Kotek invokes Emergency Conflagration Act for two more Oregon wildfires

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — In response to the wildfires blazing across Oregon, Gov. Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act on two different fires that have, together, burned more than 140,000 acres and counting.

On Sunday morning, Kotek invoked the act in response to the Falls Fire in Harney County which is currently burning over 85,000 acres. The next day she invoked it again for the Lone Rock Fire which is now burning over 64,000 acres in Gilliam, Morrow and Wheeler Counties.

“The Oregon State Fire Marshal and the Oregon Department of Forestry are working in concert with each other to protect our state. Critical fire conditions are expected to continue into the coming week,” Governor Kotek said. “Fire incident management teams have been mobilized across the state to manage growing fires in the face of dangerous weather forecasts. Thank you to the Washington fire service for partnering with our state, and to all of the firefighters who are working tirelessly to protect Oregonians.”

The Emergency Conflagration Act allows local authorities to receive additional aid when a threat to life, safety, and property exists due to a wildfire.

Additional aid has already been requested for both fires, including the Oregon State Fire Marshall requesting additional resources from the Washington State Fire Service to help battle the Falls Fire.

“We are bringing in additional support from the Washington Fire Service for the Falls Fire, the severe drawdown of Oregon resources, and the anticipated weather conditions,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “Our strong relationship with the Washington fire service is invaluable, especially during their responses to Oregon in 2017 and 2020. We have a robust response system that transcends borders and supports our mutual missions. I can’t thank the Washington fire service enough for their quick and reliable response to Oregon’s needs.”

According to the governor’s office, the Oregon Department of Forestry is also receiving aid from out of state with over 70 resources ordered so far, with some coming from Canada as well through the Northwest Compact, a group of states and territories with mutual aid agreements to help when resources are strained.

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