Huntington residents return home as evacuation levels lifted
By Joe Hathaway on Thursday, August 1st, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER COUNTY — The City of Huntington is welcoming back its residents as evacuation levels for the still-burning Durkee Fire have been lifted following improved weather conditions and reduced fire activity. The Baker County Sheriff’s Office announced the lifting of notices for the town on Tuesday, July 30.
Residents of Huntington, along with those from parts of Rye Valley and Pleasant Valley, are no longer under any evacuation orders. This change comes as a relief to many who chose to leave their homes under a Level 3 (GO NOW) evacuation order issued on July 21. At that time, a severe weather warning predicted lightning, rain, and 70 mph winds, posing significant risks of flash flooding, debris flow, power outages, and freeway closures.
“It was pretty scary,” said Siobahn Boxberger, City Record for Huntington. “ My husband and I ended up not leaving. We were packed and ready to go in case the fire jumped the freeway but we stayed as my husband’s on the city council and I’m the recorder, so we stayed just in case the city needed anything and so I could provide updates as accurately as possible.”
Boxberger says the City urged those with health issues, mobility issues and families with small children to leave.
The evacuation, which saw residents leaving with important medications and companion animals, was a challenging period for many. An evacuation shelter was set up at the Malheur County Fairgrounds, where the American Red Cross provided assistance.
With the immediate threat now diminished, local officials are focusing on supporting those who suffered losses, including ranchers who lost cattle. Resources are available through the city, county, and state to help residents recover.
The return of residents has also prompted discussions about improving preparedness for future emergencies. “We need to enhance our communication strategies, especially for those not connected to the Internet,” Boxberger said. “Of course, the county sheriff and deputies were a huge help, as they went door-to-door as needed to alert residents.”
As residents settle back in, the Baker County Sheriff’s Office continues to urge vigilance, as weather patterns and fire activity could still lead to changes in evacuation levels.
“We are ever so grateful to our community and all those who came to help protect it,” said the City Recorder. “Their efforts have been invaluable.”
Residents are encouraged to stay informed about any updates on evacuation levels and fire activity through official channels such as the Baker County Sheriff’s Office.
