Wildfire near The Dalles grows to 3,500 acres

A wildfire near The Dalles has surged to over 3,500 acres since Wednesday, prompting closures of parts of I-84 and Highway 30. The rapid growth of the fire raises concerns for local residents and travelers. In a separate legislative move, Governor Tina Kotek signed a bill to combat illegal massage parlors that exploit sex workers, increasing penalties for repeat offenders to a Class C felony. This law aims to protect vulnerable individuals while holding offenders accountable. Meanwhile, the Portland City Council is set to consider a proposal to temporarily waive seismic assessments, landscaping, and other building requirements to encourage more development.

This proposal reflects ongoing efforts to address housing shortages and stimulate economic growth in the region. Local officials view these legislative actions as critical to enhancing public safety and fostering community resilience. The combination of wildfire management, crime prevention, and development initiatives underscores the multifaceted challenges faced by Oregon's policymakers.