Governor Kotek outlines response to Eastern Oregon wildfires
By Joe Hathaway on Friday, August 2nd, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
SALEM — Amid the ongoing wildfires devastating Eastern Oregon, Governor Tina Kotek’s office says she has taken decisive actions to secure both immediate firefighting resources and long-term recovery support. In response to inquiries about a federal disaster declaration, Kotek’s Press Secretary, Roxy Mayer, tells Elkhorn Media Group that the Governor is actively engaged with federal authorities, including President Joe Biden.
“Oregon is utilizing every resource available to fight the wildland fires blazing across our state,” Mayer stated in an email. “The Governor has spoken with President Biden, and he is resolute in his support for Oregon.”
Mayer explained that a federal disaster declaration would offer funding to reimburse resources already expended in responding to the wildfires and to repair qualifying damages. However, the process requires the state to submit a comprehensive statewide damage assessment. The Governor’s office says it is working closely with local communities to assess the extent of the damages and to advocate for the federal assistance Oregon is entitled to receive.
Governor Kotek has already declared a Statewide Emergency, which facilitates streamlined cooperation between state agencies and local authorities, maximizing the resources available for wildfire response. Mayer says state agencies are continuously assessing the need for state and federal resources, and under the Governor’s direction, the National Guard has deployed two Medevac crews, two bucket crews, and four 22-person hand crews to support wildfire operations.
In addition to these efforts, Mayer states that Governor Kotek requested and received approval for seven Fire Management Assistance Grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Recovery efforts are underway concurrently with the firefighting operations.
“Recovery starts the moment a wildfire breaks out, and the Governor is committed to not only protecting Oregon’s cattle, crops, and property, but to supporting the agricultural community to recover as quickly as possible,” said Mayer in a statement.
She says Governor Kotek has requested federal disaster recovery support through several channels, including:
1. Secretarial Disaster Designation for Baker, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Klamath, Lake, Lane, Linn, Malheur, Morrow, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco, and Wheeler. The Secretarial Disaster Designation allows the state to request federal assistance when weather conditions disproportionately harm an agriculture industry.
2. Federal Lands Grazing Permits for alternative grazing areas and flexibility in grazing schedules to accommodate recovery across National Forest System lands.
3. Weed-Free Forage emergency waivers for the use of non-certified weed-free forage necessary for soil stabilization and livestock feeding.
“Governor Kotek’s office is committed to leveraging every available resource to combat the wildfires and support the recovery of affected communities in Eastern Oregon,” said Mayer.
