Tribal offices, Highway 18 re-open on Wednesday, Sept. 16

Tribal governmental offices re-opened on Wednesday, Sept. 16, after being shuttered since Tuesday, Sept. 8, for various reasons, including extreme fire danger and poor air quality caused by western Oregon wildfires.

In addition, Highway 18 between Grand Ronde and Lincoln City re-opened, reflecting the progress firefighters have made battling two wildfires near Otis. Signs on Highway 18 state that a pilot car will lead travelers through the affected area near milepost 5. The barricades just west of the Grand Ronde Road intersection have been removed.

The Grand Ronde Tribe continues to host a fire camp for firefighters seeking to extinguish the wildfires in Lincoln County. About 600 firefighters are camping in the Tribal gym, near the day-use park, rodeo grounds and softball field. They also are using the field adjacent to the Governance Center.

The Echo Mountain Complex fire has burned more than 2,500 acres and is 33 percent contained.

According to AirNow.gov, the air quality in the Grand Ronde area on Wednesday morning had once again reached the "hazardous" range with a pollution rating of 409 after decreasing to the "very unhealthy" range 24 hours earlier with a pollution rating of 257. In addition to smoke, most of the West Valley area between McMinnville and Grand Ronde was socked in with heavy fog.

"Hazardous" conditions mean that everyone should limit their outdoor activity and remain inside as much as possible.

To track the area's air quality, visit https://www.airnow.gov/?city=Grand%20Ronde&state=OR&country=USA.