UMATILLA — The Umatilla Rural Fire Protection District has placed its fire chief, Steve Potts, on paid leave amid an investigation into an “internal matter,” according to Kyle Sipe, chairman
PENDLETON â As a record-breaking drought and heat wave scorches Eastern Oregon, Umatilla County and the city of Pendleton banned fireworks as residents prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July.
The county board of commissioners made its call during an administrative meeting Wednesday morning, June 30, and the Pendleton City Council voted for its ban in a special meeting in the afternoon. Both bans come with the threat of $500 fines for violations.
The cityâs resolution aligns with an executive order from the governor declaring a drought emergency in Umatilla County, meaning fireworks will be banned through Dec. 31 unless lifted earlier.
The countyâs ban will last through Sept. 30, âor sooner if conditions change,â and applies to all unincorporated areas in the county and is effective immediately, Commissioner George Murdock said. The ban is to prevent wildfires in vulnerable areas where âthe tiniest spark could result in a conflagration,â he added