June 17, 2026 3:40 a.m.  

On Tuesday, Governor Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency due to the imminent threat of wildfire. This order shall remain in effect until either the threat is significantly relieved, the fire season ends, or on December 31st.

Governor Kotek said, “Increasing heat, dry vegetation and shifting winds continue to align and create dangerous conditions that demand immediate action. I am declaring a State of Emergency to ensure all available resources – firefighting crews, aerial support, ground resources, and emergency personnel are prepared for deployments – to protect people, property, and out natural landscapes”.

Governor Kotek urged all Oregonians to be alert and follow the instructions and evacuation levels issued by emergency officials, subscribe to emergency alerts, have an evacuation plan, prepare a go-kit, and stay aware of changing conditions.

Governor Kotek said, “Throughout the summer, it will get hotter and drier. Oregon has record-setting low snowpack and nearly half of our counties are facing persistent drought conditions. On average, 70 percent of wildfires in Oregon are human caused. Prevention starts with every Oregonian – at home, at work, and out and about enjoying our great state”.

The release said that to date in 2026, the state has experienced 414 fires that have burned approximately 8,077 acres, with multiple fires causing localized evacuations.

This declaration directs the Oregon Department of Emergency Management to activate the State’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan and coordinate necessary access to use of personnel and equipment of all state agencies necessary to assess, alleviate, respond to, mitigate, and recover from conditions caused by this emergency. All Oregonians are to heed the direction of emergency officials with regard to this emergency to protect their safety.