September 9, 2020 2:45 p.m.

Douglas County government has declared a State of Emergency, due to the wildfires burning in the county.

An update from the Board of Commissioners, said under a delegation of authority order, on behalf of the Board, Commissioner Tim Freeman approved the declaration late Tuesday, because of the wildfires burning up the North Umpqua Highway. At the time of the declaration, numerous homes and structures in that area were under a Level 3 “GO!” mandatory evacuation order.

Governor Kate Brown has already declared emergency conflagration declarations in Jackson, Lane and Marion counties, and more counties are expected to be added to the list as wildfires surge all over Oregon.

Freeman said, “Conditions are very unpredictable and hazardous right now, with high winds, dry temperatures and extreme terrain making it incredibly difficult for fire crews working the front lines right now”. Freeman said the number one priority of the Board is “…the safety and health of our residents”.  He noted that many residents have already lost their homes and many more are in immediate danger. Freeman said the Board agrees that critical action must be taken “…to alleviate any more stress to residents and we must utilize all available resources to protect as much as we can from the devastating wildfires”.

The update said the order has officially been recorded and sent to the Governor, requesting an official emergency wildfire declaration from the state for Douglas County.