Fern Prairie, WA — Residents in the Nakia Creek Fire evacuation zones are free to go back to their homes today, according to Incident Commander, Matt Howard.
He said the fire is 23 percent contained and that weather conditions are favorable.
Key takeaways:
• No houses were destroyed
• No injuries or deaths
• Nearly 1,900 acres have burned
• 500+ firefighters are battling the wildfire
A firefighter tent city in Fern Prairie is housing 500+ firefighters who are served three meals a day and have all the basic essentials of life.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/20145218/IMG_9313-scaled.jpeg13762560Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2022-10-20 15:00:442022-10-20 15:00:53Nakia Creek Fire Incident Commander: ‘All Evacuation Orders Have Been Lifted’
Although the Nakia Creek fire grew to 1,869 acres overnight, authorities are optimistic that containment efforts will continue to progress over the next few days as more firefighters arrive and aircraft return to combat this blaze that has affected 40,000 people over the last few days.
Dave Larson, Deputy Incident Commander, Assistant Fire Marshall Curtis Evenson, Sgt. Chris Skidmore, of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, and Natalie Weber, Oregon Forestry Department spokesperson, all addressed media at Grove Field Wednesday.
Larson said “this fire is the number one priority in the nation” given the number of people it is affecting. He said more than 500 firefighters are now at the scene working to contain this fire that ignited on October 9.
Key takeaways:
550+ firefighters are on the scene
Sheriff’s deputies made an arrest Tuesday night for trespassing in the fire zone
Evacuation zones are shrinking
Containment is 12 percent
This is the highest priority fire in the nation
Aircraft are back on the scene
Weather forecast over the next few days is favorable
Focus is on level 2 and 3 evacuation zones
There’s been a good response to the fire investigation
“Aircraft are back on the scene,” said Weber, “and this is a game changer.”
She reported the fire is 12 percent contained and it burning 1,869 acres at this time.
Evenson, who is leading the investigation into the cause of the fire, said their agency has been flooded with calls and tips about the four persons of interest (two women, two men) who were driving a white Subaru at the scene of the initial spark.
“We encourage you to call us, to talk about this, to sort it out,” he said.
Skidmore said the evacuation zones are shrinking and that they are only focusing on level 2 and 3 zones, and are working to get Livingston Mountain residents back to their homes. He added that a man was arrested Tuesday night for trespassing into the fire zone. It was quickly learned there was a warrant out for his arrest on a prior charge.
Aircraft have returned to fight the Nakia Creek fire.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/19163120/IMG_9252-e1666222690554.jpg629891Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2022-10-19 16:49:362022-10-19 17:08:14Nakia Creek Fire: ‘This Fire is the Number One Priority in the Nation’
Downtown Camas will be celebrating gratitude for the season during the “Thankful for Pie!” themed First Friday on November 4. There will be pie raffles and tastings, gratitude activities, s’mores roasting, fall crafts, games, and the fan favorite Pie Walk Dance Party, with a selection of prize pies. This event also includes fall-inspired dining and cocktail specials, after hours shopping and art shows.
The Second Story Gallery, located upstairs at the Camas Library, will unveil the first exhibit from the newly formed Artisans’ Guild of Camas. The Guild strives to inspire enthusiasm for arts and crafts through education and exhibition opportunities, and they often participate in artful community engagement at Downtown Camas First Friday events. This exhibit, titled “The Gift of Art,” will feature 18 local artists in many different 2D and 3D mediums. Event goers can enjoy pie and an artist reception at the gallery from 5 pm-8 pm.
Additional activities include:
Pie Raffles in participating Downtown Camas businesses
Pie Tastings with the DCAat Fuel Medical building, 314 NE Birch
The Pie Walk Dance Party, sponsored by Carla Edwards, local Realtor, starting at 7pm with the Downtown Camas Association (DCA) in Journey Church, 304 NE 4th — win a delicious pie or other treat
S’mores Roasting (weather permitting) sponsored by IQ Credit Union
Fall Crafts for kids at LiveWell Camas, 417 NE Birch, and inside Journey Church
Fill out the “Gratitude Passport” and be entered to win fall themed prizes from the downtown merchants
Art Shows & Receptions at Camas Gallery, 408 NE 4th and Attic Gallery, 421 NE Cedar, in addition to the Second Story Gallery reception listed above.
Pick up your First Friday passport and activity list for the evening at the DCA tables in Journey starting at 5pm.
