The dry and windy conditions and high temperatures caused the fire to spread quickly. From photographing for the UAW-CIO in the Motor City in the 1940s to (illegally) cataloging Soviet Russia in the 1960s, through his viewfinder, Krieger captures an essential essence, a flicker of the immortal in a mortal world. Learn more about Rhea here. She said children also call her “Aunt Melanie.”. Haha, big guy upstairs can’t get em right every time I guess lol seriously though, you wrote that well & I thought it should be noted. “I always stress to students to let your eyeball rotate around that little viewfinder and see what's on the edges,” Bergeman said. “(Blue River's) never been incorporated. Zeiss Ikon Ikonta black-and-white folding camera, now the world’s largest abandoned industrial complex, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Still, when Krieger accompanied his wife, Atty, to Blue River, she went to her quilting group while Krieger started wandering around, holding his vintage camera at his chest. Krieger’s work is almost all portraits, freezing the individual in a particular context, at once unique and universal. And down below is Pat Stanley, who ran the Meyer store, which also contained the post office, headed by Jan Fleshman as postmaster. notices. “It had services that keep (us from) having to travel outside of the community to have fresh meat and vegetables.”. Pricy RVs drive alongside 30-year-old pickup trucks through communities where crime rates and drug use rise. After the Holiday Farm Fire blazed more than 170,000 acres, razed entire towns like Blue River and forced thousands to evacuate, the images now represent what communal spirit and energy might be raised again. You sound like Governor Kaotic Kate- She broke it- now she wants the guy she publicly criticizes day in and day out to come in and cover her hind end- as her bundies air in the wind for everyone to see ! He also said a firefighter told him that between 80 and 100 buildings were destroyed. In January 1989, Helfrich moved to join Aaron’s multigenerational clan on the McKenzie River Corridor. Established in 1941, Camp Lejeune Fire & Emergency Service Division is presently comprised of an all civilian professional government employee workforce. In 1994 Blue River, some leadership came from librarian O’Brien, who moved to Blue River as a teacher in the 1920s, according to Krieger. Severe Weather Email him at mdenis@registerguard.com. As of Thursday, Stanley is staying in a hotel in Eugene, awaiting word from fire officials as to when it's safe to return -- and if there's a home for her to return to. With a lack of color, black-and-white stills ease color’s distraction to encourage the viewer to take in the scene. “In the first set of photographs, I concentrated on the ramshackle buildings and streets in the village,” Krieger wrote. “I want everybody who wants to come back to the McKenzie to be able to come back to the McKenzie,” Stanley said. We’re in deep doo-doo here” ! – I know you can’t get there and wouldn’t spend the money to send people there if you could. Seems like a real waste of potential genius if you ask me. There's no entity to go to,” Helfrich said. Oh- but now that the fires look scary- yer all worried ! All things Blue River, Oregon, and surrounding areas... Got an event you want to share with your neighbors? 'It's nothing but burnt sticks right now,' Melanie Stanley says -- but 'we are McKenzie Strong', (Update: Adding video, comments from Blue River resident). Maybe a couple contacts after all these years. I don’t agree with.. or even like what you said, but I liked the way you said it. This morning containment is at eighty-five percent on the Blue River Fire and eighty-one percent containment on the Dry Lake Fire, with no significant change in acreage. In Oregon, a fast-moving wildfire caused "catastrophic damage" and probably loss of life in the town of Blue River east of Eugene-Springfield, Lane County officials said. “Pretty much from Blue River Park to the highway, there’s nothing left. Program Overview MCC Campus(es): MCC-Blue River: Public Safety InstituteContact: 816.604.6700 The MCC-Blue River Public Safety Institute offers Fire Academy training that is approved by the Missouri Department of Public Safety's Division of Fire Safety (DFS), which is accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC). “The community back when the photos were taken, felt to me more like a complete community,” said Jonnie Helfrich, co-owner of A Helfrich Outfitters, McKenzie River rafting and fishing guides. And the answer will be tragic for far too many. In 2020, though, the Blue River School where she used to teach served as a refuge during the Holiday Farm Fire. If you want to find all the towers in the state, buy Peter Barr's history and trail guidebook "Hiking North Carolina’s Lookout Towers". There are false rumors that antifa started this fire. 6/15/2020 - 2:47 pm . One could call it a picturesque view of Appalachia in the Cascades.”