August 8, 2024 10:50 a.m. 

Governor Tina Kotek has authorized the Emergency Conflagration Act in response to the Town Gulch Fire in Baker County.

The Baker County Fire Defense Board requested assistance with life, safety, and structural fire protection and the state fire marshal concurred with that request.

Kotek said, “Firefighters on the ground have been working incredibly hard in brutal conditions for weeks now, with many weeks to go”. Kotek said, “We all have to do our part as we get through a long wildfire season. That means know the fire danger levels where you live, work and play. Follow all local restrictions on burning, equipment use, campfires and other activities that can start wildfires”.

Statewide, more than 1.2 million acres have burned. As of Wednesday afternoon, there were 134 active fires, with 35 of them considered large fires. The Oregon structural fire service has worked diligently to protect life and property and reduce the wildfire threat to communities. Wildland firefighting resources from the Oregon Department of Forestry and other states continue to fight for full containment.