“This First Friday is such an incredible celebration of both gratitude and pie, and who doesn’t love pie?” says Carrie Schulstad, Executive Director of the Downtown Camas Association. “This event has something for all ages and truly brings people together in a way that they can support local, have fun together, and have tasty treats. We are so appreciative for our community that shops local during the holidays, and this event is a great way to kick that off.”
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/19103758/Pie-Pic.png10101532Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2022-10-19 10:44:512022-10-19 10:44:58Downtown Camas November First Friday: ‘Thankful for Pie’ Theme
Aerial surveys show the Nakia Creek Fire near Larch Mountain, which started Sunday afternoon, is burning approximately 156 acres, and is smaller than fire fighters previously thought, according to Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA). Officials also confirmed the fire was human caused, and the investigation continues.
CRESA said firefighter teams are making good progress on control lines around the fire. Firefighters strengthened control lines south of the fire, which CRESA spokesman Eric Frank said is good news for people in evacuation zones.
Approximately 220 homes in the area (near the Skamania County line) were issued evacuation notices Tuesday. Most notices were Level 1 — Be Ready. About 14 addresses fell under a Level 2 notice — Be Set. No residents were under a Level 3 notice — Go Now, according to Frank. CRESA said evacuation notices didn’t change Wednesday.
As of today, the fire was 10 percent contained. Anyone with information about the cause should contact the Clark County Fire Marshal’s Office at 564-397-3320.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/12153146/IMG_8652-e1665614663222.jpg13632521Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2022-10-12 15:45:162022-10-12 15:50:37CRESA Says Nakia Creek Fire Human Caused, Burning 156 Acres
Camas, WA – Lara Blair’s grand opening of The Loft art gallery will be August 27, 2022 in her studio located at 411 NE Dallas St, Camas, WA. The inaugural show is titled A Sense of Place and features two exhibits, Aloft and Confectionery Landscapes.
In addition to running a portrait studio, Blair is a working artist who has featured her fineart photography and mixed media work in Northwest galleries and business establishments. The gallery on the upper floor of her studio will be a permanent home to display current work four times a year.
These two exhibits represent an energy and a rhythm to the streets we walk, fields we run through and horizons we take in. Confectionery Landscapes is a collection of candy colored architectural scenery and iconic buildings. Aloft is a series of large mixed media pieces featuring a bird’s eye view of farmland. The overall vision of the show is: whether standing in front of a man made structure, or taking in the vast picture of the world from above, we feel the spirit within it.
The opening celebration is open to the public at 7 pm on the 27th. There will be music, beverages and portrait studio giveaways.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/26135803/SorenttoPOst.jpg14401800Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2022-08-26 14:09:572022-08-26 14:10:05Art Gallery Opens on 2nd Floor of Lara Blair Photography Studio
Tucked away from the road and away from congestion but close to all amenities is this stunning 5-acre property with expansive lawns and old growth fir, oak and maple trees. It’s located in the top-rated Camas School District, and is offered by John Fitzgerald, of Sotheby’s.
Key Features:
5 bedrooms, 4 baths
4,200 square feet
Airport only 20 minutes away
Close to downtown Camas charm for shopping and dining
Kitchen: Fully remodeled open kitchen and living room area. Brazilian mahogany drawers and cabinets, huge granite island with sink, professional grade DCS double oven and five burner stove and flat grill. Built in refrigerator/freezer and separate wine cooler. Private kitchen nook lined with huge windows overlooking the expansive yard.
Master: Vaulted ceilings and spacious living space. Large master bath includes walk-in closet, jetted sauna tub, radiant heated tile floor and spacious glass and tile shower. Brazilian mahogany cabinetry with double sink and mirrors. Large windows provide the area in natural light.
In-laws suite: Generous sized room has a small full bathroom with shower, enclosed closet and storage space. Beautiful view of front yard and circle drive.
Library and downstairs office: Just off the main entry is a large space perfect for a library, office and game room. French doors open to enough space for a group to congregate and close to the kitchen and other living areas on the main floor.
Office: Well equipped office space with large half round fan window to view the evening sun. Large enough space for large desk, computers, peripherals and filing drawers. Plenty of enclosed closet space for storage and supplies.
A gorgeous kitchen!
Kids Bedrooms: Two similar sized rooms with built-in desks and lights. Generous enclosed closets and large windows with views of the property.
Garage: Three car garage with full bathroom and overhead storage selves. The single bay is very deep and allows for a nice space for a work bench and tools. Plenty of room to store all the toys and equipment required for a property this size.