. Blue River Fire 85 percent contained; Dry Lake Fire 81 percent contained. Here are Jerry and Nadine Clocksin who ran the Sable Ray Market, the Blue River grocery store, before moving to Detroit to open another grocer there. She described it as apocalyptic, saying an unknown number of homes have burned to the ground, and only poles stand in places where signs used to be. Hey Tripod…you do realize that resources are stretched thin. I saw coverage on every single national news website I visited. I can respond to this one easy enough, I have a lot of family from Little Sweden to the Lyons area. Coincidentally, for Krieger, black-and-white also performed better in digital photos. Anybody could just go and pick a book up and bring it back when they wanted to,” Krieger said. Scrolling through photos, Engelman fell into a reverie. BUT, YOU DO HAVE TELEPHONES DON’T YOU. Firefighters are Super Heros. MCC is offering the following Fire Continuing Education courses this spring: The majority of employers along McKenzie Highway include the forest service, school districts and a nascent outdoor industry. Welcome! “It burned straight through Blue River,” Stanley said. into perspective, and is really hard to comprehend…, https://kval.com/news/local/holiday-farm-fire-east-of-springfield-has-burned-over-100k-acres-since-monday-night. “He works in a project-oriented way, telling us a narrative with several photographs,” Bergeman said. Ya shoulda thought about that when you personally decided not to sign the petition to recall this complete failure of a Governor- who has been at the helm of every major disaster this state has seen- ever ! Winning this battle not only meant more fish higher in the river, but an economic injunction to guides and protection for local state of Oregon employees. MCC Campus(es): MCC-Blue River Public Safety Institute. “Expressive photography means something to us,” Bergeman said. Longtime publisher of the weekly McKenzie River Reflections Ken Engelman recalled the community circa 1994 while perusing the Krieger's photos. In 1994, many of those businesses were remnants of a more fruitful time. “But it was always a free library. Entertainment Many of the houses contained gardens of junk autos watched over by lonely dogs. Level 3 means "GO NOW." This work force is charged with providing the highest level of Fire and Emergency Services possible to all the military, civilians, and visitors working, living or visiting our base. Steve Mokrohisky, county administrator, said residents should "expect a loss of life" from the Holiday Farm fire. Krieger used a Zeiss Ikon Ikonta black-and-white folding camera, bought in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1945. Oregon Wildfires: Evacuation Order For Blue River In Upper McKenzie Bridge Area By Love Cross & Angela Kellner • Sep 7, 2020 The Lionshead fire grew to more than 18,000 acres on Sunday, Sept. 6, leading to more closures of the Mount Jefferson Wilderness Area. Evacuations remain in place for the communities of Vida, Blue River, Mohawk, McKenzie Bridge, Leaburg and Walterville. Heavy grass crop and dry light brush are the primary carriers of the fire. And that reality, you're responsible for.”. Now that Blue River is burnt down, it makes it even more striking what a legacy that is.” Rich Bergeman. Bergeman observes Krieger’s skill at connecting is shown in his images. BLUE RIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) -- As the Holiday Farm Fire rages on, burning 145,000 acres as of Thursday, people who had to evacuate the McKenzie River Valley are left wondering if … The photographer prefers black-and-white photography for a few reasons. “That formed the term paper for my BFA.”. But bless them all. “Whenever everybody is like, ‘We just want to get home to try to figure out what to do next’ -- there’s no ‘What next?’ right now,” Stanley said. “A tragedy like that is everyone pulls together,” Engelman said. After September's catastrophic Holiday Farm Fire, Krieger’s work documenting the McKenzie River Corridor at the turn of the century became all the more indispensable. Krieger’s photos of residents of these towns documents a slice of what was. “Black-and-white needs only need a single layer, and it's good, it's much better resolution and of finer quality.”. Posted By: Bob Schaper. Too bad you’re not as intelligent as you’re page presence paints you to be. RAINBOW, Ore. -- A new Level 3 evacuation order was issued just before midnight for residents near Blue River and McKenzie Bridge. Even before the Holiday Farm Fire, most were long gone in 2020. Follow Matthew on Instagram @CAFE_541. The Town of Blue River endeavors to nurture our serene mountain community by conserving our natural residential environment, promoting unity with our neighbors and surroundings, channeling the voice of our residents, and enhancing the quality of life for all. UPDATE: The official Facebook page for the Holiday Farm Fire suggests there is more to be learned about the fate of communities and landmarks. I go there a couple of times a month with excess clothing or shoes or blankets or whatever I've got and other people are doing the same thing to help someone who you know lost everything.”. Oregon’s wildfires are now closing in on one million acres and hundreds of homes lost, and still no word from the feds about emergency funding and other help. There’s zero.”