Declaration of local disaster issued in Baker County due to fires
By Logan Bagett on Wednesday, August 12th, 2026 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER COUNTY — The Baker County Board of Commissioners has issued a local disaster declaration due to multiple wildfires. On August 5th, county officials signed the declaration after determining “…the Baker County range land, timber industry, livestock industry, and related economy is suffering widespread and severe economic damage, and that actions need to be taken to prevent damages to life and property…”
The Board of Commissioners also requested the Governor declare a local disaster and state of emergency exists in Baker County.
Find the full disaster declaration below:
(From the Baker County Board of Commissioners)
DECLARATION OF LOCAL DISASTER
WHEREAS, the County of Baker on this 5th day of August, 2026 has determined that the Baker County range land, timber industry, livestock industry, and related economy is suffering widespread and severe economic damage, and that actions need to be taken to prevent damages to life and property through ORS 401.305 which provides authority for Baker County to act as an emergency management agency, including authority to establish policies and protocols for defining and directing responsibilities during time of emergency; and
WHEREAS, Baker County is experiencing multiple fires that are
surpassing initial attack; and
WHEREAS, With multiple wildfires not only locally but also regionally and nationally resources have taken additional time to be rerouted to priority fires; and
WHEREAS, The extended weather forecast for Baker County projects “higher than normal temperatures, and below average precipitation”; and
WHEREAS, the Baker County Commission has determined that extraordinary measures must be taken to alleviate the imminent danger to life and property, suffering of people and livestock and to protect or mitigate economic loss, and to be responsive to the threat of wildfires;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED by the Baker County Board of
Commissioners, and Baker County Board of Commissioners further RESOLVES:
Section 1. That a local disaster is declared within Baker County until fire weather (which includes relative humidity, fuel moisture content, and temperature) conditions improve.
Section 2. That Chapter 401, section 305 of the Oregon State Revised Statutes regarding Powers of Local Governments in Emergency Service procedures, provides the basis for invoking this emergency declaration, including authority to establish policies and protocols for defining and directing responsibilities during time of emergency.
Section 3. That the Emergency Operation Plan is implemented.
Section 4. That the Local Emergency Manager shall take all necessary steps authorized by law to secure the persons and property of the citizens of Baker County, to coordinate response and recover from this emergency including, but not limited to, coordinating with the State of Oregon and the federal government in order to qualify Baker County for all available state and federal emergency assistance, not limited to the use of shared resources, assistance, and financial assistance and reimbursement from state and federal agencies.
Section 5. Emergency procurement of goods and services are authorized pursuant to ORS Chapters 279, 279A, 279B and 279C, including specifically ORS 279B.080, and Baker County contracting rules.
Section 6. With regard to county employees, the Board of Commissioners may authorize modification(s) to relevant personnel leave, payroll processes, and workplace requirements/designations as deemed necessary by the Board of Commissioners to address the impacts.
Section 7. That this proclamation shall take effect immediately from and after its issuance.
Section 8. The Board of Commissioners requests that the Honorable Tina Kotek, Governor of the State of Oregon, declare: “A Local Disaster and State of Emergency” exists in Baker County.
Section 9. Request the Honorable Brooke Rollins, Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture, to expedite assistance to local agricultural industries/producers who have suffered extensive and ongoing loss from the drought and associated wildfires.
Section 10. Request the Honorable Doug Burgum, Secretary of the United States Department of the Interior, to expedite assistance to local agricultural industries/producers who have suffered extensive and ongoing loss from the drought and associated wildfires.
ORDERED this 5th day of August, 2026
