OREGON DELEGATION PUSHING AGENCIES TO PREPARE FOR WILDFIRE SEASON

July 9, 2021 3:10 a.m.

Members of Oregon’s Congressional Delegation are pushing agencies in charge of federal wildfire response to step up preparedness efforts for this year’s wildfire season.

A joint release said this season could be worse than the unprecedented 2020 season.

In a letter to the secretaries of the U.S. Department of Interior and U.S. Department of Agriculture, the lawmakers highlighted the devastation caused by last year’s wildfires. Their letter said, “As you know, Oregon, and the rest of the West, experienced an unprecedented and destructive wildfire season in 2020. More than 50,000 fires burned 10 million acres with fires lasting well into the fall”. The letter said that already fire and smoke have threatened the health and safety of several communities in Oregon.

The release said the delegation asked for detailed plans for preparation, including personnel, resources and coordination among agencies.

Delegation members included Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley along with Representatives Peter DeFazio, Earl Blumenauer, Suzanne Bonamici and Cliff Bentz.

The full letter is linked: https://www.merkley.senate.gov/download/2021-wildfire-preparedness-letter