Governor Kate Brown has invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act in response to the Double Creek Fire burning near the community of Imnaha and the Sturgill Fire burning south of the community of Lostine -- both in Wallowa County. This declaration allows the Office of the State Fire Marshal to take unified command today. The fires are estimated to be 10,000 and 12,000 acres respectively in size, and the Wallowa County Sheriff's Office has issued Level 3, Level 2, and Level 1 evacuation orders for homes near the fires.

"The Double Creek Fire grew rapidly overnight, requiring additional resources to battle the fire and support the state's response. The Sturgill Fire grew rapidly and has the potential for further growth in the coming days, which requires additional resources to support response efforts," said Governor Brown. "With many fires actively burning across the state and several weeks of peak fire season ahead of us, I am urging all Oregonians to be prepared. Please continue to follow local and statewide fire prevention regulations and share what you know with others. Every fire we prevent helps keep our communities and firefighters safe, and our natural resources protected."

In accordance with ORS 476.510-476.610, Governor Brown determined that a threat to life, safety, and property exists due to the fire, and the threat exceeds the firefighting capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment. The Governor's declaration cleared the way for the State Fire Marshal to mobilize firefighters and equipment to assist local resources battling the fire and further support a coordinated response.

Currently, local mutual aid and federal resources are on scene working to slow the fire's progress. An OSFM Incident Management Team will be briefed and will assume unified command today with federal partners. OSFM will bring in four additional task forces through the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System from Lane, Clatsop, Washington, and Yamhill Counties to assist in the response.

With forecasted winds and multiple lightning-caused fires already burning near communities in Oregon, OSFM will remain vigilant with response efforts. An OSFM Incident Management Team is already mobilized and will remain in place to assume unified command of the Sturgill Fire. OSFM will assess response needs with the forecasted weather and fire conditions and bring in additional task forces through the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System as needed.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-09-06 12:46:08

Last Update: 2022-09-06 13:14:23