July 7, 2021 3:00 p.m.  

On Wednesday, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution declaring a State of Emergency, in response to the Jack Fire burning near Highway 138E, in the Dry Creek area.

A release from the Board said at the time of the declaration, homes and structures in that area were under LEVEL 3- GO! mandatory evacuation orders from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. Governor Kate Brown has already declared an emergency conflagration for the Jack Fire, as well as for several other wildfires all over Oregon.

Commissioner Tim Freeman said, “Conditions are very unpredictable and hazardous right now, with winds, dry temperatures and extreme terrain making it incredibly difficult for fire crews working the front lines right now”. Freeman said the Board’s number one priority is the safety and health of residents and those fighting the fires. Freeman said the Board of Commissioners agree that immediate action must be taken, and all available resources must be utilized to “…protect everything and everyone from devastating wildfires”.

The release said the Board of Commissioners encourages everyone to be extremely careful and conscientious about all their activities, especially outdoor activities, so they do not spark another fire, “…as our wildfire resources are already stretched way too thin”.