Landscape: Private paved road leads to house with elegant circle drive for easy entrance and exit. Fully landscaped yard including manicured lawn, hedges, maple and birch trees, seasonal bulbs and rysomes. Computerized irrigation system.
Backyard: Large wrap around decking with separate outdoor spaces for dinning, gather around fire pit, sun bathing & lounging, hot tub and bbqing. Opens up to beautiful large lawn area with oak trees, purple tulip magnolia tree, lilac and garden beds loaded with shrubs and bulbs for color throughout all seasons. Complete with kids play structure.
Food garden: Enclosed 2,500 square feet raised bed garden. Designed with four zoned computerized watering system. Pea gravel paths make a perfect environment to spend an evening nurturing plants and flowers that will fulfill your family.
Orchard and berry crops: Orchard trees include: red apple, yellow apple, 2 Asian pear, Bartlet pear and two varieties of plums. Berries include: two large blue berries, full stand of thornless marrian berries, raspberries and goose berries. Mature grapes include seedless Champaign and Concord grapes.
A mini-farm: This property has the infrastructure to run your own farm: barn, chicken coop, pig pen, pasture, and three acres of native land.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/25152641/image0-scaled.jpeg16062560Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2022-08-25 15:43:542022-08-25 15:44:03Five Acre Property in Camas School District Offers Tranquility, Beauty
Camas, WA —In response to the July 26 resignation of Camas City Council Member Shannon Roberts, the City of Camas will begin accepting applications to fill the vacant Ward 1 seat.
Interested applicants can apply for the remainder of Roberts’ term beginning upon swearing in and ending Nov. 28, 2023. Applicants must be a resident of the City of Camas, Ward I, and must be a registered voter. The deadline to apply is Friday, Sept. 2, 2022.
At the Aug. 15, 2022, Camas City Council meeting, Mayor Steve Hogan will appoint Council Members to work with the City Administrator as the ad-hoc committee to oversee the appointment process, with the goal of having the position filled by the Oct. 3, Council meeting, well in advance of the Oct. 24, 2022, deadline, which per statute would require the appointment to be then made by the Clark County Council.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/11154636/IMG_4622.jpg9341284Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2022-08-11 15:55:552022-08-11 15:56:02City of Camas to Begin Application Process to Fill Vacant Council Seat
Mobile homes often have a reputation for being plain and unexciting. Many people may not consider them the most exciting or interesting when it comes to outdoor projects. However, there are several ways to improve the curb appeal of your mobile home. Here are just a handful of our favorite projects for you to consider.
Adding a Front Garden
Flowers and other plants are a great way to add some color and vibrancy to any front lawn and increase your home’s curb appeal. It’s a good idea to keep any large shrubs or bushes away from your home’s skirting if you ever need to make repairs or replace it, but adding some plants is a great way to spruce things up. Consider some of your favorite flowers or small trees to make your home stand out more. Aside from a garden, keeping your grass manicured and watered adds a more vibrant green that looks lush and inviting.
Installing a Deck
Many manufactured homes have stairs leading up to the front door. Consider installing a front deck if you have the space for it and your neighborhood allows such modifications. Decks offer a lot of curb appeal and give homeowners a place to relax outside and wave to passersby. There are many different size and style options when constructing your deck and varieties of stairsto grant people access. Consider investing in unique columns for your new deck to give it some visual flair for extra curb appeal.
A New Front Door
Sometimes the simplest way to improve the curb appeal of your mobile home is to install a new front door. Many manufactured homes have functional but simplistic doors that don’t do much to stand out—finding a door with an ornate glass design or color that brings out the rest of your home does wonders when looking for simple renovation ideas. However, we recommend picking a door that matches the décor of your home well enough that it doesn’t become too distracting.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/08182839/Mobile-Home.png6241108Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2022-08-08 18:54:562022-08-08 18:55:03Living: How to Improve Your Mobile Home’s Curb Appeal
The 13th annual Camas Vintage & Art Faire will return to the tree-lined streets of Downtown Camas on Saturday, August 27, from 9 am-3 pm. This event will feature over 60 vendors including local artists and artisans in a variety of styles and mediums, as well as merchants featuring vintage, antique, and repurposed items.
Artists will showcase their professional paintings, fiber art, ceramics, upcycled works, photography, hand-crafted jewelry, metal work, and more. Vintage vendors will feature a wide variety of indoor and outdoor vintage decor, as well as vintage clothing, furniture, jewelry, and accessories. The event is located on 4th Avenue and Birch Streets, near Camas Antiques at 305 NE 4th Avenue.
