Oregon — Gov. Tina Kotek invoked Oregon’s Emergency Conflagration Act for the Akawa Butte and Brewer fires, authorizing the deployment of state resources as the two wildfires threatened Central Oregon communities.
Kotek issued the declaration July 18 after Central Oregon Fire Defense Board chiefs requested assistance with life safety and structural fire protection. The Oregon State Fire Marshal concurred with the request.
The governor determined that the fires posed a threat to life, safety and property that exceeded the capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment, according to the Governor’s Office.
The declaration, issued under Oregon’s conflagration laws, allows the state fire marshal to mobilize personnel and equipment through the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System. The order applies specifically to the Akawa Butte and Brewer fires in Deschutes and Jefferson counties.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal assigned its Red Incident Management Team and structural-protection task forces to the fires. The state team entered unified command with Oregon Department of Forestry Team 2.
“The conditions we’re seeing across Oregon have challenged firefighters for the past week and the current forecast isn’t providing much relief,” State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “I’m urging every Oregonian to be wildfire aware and to sign up for their county’s emergency alerts.”
As of July 21, the Akawa Butte Fire was estimated at 13,605 acres and 3% contained. Firefighters were strengthening containment lines while structural task forces helped assess and protect threatened homes.
The Brewer Fire had reached an estimated 27,932 acres and was 1% contained. Crews were securing fire lines and patrolling around homes south of the fire, according to the Oregon State Fire Marshal.
More than 1,200 personnel were assigned across the incidents. State officials said higher temperatures, gusty winds and thunderstorms could increase fire activity and produce additional fire starts.
Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuation notices remained in effect in portions of Deschutes, Jefferson and Crook counties. Residents can find state wildfire information through the Oregon State Fire Marshal and register for emergency notifications through OR-Alert.
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It’s about time the useless governor does something to help Oregon.