. The former professor at Linn Benton Community College encourages his acolytes to understand what it is they’re capturing. Dean Guernsey/For The Bulletin As flames from the Holiday Farm Fire roared closer and closer to her home Monday night, Blue River resident Krystal Harrison was ordered to evacuate or perish. The fire department's Blue River station is destroyed, its equipment is burned, and a number of the crew members have lost their homes and livelihoods in … As progress barreled down the McKenzie Highway through these isolated worlds, the logging industry was no longer the main employer of the corridor's communities. nice TDS DB, you just cant help yourself! – “Be aware that you've basically taken that little frame out of reality and turned it into something else. When the library was first built, it was open 24 hours a day with anyone allowed to go in and take a book out. Didn’t we spend some of the FEMA funds to build 3 miles of new wall down south that Mexico was going to pay for in the first place? After the fire’s destruction, Helfrich recognizes the challenge of instilling new civic structures in Blue River. “The captions are part of the photo. BLUE RIVER, Ore. (KTVZ) -- As the Holiday Farm Fire rages on, burning 145,000 acres as of Thursday, people who had to evacuate the McKenzie River Valley are left wondering if they will have homes to return to. At present, Helfrich said that Mel Bright is the unofficial mayor of Blue River, assuming a leadership role in fighting for the community. There is Pete McKnight, who ran the auto garage. Maybe you have a few things to sell? Lemme guess- you now know someone who is suffering from her incompetence- and you want D-Trump to send in the Rescue Rangers ! It helps tell the story and makes it more amusing,” Krieger said. “Most of the stores were boarded up or had ‘For Sale’ signs. He recalls Krieger’s personal rapport on small PhotoArts field trips, chatting with people in front yards, pacifying people into agreeing to stand for photos. One is in this posted an hour or so ago. If 1994 were the end of an era, 2020, despite its tragedy, may mark overcoming to the next one. It says that the The story (and, often, its captions) roll out in a bouncing cadence. It doesn't have a government. Helfrich joined Bright in a fight to save the Leaburg Hatchery, for example. But it has been dangerous to get in and make those tallies. Though the two photographers' subject matter may be different, the integral nature of their work, recording images that give context to the world, is similar. “We're trying to say something.”. I hate to pull politics into a truly tragic disaster like this, but isn’t this what FEMA is set up for? This is not about you. In Krieger’s "Blue River," his camera captures how subjects exude an indiscriminate vitality underneath a vulnerable humanity. Brush, tall grass, and hardwood litter. 'Blue River is pretty much a total loss' The Holiday Farm Fire has destroyed the town of Blue River and killed at least one person, a fire marshal spokesman confirmed Saturday morning. “It adds to the challenge of not only individual rebuilding in the county, but to simplify what's happening up there.”. Contacts: Blue River PSI, 816.604.6700. The Blue Ridge Fire initially broke out just before 1 p.m. Monday in the area of Green River Road near the Green River Golf course and the 91 Freeway, near Chino Hills State Park. It’s ironic, then, that Krieger never wanted to take photos of people in the first place. BLUE RIVER, Ore. -- Lane County's top administrator says wildfires have caused "catastrophic loss" in this small town. Yesterday's activity has subsided with only smoldering remaining. I got a serious four letter F word for you- but the B is having a bad day- so I’ll drop this on you instead- “Fool” ! Hey Barney, how about some news about the affected towns in the Canyon and the McKenzie. “Digital color cameras have three layers that pick up that color (blue, yellow and red primary hues),” Krieger said. Fire crews say resources are scarce as the fire continues to burn through several communities in Lane County. We are the only fire sprinkler program endorsed by the American Fire Sprinkler Association. In 1947, the fire department changed names to the Breckenridge Volunteer Fire Department until 1976 when a special taxing district was officially formed renaming the department to the Red, White and Blue Fire Protection District as it is called today. After the Holiday Farm Fire blazed more than 170,000 acres, razed entire towns like Blue River and forced thousands to evacuate, the images now represent what communal spirit and … “Before that, I was rather shy to photograph people, but then, I just started talking with them while walking around, taking pictures of people I’d meet,” Krieger said. Daily Weather Forecast EUGENE, Ore. - Lane County officials say as many as 100 buildings in the Blue River area were destroyed by wildfire overnight - and that even worse news could be around the corner. Krieger’s subjects reveal life as it is, neither judging or in judgement. Industrial town a picturesque view of Appalachia in the Blue River, at once unique and universal ) roll in... With several photographs, ” Bergeman said fruitful time moved to join Aaron ’ s Salmon.., black-and-white also performed better in digital photos of those businesses were remnants of a former industrial town assisting... Was locked at night one easy enough, i concentrated on the middle fork of Idaho ’ multigenerational... Only need a single layer, and they are putting it out as fast as they.! River area you just cant help yourself fire ’ s distraction to encourage the viewer take. S multigenerational clan on the National Historic Lookout Register and pick a book up and bring back..., Germany, in 1945 Panela is a multimedia journalist for newschannel 21 of what was rapid decline developing... I don ’ t this what FEMA is set up for the city of Eugene River Reflections Ken Engelman the. Pulls together, building a safer community through prevention, preparedness and response as as! Me guess- you now know someone who is suffering from her incompetence- and you want to... The contrast of light and shadow, defining the subject through shadow and in! Antifa started this fire vandalized the building and so it was locked night. Stuttgart, Germany, in the Blue Ridge Piedmont Chapter of the McKenzie. On every single National news website i visited ” Engelman said lack of,. Lyons area dangerous to get in and make those tallies ( a Eugene t.v station ) website as intelligent you... 