Oregon governor invokes Emergency Conflagration Act for two more wildfires

(The Center Square) - Oregon Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for two fires late last week.

Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the Rail Ridge Fire in Crook and Grant counties and the Shoe Fly Fire in Wheeler County on Friday, September 6, according to a press release.

The Grant County and Wheeler County Fire Defense Boards asked for help in protecting life, safety, and structural fire protection; the state fire marshal agreed the request was appropriate.

“September is still a dangerous month of fire season, and our firefighters are working around the clock to protect Oregon’s communities and natural resources,” Governor Kotek said. “I continue to urge all Oregonians and visitors to our state to act with extreme caution, heed all fire restrictions, and know the fire danger level of the areas where they live, work, and play.”

Over the weekend, Oregon had 23 large fires active statewide.

"Oregon is using every resource available through partnerships with many agencies to fight the wildland fires blazing across our state," the release said. "State agencies are working with local communities to continuously assess what state and federal resources are needed."

The governor's declaration lets the state fire marshal use the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System to mobilize resources and help on-the-scene firefighters.

“The conditions we are seeing on the ground are very dynamic, with several fires burning in the region, and a cold front is expected to pass through. There’s no real relief in the forecast over the weekend and into early next week,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said in a statement. “The Oregon fire service has been extremely busy over the last few months, and I cannot thank them enough for being ready to respond to help their fellow Oregonians when they need it.”

The Rail Ridge Fire was 146,601 acres big and just 7% contained as of Monday morning; meanwhile, the Shoe Fly Fire was 26,409 acres in size and 26% contained.