Smith calls for special session due to wildfires

SALEM – Oregon State Rep. Greg Smith (R-Heppner) is calling for an emergency special session of the Oregon Legislature as wildfires burn across his District 57 and other parts of Oregon. He says the emergencies the wildfire season represents can’t wait for solutions until the next regular session, which convenes on Jan. 19, 2027.

Smith states that while Gov. Tina Kotek has invoked the state Conflagration Act for several fires, the Oregon Department of Forestry is reporting it has no remaining available complex-incident-management teams.

“District 57 is at the center of this disaster, with communities across Gilliam, Wheeler, Wasco, Jefferson, and Umatilla counties under evacuation and families (are) losing their homes,” he said in a prepared statement. “We cannot wait months for the next regular session while homes are burning this week.

Smith said a special session will allow lawmakers to appropriate emergency funding, strengthen firefighting resources, and provide real support to the “residents, farmers, ranchers, and businesses that have suffered devastating losses.”

The Republican from Heppner said the Oregon Legislature does not have to wait for the governor to convene a special session because in the state constitution, legislators may call themselves into a session. The process begins when members of each chamber file a written request with the legislative administrator. Ballots are then sent to every lawmaker. If a majority of the members in the House and Senate approve, the presiding officers of both houses must issue a proclamation convening the Legislature within five days.

File photo of Rep. Greg Smith

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Elkhorn Media Group