Oregon Governor invokes 'Conflagration Act' for the 12th time this year

(The Center Square) - For the 12th time this year, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act to combat wildfires.

Kotek invoked the act on August 6, 2024, responding to the Town Gulch Fire in Baker County. The Baker County Fire Defense Board asked for assistance in protecting life and safety, plus structural fire protection. The state fire marshal concurred with the request.

“Firefighters on the ground have been working incredibly hard in brutal conditions for weeks now, with many weeks to go,” Governor Kotek said in a statement. “We all have to do our part as we get through a long wildfire season. That means knowing the fire danger levels where you live, work, and play. Follow all local restrictions on burning, equipment use, campfires, and other activities that can start wildfires.”

Over 1.2 million acres have burned statewide this year; 134 active fires, including 35 large fires, were actively burning in Oregon as of Wednesday afternoon.

"The Oregon structural fire service has worked diligently to protect life and property and reduce the wildfire threat to communities," the release said. "Wildland firefighting resources from the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and other states continue to fight for full containment."

The state plans to use all its available resources to fight the wildfires blazing across Oregon. State agencies are collaborating with municipalities and counties to access the necessary state and federal resources to combat these wildfires.

"Following ORS 476.510-476.610, Governor Kotek determined that a threat to life, safety, and property exists due to the fire, and the threat exceeds the firefighting capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment," the release said. "The governor’s declaration allows the state fire marshal to mobilize resources through the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System to support local fire service agencies on the scene. This conflagration is declared only for the Town Gulch Fire threatening structures in Baker County."