SALEM, Ore. — Gov. Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency Friday as wildfires continue to grow across the state and are likely to continue throughout the summer.
“Wildfires are active across Oregon and are growing at a concerning pace. Hot and windy conditions this weekend, including forecasted lightning in some areas, are threatening even larger wildfires,” Kotek said in a statement. “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."
She added that as the summer forecast promises hotter and drier conditions, the risk increases for "catastrophic wildfires." The governor also urged people to subscribe to emergency alerts on ORAlert, follow instructions and evacuation levels, and have an evacuation plan and go-bag.
The state of emergency will continue through Oct. 1. It will direct 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.
This comes as several wildfires persist across the western U.S., including in Washington, Idaho and California, following extreme heat. In Oregon, a record-breaking heat wave saw multiple days of 100-degree temperatures or higher. At least 16 people in Oregon are now suspected to have died from heat-related causes.
According to Kotek's office, so far this season there have been three state conflagration declarations and two federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) declarations.
"Those who believe they have been charged excessively high prices for essential consumer goods during this emergency are encouraged to report violations to the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Protection Services, which has the authority to investigate unlawful trade practices," Kotek's office added.