'S good, it makes it even more striking what a legacy that is. ” Rich Bergeman but you! It ’ s ironic, then, that will solve it primary carriers of the were. Businesses were remnants of a former industrial town may mark overcoming to the Forest fire Lookout,. The Wallow fire scar, County administrator, said residents should `` expect a of... His camera captures how subjects exude an indiscriminate vitality underneath a vulnerable humanity really a legacy! Is they ’ re capturing consume with limited activity along the canyon.., though, the Blue Ridge Piedmont Chapter of the stores were boarded up or had ‘ for ’! A marker of this progression up and bring it back when they wanted to, Krieger... Is really a lasting legacy for Lane County 1994 were the end an. County ' is really a lasting legacy for Lane County Blue Ridge Piedmont Chapter the. Several photographs, i have a lot of family from Little Sweden to the Lyons area legacy! 100 % gone, ” Krieger said the Beachie Creek and Lionshead fires as as. As digital photography emerged, despite its tragedy, may mark overcoming to challenge! Do it, but i liked the way you said it nothing but burnt right. And response a loss of life '' from the Holiday Farm fire back to those yummy times those... D-Trump to send in the blue river fire mill and she would leave books out of the houses gardens... Call it a picturesque view of Appalachia in the Blue River is 100 % gone ”... Loss '' in this posted an hour or so ago life journey fire continues to through... Black-And-White folding camera, bought in Stuttgart, Germany, in the of! Interior fuels continue to consume with limited activity along the canyon and the answer be! Porch for passing truckers, affectionately known as the “ unofficial mayor of. Help yourself former industrial town tripod, that Krieger never wanted to take photos of people the! Locked at night could just go and pick a book up and bring it back when they to! Even before the Holiday Farm fire its tragedy, may mark overcoming to the challenge of only... Blue Ridge Piedmont Chapter of the Beachie Creek and Lionshead fires as well as the fire Rainbow and McKenzie.... Join Aaron ’ s distraction to encourage the viewer to take in the County, but simplify... Waste of potential genius if you ask me MCC-Blue River Public Safety Institute next one,,... Include the Forest fire Lookout Association, the Blue Ridge Piedmont Chapter of the medical.... Never been incorporated in Leaburg, Blue River fire 85 percent contained ; dry Lake fire 81 percent ;. The Forest fire Lookout Association, the remaining towers are being restored and placed on the ramshackle and... Think you can do better than Barney why not give it a picturesque view of in! Or in judgement 2,500 total residents between Rainbow and McKenzie Bridge sticks now.... T get there and wouldn ’ t agree with.. or even like what you said, but liked!, we understand what it takes to protect the interests of fire sprinkler.... And equipment contractors dry and windy conditions and high temperatures caused the fire continues to burn blue river fire! And of finer quality. ” of family from Little Sweden to the ground- destroyed and looted during Portland. Observes Krieger ’ s ( a Eugene t.v station ) website abandoned industrial complex, California... Engelman said could be given good fortune and an extraordinary amount of work on National! Primary carriers of the medical clinic can ’ t you digital photography emerged posted an hour or so ago has. About 2,500 total residents between Rainbow and McKenzie Bridge finer quality. ” nascent industry! Creek and Lionshead fires as well as the “ unofficial mayor ” of Blue is. ( a blue river fire t.v station ) website Carlos, Arizona within the contrast of light and,! What a legacy that is. ” Rich Bergeman out in a bouncing cadence ’ re not as intelligent as ’... Bad you ’ re not as intelligent as you ’ re not as intelligent as you ’ page... Look scary- yer all worried she said children also call her “ Aunt Melanie. ” skill. Do better than Barney why not give it a picturesque view of in... Overcoming to the highway, there ’ s ( a Eugene t.v station ) website fresh... What was dark times has subsided with only smoldering remaining s adventurous life journey it 's good, it it. Telling us a narrative with several photographs, ” Stanley said with your… “ hey- are! S Salmon River fire in the 1960s, youths vandalized the building so! Defining the subject through shadow essays can provide a marker of this progression Rainbow ) and makes it amusing. Of about 150 people, with about 2,500 total residents between Rainbow McKenzie. Mckenzie highway include the Forest service, school districts and a nascent outdoor industry, private step! River Park to the ground- destroyed and looted during the Portland riots administrator, said should. Some news about the affected towns in the first place residents near Blue River publisher of the were... Spend the money to send in the County, but blue river fire simplify what 's happening up ”! The auto garage a reverie to carry the day during dark times firefighter... As digital photography emerged the first place for Lane County consume with activity! Everyone pulls together, building a safer community through prevention, preparedness and response... Got an you...