Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Department of Emergency Services

08/19/2026

08/05/2026

Today the Air Quality Index is 157 – Unhealthy. This means that the air contains harmful particles that may enter your bloodstream and cause health issues to arise or worsen. Members of medically vulnerable groups are at higher risk of feeling more serious health effects from this. Please be aware of risks and minimize exposure as much as possible. You can do this by remaining indoors and utilize an air purifier if accessible. If you must go outside for any reason, you can wear an N-95 or a KN-95; cloth masks do not provide enough protection.

Avoid walking or exercising outside during these conditions.

We are hoping that the air quality will improve as the week continues and the wind shift pushes it away from our area. Please be mindful of your health and continue monitoring the situation daily as we make our way through wildfire season.

08/03/2026

As many of you have noticed, the smoke from the eastern Oregon fires has begun pushing into our area with the arrival of east winds. There are no active fires in our immediate area. Air quality will continue to be an issue through the next few days until the winds shift again.

A heat advisory has also been issued from noon Tuesday to 11 PM Wednesday. This heat will be paired with lower humidity levels, increasing fire risk.

We encourage individuals sensitive to poor air quality and heat to limit their outdoor activity. Additionally, we encourage everyone to make sure that they stay hydrated and limit fire-causing activities.

As always if there are needs that arise, including shelters, please contact the Emergency Services department at 503–879–3473.

07/25/2026

Earlier today, our crews responded to a wildland fire along Highway 22 to assist the Sheridan Fire District.

Due to the amount of smoke and the potential for fire spread from gusty winds, a second alarm was requested to bring additional resources to the scene. Firefighters located a slow-moving fire of approximately ¼ acre burning beneath the forest canopy in a heavily wooded area with challenging access.

Thanks to the quick response and coordinated efforts of all agencies involved, crews were able to contain the fire before it could spread further. The preliminary cause appears to be a lightning strike.

We appreciate the assistance from our partner agencies:
• SW Polk Fire
• Dallas Fire & EMS
• Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Natural Resources
• Amity Fire District

Thank you to all of the firefighters who responded and worked together to protect our communities.

07/15/2026

Earlier this week, Chief Zoutendijk deployed to the East Evans Creek Fire as part of the Incident Management Team. This morning, we deployed a brush rig with both Polk and Yamhill counties, each staffed with two firefighters. We are thankful to be able to send resources to assist other communities, while still keeping our communities staffed here at home.

With the reduced rainfall this year and higher than usual temperatures, we encourage everyone to be extra cautious when using spark emitting equipment or heat sources. As seen with the recent fire in Sheridan, vegetation is quick to ignite and fire spread can be rapid.

07/12/2026

CTGR Emergency Services and Sheridan Fire District - Joint Press Release - Rock Creek Rd Fire

Just before 6:00 PM yesterday evening, CTGR and Sheridan crews were dispatched to a possible wildland fire in the area Rock Creek Rd and W Main St. Initial information noted heavy smoke in the area, but it was unknown what was on fire. Due to the smoke column, the fire was upgraded to a second alarm wildland fire, adding resources from Amity and McMinnville. Upon arrival, crews found a wind driven fire pushing East, through vegetation and debris. With the fuel loads, wind activity and proximity to structures, the fire was upgraded to a third alarm. This brought resources from all over Polk and Yamhill Counties. Additionally, addresses between 1350 W Main St and Rock Creek Rd were given evacuation notices on both sides of W Main St. Due to the size of the fire and limited access, the fire was divided into several divisions, allowing more efficient containment and resource management. The majority of the fire was contained between Rock Creek Rd and Chip Yard Rd. The was one small spot fire that crossed Chip Yard Rd, however this was quickly extinguished. The debris did contain some stored chemicals that caused small explosions during the fire. It also contained astro turf and other debris that will continue to burn for some time. No structures were lost during the fire and the total footprint of the fire was held to around 3 acres. The fire is not expected to grow further, despite current fire activity. Heavy equipment was ordered to begin pulling apart debris piles for more thorough extinguishment and to reinforce containment lines. No injuries were reported during the incident. Crews will continue to monitor the fire throughout the coming days. The cause of the fire remains under investigation at this time.

Yamhill County Fire Defense Board Chief and CTGR Emergency Services Chief, Steve Warden, wants to express his gratitude for the strong mutual aid partnerships in Yamhill and Polk Counties. Incidents like this one are prime examples of how important it is to have good relationships with neighboring agencies and those beyond!

Partnering agencies that responded include: CTGR Natural Resources Department, Amity Fire District, McMinnville Fire District, Carlton Fire District, Dallas Fire Department, Dayton Fire District, Polk County Fire District No. 1, SW Polk Fire District, Oregon Department of Forestry, Yamhill County Sheriff's Office, Newberg Police Department, and Oregon State Fire Marshal.

07/12/2026

Update 7:58 PM: Forward progress has been stopped. All evacuations have been lifted. Crews will remain on scene for extensive mop up.

Update 7:20 PM: There is active fire between Rock Creek Rd and Chip Yard Rd. The fuel loads are heavy and smoke and fire will be visible for some time. No structures are threatened at this time. Out of an abundance of caution, there are some evacuations in place on W Main St. Those residents have been notified directly.

Multiple agencies are responding to a wildland fire near Rock Creek Rd and W Main between Sheridan and Willamina. Please use caution in the area.

07/05/2026

A traffic collision has occurred at Valley Junction (Highway 18 and Highway 22) and is impacting traffic in both directions. Please use caution in the area.

07/04/2026

Happy Independence Day! Keep these safety tips in mind today!

06/29/2026

Events like this are a culmination of many training hours and collaboration between partnering agencies. We are proud of our staff and our partners to make this possible.

Tribal Government & News Crews honored for life-saving efforts 06.29.2026 Nicole Montesano Emergency Services Department Grand Ronde Emergency Services Department Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician Treve Earhart, left, shakes hands with Tribal Emergency Services Assistant Chief Torey Wakeland....