

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