Washougal fabric, multimedia, and collage artist Sandy Moore of Sandy Moore Arts will join the faire for the first time this year. Her portrait and seascape collages combine hand dyed fabric, paints, ink, and free-motion stitching. Other new art vendors include Kary Lane Photography, who features images from the Pacific Northwest. Recycle With Soifer offers creatures made from upcycled metals and other materials. Keith E. Russell showcases realistic paintings of classic cars and other automobiles. Other returning art vendors include, Girl in the Pearl, Liz Pike Art, One Little Blackbird, Windy Hill Weavers, Women, Wine & Words, and many others.
Belle Flower Farm is also a new vendor at this event. Pam Richey Curtis offers home-grown flowers in vintage vessels. Her designs feature vintage teapots, bushel baskets, and curated antique vases. Lady Outlaw Antiques will add a Western flair to the faire with her collection of vintage boots, cowboy hats, and jewelry. Moltwear, who creates apparel and accessories from vintage lace, buttons, and textile remnants will return for 2022. Other returning vendors include fan favorites like Dora Louin her vintage pink and white travel trailer, H Street Alley Antiques, Dickey’s Décor, Lil Red Barn and many more. For a complete list of all art and vintage vendors, visit https://downtowncamas.com/event/camas-vintage-art-faire.
“We so look forward to this event each year. It’s such a lovely combination of funky finds and truly breath-taking works of art, all on the streets of our dynamic downtown.” Says Jan Carter, Event Coordinator for the Downtown Camas Association. “Chatting with local artists and collectors from all walks of life is one of the highlights of our whole Summer.”
The Downtown Camas Association hosts the Camas Vintage & Art Faire, and the event is sponsored by Camas Antiques. The DCA works year-round to strengthen and promote Downtown Camas through partnerships, events, beautification and historic preservation projects, economic development, advocacy, and tourism functions. For information on the DCA and other downtown events, visit www.downtowncamas.com.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/08182827/Shoppers-at-the-Camas-Vintage-and-Art-Faire-.jpeg10161857Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2022-08-08 18:33:292022-08-08 18:33:37New Artists, Offerings Will Delight at Camas Vintage & Art Faire
Anytime you can get outside and enjoy Mother Nature, you must take advantage of it, especially if you can do it on the back of a beautiful horse. For that and the following reasons, horseback riding proves to be the perfect hobby.
Mental Boost
Few things are as relaxing as strolling on a trail atop a horse. Not only is it a serene setting to forget about the stresses of everyday life, but it’s nice to have a confidant along for the journey. Having a horse as a companion has a soothing effect on your mind when feeling overwhelmed.
From staying active and spending time with a furry friend, the serotonin boost you get helps push you through any psychological obstacles in your way. Additionally, riding a horse requires a strong mental acumen, considering you must keep an attentive eye, balance and focus while on the saddle.
Strengthens the Body
As wonderful as horseback riding is for your mental well-being, it’s just as beneficial physically—for you and the horse. Although horseback riding is a leisurely activity, it requires a lot of physical prowess to control a horse, particularly if you enjoy kicking it up a notch and cantering.
If it’s your first ride, you’ll likely feel sore around your abdominals and lower back the following day. As you ride more regularly, those aches and pains will fade away.
Riding a horse requires excellent posture; therefore, your hamstrings and quads will feel the brunt of the pain as they keep you upright. But your posture from your strengthened core and upper leg muscles will make any schoolteacher proud.
Teaches Responsibility
Being responsible is an essential component of owning and riding a horse. If you are negligent in your care, the horse’s health suffers, making it impossible to ride them. For parents, this is an excellent opportunity to teach their children accountability.
Simple things like brushing their coat, feeding them and changing their water give kids a chance to prove they can put more on their plate. You can also do these tasks together as a family, giving you an opportunity for quality time.
Fun With or Without Company
When something is equally enjoyable on your lonesome as it is with a group of friends, it’s an activity worth exploring. Horseback riding falls into that category because hopping on the horse and wandering through the wilderness is as fun by yourself as it is with a company. However, if you are a novice, you should go with a guide or someone else capable of assisting you if an issue develops.
These reasons prove horseback riding is the perfect hobby for anyone needing a mental and physical boost. There should be an opportunity to hop on a horse regardless of where you live, so take advantage of it.