SALEM, Ore. – Over the last week, firefighters have been challenged by hot temperatures and gusty winds that continue to push several wildfires across the state. The Oregon State Fire Marshal is calling on all Oregonians and visitors to be aware of the critical fire danger and take steps to prevent sparking a wildfire. The eastern side of the state is expecting abundant lightning, winds gusting near 60 miles per hour with passing thunderstorms, and hot temperatures.
“We are working with every tool we have to protect people and property,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “The Oregon structural fire service, our out-of-state firefighters, and our wildland partners are working relentlessly around the clock. I want to say thank you. This is a monumental challenge that every firefighter and support staff is rising to.”
The structural fire service response has been immense. The OSFM has mobilized 489 firefighters, roughly 143 engines, and 32 water tenders to protect communities across the state.
The OSFM has resources assigned to:
- Lone Rock/Boneyard Fire (Gilliam, Morrow, Grant, and Wheeler counties)
- Falls Fire (Harney and Grant counties)
- Durkee Fire (Baker and Malheur counties)
- Battle Mountain Complex (Grant and Umatilla counties)
- Microwave Tower Fire (Wasco County)
The OSFM is continually monitoring capacity within the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System and is in contact with out-of-state partners to be ready to respond to new fires if resources are needed. When communities are threatened by wildfire, the Oregon State Fire Marshal provides structural protection resources and support. While the agency focuses on protecting people and property, it works in lockstep with wildland partners from the Oregon Department of Forestry, the Bureau of Land Management, tribal agencies, and the U.S. Forest Service.
Roughly 90 people are a part of the OSFM’s three incident management teams currently mobilized. Since July 9, the Emergency Conflagration Act was invoked seven times.
On Sunday, the Emergency Conflagration Act was invoked for the Battle Mountain Complex in Grant and Umatilla counties. The move by Governor Tina Kotek allowed the OSFM to send firefighters and equipment to protect nearby communities.
For updates on the fires the OSFM has resources assigned to, visit www.osfminfo.org. Learn more about wildfire prevention here.
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