Chief Scott Stanton discusses how the 2026 fire season has started early and why a sudden spike in calls does not mean there's an arsonist on the loose. He also talks about what property owners can do to reduce the fuel load around their home, business or outbuilding. Next, Stanton talks about some of the technology used to report fire data. He wraps up the conversation inviting the public to tomorrow's (Thursday) open house at Station 21 in downtown Hermiston from 3 to 6 p.m.

Chief Scott Stanton discusses how the 2026 fire season has started early and why a sudden spike in calls does not mean there's an arsonist on the loose. He also talks about what property owners can do to reduce the fuel load around their home, business or outbuilding. Next, Stanton talks about some of the technology used to report fire data. He wraps up the conversation inviting the public to tomorrow's (Thursday) open house at Station 21 in downtown Hermiston from 3 to 6 p.m.

Daily conversation with newsmakers. Hear about the latest news straight from community leaders on this fun, current and informative show. Exclusively at www.ElkhornMediaGroup.com and on our free Elkhorn Mobile app on Google Play and the App Store.

 

 

Daily conversation with newsmakers. Hear about the latest news straight from community leaders on this fun, current and informative show. Exclusively at www.ElkhornMediaGroup.com and on our free Elkhorn Mobile app on Google Play and the App Store.
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Coffee Hour Podcast

June 24     |     Umatilla County Fire District No. 1

Umatilla County Fire District No. 1 Deputy Chief Rich Cearns discusses local and statewide deployments, the challenges of balancing EMS calls with firefighting, and recent station renovations. Ben Wagner of Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 6 highlights the specific challenges of combating the Paradise and Hagen wildfires, such as restricted aviation tactics in watersheds, wildlife hazards, and steep terrain.

Umatilla County Fire District No. 1 Deputy Chief Rich Cearns discusses local and statewide deployments, the challenges of balancing EMS calls with firefighting, and recent station renovations. Ben Wagner of Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 6 highlights the specific challenges of combating the Paradise and Hagen wildfires, such as restricted aviation tactics in watersheds, wildlife hazards, and steep terrain.

August 14 | Rich Cearns, UCFD1; Ben Wagner, Hagen and Paradise Fires Management Team

Umatilla County Commissioner Cindy Timmons to discuss the ongoing wildfire season sweeping through the Columbia Basin. Commissioner Timmons shares her personal reflections on the Lower Dry Creek Fire, highlighting the community's swift evacuation efforts, the selfless work of local emergency responders, and the inspiring stories of neighborly support that emerged from the crisis. The conversation also dives into the excitement surrounding the Umatilla County Fair, featuring behind-the-scenes updates on new facilities, 4-H competition highlights, and a peek into the annual Wheat League baking contest.

Umatilla County Commissioner Cindy Timmons to discuss the ongoing wildfire season sweeping through the Columbia Basin. Commissioner Timmons shares her personal reflections on the Lower Dry Creek Fire, highlighting the community's swift evacuation efforts, the selfless work of local emergency responders, and the inspiring stories of neighborly support that emerged from the crisis. The conversation also dives into the excitement surrounding the Umatilla County Fair, featuring behind-the-scenes updates on new facilities, 4-H competition highlights, and a peek into the annual Wheat League baking contest.

August 13     |     Umatilla County Board of Commissioners

Umatilla County Public Health Director Joe Fiumara breaks down the Air Quality Index (AQI) categories and provides practical safety advice for managing smoke and heat risks during wildfire season. He also reviews a recent Umatilla/Morrow County Drinking Water Roadmap public meeting focused on long-term drinking water solutions and highlights upcoming summer well-testing events to address local nitrate concerns.

Umatilla County Public Health Director Joe Fiumara breaks down the Air Quality Index (AQI) categories and provides practical safety advice for managing smoke and heat risks during wildfire season. He also reviews a recent Umatilla/Morrow County Drinking Water Roadmap public meeting focused on long-term drinking water solutions and highlights upcoming summer well-testing events to address local nitrate concerns.

June 24 | Umatilla County Fire District No. 1

Coffee Hour Podcast

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