August 28, 2022 3:40 p.m. 

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

A release said much of the state continues to experience high temperatures, wind, storms with dry lightning and persistent drought. With the extended forecast calling for continued warm and dry conditions – and with many parts of the state in drought emergencies – Brown said the threat of wildfire in Oregon is imminent.

Brown said, “With wildfire behavior increasing across the state, and with the threat of fire not likely to recede in the near future, it is imperative that we act now to prevent further loss – of life, property, business, and our natural resources, I issued this emergency declaration to ensure every resource is made available for firefighting efforts and to the crews striving to protect our state”.

The release said pursuant to Oregon law, Governor Brown determined that a threat to life, safety and property exists due to the imminent threat of wildfire. The Governor’s declaration authorizes the Oregon Department of Forestry and the Office of State Fire Marshal, in coordination with the Oregon Department 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.

The declaration allows state agencies to temporarily suspend any rules that impair the response to wildfires, if needed, and also allows the state to request assistance from other states through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact if necessary.

A copy of the emergency declaration is linked: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12glhlVPPoMtRu2v20k-SWEKWWb3tb-Z9/view