High winds beginning early afternoon on Monday drive fire danger up

The Oregon Department of Forestry stages a vehicle at the Gales Creek Fire Station on Tuesday, August 27. Photo: Chas Hundley

The Oregon Department of Forestry moved fire danger in the region from “High” to “Extreme” on Monday morning, bumped Industrial Fire Precaution Levels to 3 for the entire Tillamook Forest and surrounding region, closed gates on certain forest roads along Highway 6 and 26, and have asked outdoor enthusiasts to vacate the forests and stay away as concern mounts over dry east winds expected to punch into the region Monday evening. A Red Flag Warning remains . . .