August 12, 2023 8:00 a.m.

With a stretch of triple-digit temperatures, gusty winds, and extreme fire danger in the forecast, the Oregon State Fire Marshal has prepositioned two structural task forces in Lane County starting Saturday afternoon.

An OSFM release said with several fires burning near communities on the west slope of the central Cascades, the unstable forecast for the area, and Red Flag Warnings in place, the agency is strategically positioning these firefighters and equipment in the Willamette Valley. The two task forces from Clatsop and Tillamook counties will be in place for seventy-two hours but their time may be extended for up to two weeks, if needed.

Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said, “We are very concerned with the weather forecast over the coming week, and are being strategic with our resources”. Ruiz-Temple said, “We are taking a proactive step by pre-positioning these task forces to be ready for any fire that may spark. We also continue to evaluate our resource levels to ensure we are ready to respond to any fire across the state”.

With Oregon in the heart of wildfire season, the OSFM encourages all Oregonians to be aware of the dry conditions and take necessary precautions to avoid sparking a human-caused fire. The OSFM asks all Oregonians to be vigilant and report any fire spotted, immediately.