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Hot Weather Temps Increases Clatsop County Fire Danger to High

Due to warmer weather temperatures, beginning 1 a.m. today, the Oregon Department of Forestry will increase Clatsop County’s fire danger level to High (yellow) due to warmer weather temperatures. Open debris burn has been prohibited since fire season began June 14.

“We want to make sure people know that our forests and communities are at high risk for wildfires so we will be sending out a ClatsopAlerts! notification later today,” said Clatsop County Emergency Management Director Justin Gibbs. Visit ClatsopCounty.gov to sign up for ClatsopAlerts!

This alert and wildfire awareness campaign is a collaborative effort of Clatsop County, the Fire Defense Board and the Oregon Department of Forestry.

While fire danger is high:



• There is a complete ban on the use of burn barrels in Clatsop County

• Residential campfires only will be allowed in the cities. Residents outside city limits with a campfire waiver issued by the Oregon Department of Forestry will be allowed

• All OHV trails in the Nicolai Mountain OHV Riding Area will close 1 p.m. daily during High (yellow) Fire Danger level

• All campfires and barbeques will be prohibited in dispersed campsites

At this time, campfires will be allowed on the beaches, however, they must be at least 50 feet from any beach grass or structure.

“We want to make sure the public and our visitors know that we may further restrict burning depending upon weather, wind, dryness and fire danger,” said Neal Bond, Protection Unit Forester for the Oregon Department of Forestry Astoria District.

Fire Defense Board Chief and Astoria Fire Department Chief Dan Crutchfield cautioned the public. “If you are not sure it is okay to burn where you are, be safe, don’t burn and don’t have a campfire. It is too risky.”

For up-to-date information about fire season requirements, call 503-325-5451.

For other campgrounds, check with the corresponding ODF office. To find out more about public restrictions visit the Oregon Dept. of Forestry.

Fireworks, exploding targets/tracer ammunition, sky lanterns are prohibited at all levels during fire season.

Purrfect Storm Hits Clatsop Animal Shelter and It's Raining Cats and Dogs

Clatsop County Animal Shelter and Clatsop Animal Assistance have created The Raining Cats and Dogs Pet Adoption Campaign. The goal is to raise public awareness about the urgent need for pet adoptions and for up to 15 animals to find good homes in the next three weeks.

A Barkometer has been created to keep the community informed about the pressures the shelter is weathering. It will be regularly updated on social media and the Clatsop County website. Individuals adopting pets during this campaign will receive a Stormer t-shirt as a thank you.

Adoption fees for dogs and cats include spay/neuter fees, vaccinations and other costs. For more information on how to adopt a shelter animal, visit ClatsopCounty.gov.

At this time, approximately 29 animals are on a waiting list to go into the shelter and another 35 animals are in foster homes.

Update on State Offices Move

The Oregon Department of Health Services and Oregon Department Employment Department have stopped occupying the building at 450 Marine Drive in Astoria in March due to building safety concerns.

They are exploring permanent locations within Clatsop County that will allow them to support the needs of our community. Additional information about future permanent locations will be shared when available.

• In-person support related to food, cash, childcare and domestic violence services are being provided from portable trailers in the parking lot at 450 Marine Drive

• WorkSource Oregon - Astoria staff are working out of trailers in the parking lot of the office building. All of the same employment and training services, job search assistance, and resume building services are available to the community

• Individuals needing support from the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program ─ including people who don’t have appointments ─ may visit the Clatsop Behavioral Healthcare offices located at 65 North Hwy 101, Suite 204, in Warrenton. Hours at this location are 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Fridays

For individuals who are unable to get to an alternate location, there are more ways to get help:

1. Call the ONE Customer Service Center with questions about medical, food, cash and child care benefits at 1-800-699-9075
2. If you need an EBT card, you can visit NorthWest Senior and Disability Services at 2002 Chokeberry Ave, SE in Warrenton
3. Reach out to Oregon’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection ADRC of Oregon at 1-855-ORE-ADRC (1-855-673-2372)
4. If you suspect a child or adult is being harmed and want to make a confidential report, call the Oregon SAFEline at 1-855-503-SAFE (7233)

Halibut Angling Days Added to Central Coast and Columbia River Subareas

Columbia River Subarea

Five days are now added to the all-depth fishery: Aug. 26-27, Sept. 8-9, and Sept. 22. This subarea is from Cape Falcon to Ledbetter Point, WA. The daily bag limit is one halibut.

Landed halibut must be immediately tagged.

Read more.

Volunteer and Help Children and Families

Help some of the most vulnerable children and families in our community by volunteering to serve on the Citizen Review Board. 



Citizen volunteers bring transparency and public oversight to foster care cases and can help shape public policy affecting Oregon’s most vulnerable children and families

Email the CRB volunteer resource coordinator for more information.

Time is Running Out

Veterans and Family Members: Deadline to File for PACT Act is Coming Soon

The PACT Act is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances.

The PACT Act adds to the list of health conditions that are presumed to be caused by exposure to these substances. This law helps provide generations of Veterans—and their survivors—with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve.

There is no deadline to apply for PACT Act benefits. If you file your PACT Act claim—or quickly submit your intent to file— by Sunday, August 9, 2023, you may receive benefits backdated to August 10, 2022. 

If you think you may be eligible for VA health care or benefits, apply now or call 800-698-2411 (TTY: 711).

Read more.

Youngs River Road is now open to all traffic at the Klaskanine River Bridge (MP 10.55).

Beginning August 7, Hillcrest Loop will be closed to all through traffic between Old HWY 30 and Akerstedt Road for culvert replacement projects at MP 0.5 and MP 1.1. 

• The closure at MP 1.1 will begin on the morning of August 7 and last approximately one week, directly followed by the closure at MP 0.5

• The MP 0.5 replacement is anticipated to last approximately three weeks. Utilize Conroy Road and Old HWY 30 as a detour

• Detour signage will be in place during the closures

The railroad will be rebuilding the following intersections next week:

Tuesday, August 8 – Old Mill Town Road will be closed at the rail crossing. Use Westport Ferry Road as the alternate to reach areas North of the tracks. Households south of the tracks will remain accessible. 

Wednesday, August 9 – Westport Ferry Road will be closed at the rail crossing. Use Old Mill Town Road as the alternate to reach areas North of the tracks. Households and the fire department south of the tracks will remain accessible.

Crews will perform:



• Mowing countywide, weather permitting

• Chip sealing Knappa Dock Road, Maki Road, Maggie Johnson Road, Carl Johnson Road and Walluski Loop. Expect intermittent delays and watch for loose gravel

• Paving/overlay August 7 & 8 on Young River Road between MP 8 & 9

Clatsop County is a great place to work. Find out about current Clatsop County career opportunities where you can make a difference every day.

Clatsop County is committed to being transparent and providing the information you need, when you need it.

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