August 20, 2020 4:25 a.m.

On Wednesday, Oregon Governor Kate Brown declared a state of emergency due to the imminent threat of wildfire across the state.

A release said much of the state is now in extreme fire danger, and red flag warnings have been issued for hot, dry, windy conditions and dry thunderstorms.

Brown said “The wildfire season has escalated in Oregon this summer, and fire crews are working in extreme temperatures to keep homes and resources safe during this pandemic”. She said given drought conditions and hotter than usual temperatures, Oregonians should be prepared for an intense wildfire season this summer. Brown said she is committed to making state resources available to ensure crews have the resources they need on the ground and across the state.

The declaration authorizes the Oregon Department of Forestry and the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal, in coordination with the Oregon Office of Emergency Management, to utilize personnel, equipment and facilities from other state agencies in order to respond to or mitigate the effects of the wildfire emergency, according to the release.

The Oregon Natural Guard will deploy firefighting resources as needed throughout the remainder of this fire season. The release said the Oregon Health Authority will continue to provide guidance and assist with mitigating the spread of COVID-19 at wildland fire facilities and camps, emergency shelters, and evacuation centers.