SALEM, Ore.-A State of Emergency has been declared in Oregon due to the “imminent and ongoing threat of wildfire.”
The declaration made by Governor Tina Kotek on July 16 will remain in effect for the rest of the calendar year due to prolonged hot, dry conditions and the potential for fires to threaten life, safety and property.
“I am declaring a State of Emergency to access state resources for communities across Oregon as we respond to this year’s escalating wildfire season,” said Gov. Kotek. “All Oregonians should follow local instructions and evacuation levels issued by emergency officials, subscribe to emergency alerts on ORAlert.gov, have an evacuation plan, prepare a go-kit, and stay aware of changing conditions.”
As of July 14, a total of 942 fires of varying sizes have been reported in Oregon this year and 38,373 acres have burned, according to the Oregon Department of Forestry.
The emergency declaration directs all Oregon State Agencies, including the National Guard, to make resources, equipment and personnel available to assist in wildfire response efforts anywhere in the state.
“The summer is only getting hotter, drier, and more dangerous – we have to be prepared for worsening conditions,” Governor Kotek said.
Start managing the forest like we did in the past. Clean up, let the loggers back in to make fire breaks and roads. Get rid of the homeless camps. We learned so much after the Tillamook fire then the environmentalists took over and it all went away.