October 30, 2020 3:20 a.m.

On Thursday, Oregon Governor Kate Brown extended the state of emergency for fire-impacted counties to support ongoing wildfire emergency response and recovery efforts.

A release said the scope of the wildfire disaster emergency includes Douglas and eight other counties. The emergency declaration gives the Oregon Office of Emergency Management all resources at the state’s disposal to continue emergency response and recovery.

Brown said, “The devastation felt by thousands of Oregonians throughout our state from wildfires is hard to fathom, and I remain firmly committed to recovering and rebuilding”. Brown said although the wildfires have largely been contained, the work of recovery in impacted counties has just begun, and “…there is a long road ahead”. Brown said the state will do everything within its power, and in coordination with federal and local officials, to rebuild a stronger Oregon.

The release said the emergency declaration provides a basis for the ongoing operation of the state’s Emergency Coordination Center, rule suspensions as needed to support wildfire recovery, and the continued operation of the Governor’s Disaster Cabinet and Wildfire Economic Recovery Council. In addition, it allows authorities with the Oregon Department of Transportation to engage in the contracting it will need to do for the debris cleanup process, including removal of hazard trees, ash, and structural debris.

The release said the state of emergency will remain in effect until the Governor determines that state agencies can continue supporting recovery efforts without the need for emergency authorities to overcome barriers to a quick and efficient statewide recovery.