Governor extends state of emergency due to wildfire danger

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has extended the State of Emergency issued last week due to the increasing danger of wildfires.

Kotek first issued the declaration due to the extreme hot weather. The extended state of emergency took effect Friday, July 12 and runs through October 1, 2024.

“Wildfires are active across Oregon and are growing at a concerning pace,” Kotek said in a statement. “Hot and windy conditions this weekend, including forecasted lightning in some areas, are threatening even larger wildfires. 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.

“Throughout the summer, it will inevitably get hotter and drier, presenting an even greater risk of catastrophic wildfires. The best way to limit wildfire impacts on our communities, natural areas, and first responders is to be aware of the conditions and prevent wildfires from starting.”

Kotek is urging Oregonians to follow the 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.

The state of emergency directs the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) to support and aid several state, county and tribal agencies. The National Guard will also deploy firefighting resources as needed, according to reports

As of July 13, there were nine wildfires burning across Oregon.

See the State of Emergency Declaration here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QM0zbYPdDG_ULZwuSCVkTfbW10XspChg/view?pli=1