Governor Kotek Invokes Conflagration Act for Town Gulch Fire
By Garrett Christensen on Thursday, August 8th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER COUNTY — (Release from the Oregon Governor’s Office) Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act on the evening of August 6, 2024 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.
“Firefighters on the ground have been working incredibly hard in brutal conditions for weeks now, with many weeks to go,” Governor 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 (ODF) and other states continue to fight for full containment.
Oregon is using every resource available to fight the wildland fires blazing across our state. State agencies are working with local communities to continuously assess what state and federal resources are needed.
Following ORS 476.510-476.610, Governor Kotek 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 allows the state fire marshal to mobilize resources through the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System to support local fire service agencies on the scene. This conflagration is declared only for the Town Gulch Fire threatening structures in Baker County.
A link to Executive Order 24-21 can be found here for the Town Gulch Fire.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal Blue Incident Management Team is working in unified command with a local type 3 incident management team.
