Vancouver, Wash. ‒ As wildfire smoke and ash blanket the region, the Clark County Fire Marshal reminds residents that a ban on most all recreational fires remains in place countywide until further notice.

Also, the state Department of Natural Resources Tuesday banned all burning ‒ including campfires in fire pits and the use of charcoal briquettes ‒ on all DNR lands statewide through the end of September.

In the unincorporated area, recreational fires and outdoor burning of any kind are prohibited. Charcoal or gas-fueled cooking devices continue to be allowed.

Vancouver, Wash. – The Board of County Councilors is seeking applicants to fill a volunteer position representing the business community on the Solid Waste Advisory Commission.

Commission members provide recommendations to the county on issues such as recycling, garbage collection, landfills, transfer stations and waste reduction programs.

The commission meets at 6 p.m. on the first Thursday of February, May, August and November. Meetings are at the Center for Community Health, 1601 E. Fourth Plain Blvd.

Vancouver, Wash. – The toll depression can take on an older adult’s health can be severe. Depression can complicate treatment of chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or cancer and make taking care of yourself or seeking treatment more difficult. Learn how to recognize the signs of depression and importance of seeing a health practitioner for treatment at the Tuesday, Sept. 19, meeting of the Commission on Aging.

The 4:30 p.m. meeting will be in the sixth-floor Hearing Room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. It is open to the public.

Vancouver, Wash. – A rabid bat being found outside a Camas home recently is a reminder to stay away from wild animals, especially bats, and keep pets vaccinated against rabies. Fortunately, no people were exposed to rabies carried by the bat.

Rabies is a severe viral disease that affects the central nervous system. All warm-blooded mammals – including humans – are susceptible to rabies. After exposure, prompt medical attention can prevent the disease. It is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.

Vancouver, Wash. – Wildfires are creating unhealthy air quality for much of the region, and residents are urged to take steps to limit their exposure to outdoor air and be alert to local fire danger from excessively dry conditions, wind and heat.

All people in a smoky area, except emergency personnel, should avoid strenuous work, exercise outdoors or driving whenever possible. If driving is necessary, run the air conditioner on the “recycle” or re-circulate mode to avoid drawing smoky air into the vehicle.

Vancouver, Wash. ‒ Clark County is seeking applicants for an open position on the volunteer Animal Protection and Control Advisory Board.

The position is for an animal-related business owner living in Clark County. The business can include breeding, grooming, boarding and training, but excludes a veterinarian practice.

The term begins on appointment and ends Oct. 31, 2021.

Advisory board members meet quarterly at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month at Clark County Public Works Operations Center, 4700 N.E. 78th St.

Vancouver, Wash. – Public Health officials are urging people to take precautions when air quality is poor and temperatures remain high.

Smoke from widespread wildfires has cause air quality to deterioriate, and residents should be alert to local fire danger from excessively dry conditions, wind and heat.

Smoky air can cause eye, nose and throat irritation and a range of respiratory problems. It can also aggravate existing lung, heart and circulatory conditions such as asthma and angina.

Vancouver, Wash. ‒ A hearing regarding a challenge to the voter registration of a Port of Vancouver commissioner candidate has been rescheduled to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20, in Conference Room 226 of the Auto Licensing and Elections Building, 1408 Franklin St.

The hearing originally was set for Sept. 8, but has been delayed to accommodate the schedules of all those involved.

Vancouver, Wash. – A nonprofit organization proposes developing a short-stay camp for military veterans on about 30 acres of Bratton Canyon Park, north of La Center.

Columbia River Veterans Organization wants to provide a rustic outdoors experience for veterans, a place for “relaxation, quiet camaraderie and healing.” Veterans would stay at Camp Eagle’s Rest for a few days or a week at no charge and participate in outdoor recreation, group discussions and other activities.

Vancouver, Wash. ‒ The Clark County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office invites the public to a ceremony remembering and honoring victims of homicide in Clark County during the county’s annual observance of the National Day of Remembrance for Homicide Victims.

The ceremony will be 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 18, in the sixth-floor Hearing Room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. The annual event is sponsored by the Prosecuting Attorney’s Victim Assistance Unit.

Keynote speaker will be Robert Hampton Jr., 19. His mother, Heather Young, was murdered in 2004.