Sheriff McKinley issues statement on looting, burned residences, and more

CANYON CITY – Grant County Sheriff Todd McKinley has issued a press release regarding the current wildfire crisis in Grant County, and around the region. Find the Sheriff’s statement below:

(Press Release from Grant County Sheriff Toff McKinley)

Citizens of Grant County, we are facing struggles of an unprecedented level from all corners of the county. 

Now is the time to step up, check on your neighbors, help prepare for what may be inevitable, and contact family and have an emergency plan. 

During the fires and evacuations, there have been those that would prey on the vulnerable. I will not tolerate this. There was an incident where an individual familiar with the area took advantage of the chaos, and driving a stolen vehicle out of La Grande, broke in to various businesses and stole from residences along US 395 from Dale to Mt. Vernon. This person was arrested in the La Grande area where he lives after a brief pursuit. Many thanks to Sgt. Damon Rand for his efforts that led to this person being caught. 

I can verify that three primary residences were lost to the Monkey fire burning in the Ritter area. All  persons are accounted for and there was no loss of life as the fire raged through the area on the night of the 20th. Utilities have burned and crews are assessing those to get the services back online for those still living in the area. 

For all those that want to help, simply taking care of your property and having things ready to evacuate if needed helps us help you. 

The position of this office is to advise you to evacuate when necessary, but whether you do or not is your choice. We will not force you to leave, but at least give us next of kin information for notifications if you do not make it out. 

Please monitor the Grant County Emergency Management Facebook page as you can for updated information and only call in if absolutely necessary to keep lines free for those experiencing an actual crisis. The Grant County Emergency Operations Center has been running under the direction of Emergency Manager Eric Bush, and they are the hub of information intake and dissemination from fire management staff and the Grant County Emergency Communications Center. 

We here at the Grant County Sheriff’s Office are working hard to assist the citizens of Grant County during this disaster, and to help get us back to our daily lives. 

**Photo from Grant County Sheriff Todd McKinley**

---

---

---

---

Elkhorn Media Group