Governor Kotek Invokes the Emergency Conflagration Act for Durkee and Battle Mountain Complex Fires
By Shannon McKone on Wednesday, July 24th, 2024 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
Canyonville, OR — (From Governor Kotek) Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act on the morning of July 20 in response to the Durkee Fire and on the afternoon of July 21 in response to the Battle Mountain Complex, which includes the Monkey Creek, Snake and North Fork Owens fires. The Durkee Fire in Baker County has now combined with the Cow Valley Fire burning in Malheur County.
The resources necessary for protecting life and property from the fires are beyond local capabilities. Assistance with life, safety, and structural fire protection was requested by the Baker Fire Defense Board and the Grant County Fire Defense Board. The State Fire Marshal concurred with those requests.
“The wildfires in Eastern Oregon have scaled up quickly,” Governor Kotek said. “We are facing strong erratic winds over the region that could impact all fires. Rain is not getting through. Some communities do not have power. The situation is dynamic, and the teams on the ground are taking it day by day. I have deployed resources from the National Guard that are currently serving eastern and southwestern Oregon. I know these communities are supporting one another, doing their part to heed the guidance from officials and showing tremendous gratitude for our firefighters.”
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 declarations clear the way for the State Fire Marshal to mobilize resources through the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System to support local fire service agencies on scene.
The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) has received requests from Baker County to help meet immediate emergency management needs, including sending evacuation alerts to community members. OEM staff are working with local officials to ensure critical information reaches residents promptly and effectively.
A link to Executive Order 24-17 can be found here.
A link to Executive Order 24-18 can be found here.
For a real-time assessment and planning tool, visit the state’s Real-Time Assessment and Planning Tool (RAPTOR). Sign up for notices at ORAlert.gov to stay informed about evacuation levels. For local evacuation updates, refer to county sheriffs:
