Umatilla County issues an emergency fire declaration
By Terry Murry on Friday, July 17th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
UMATILLA COUNTY – The Umatilla County Board of Commissioners held an emergency meeting at 6 p.m. today (Friday) to declare an emergency in relation to fires burning in the county. The declaration came at the request of Emergency Manager Sage DeLong.
DeLong told the commissioners that there are five active fires in the county and local responders are stretched thin.
“It’s a dynamic situation,” he said. “We’re doing the best we can.”
The vote was unanimous to declare the emergency with one amendment. Instead of having the emergency declaration expire on July 31, the commissioners voted to extend the end date to Aug. 31.
The declaration will allow the county to seek more aid from the state and federal governments. DeLong did say that two teams were enroute to join in the battle to protect the people and property of Umatilla County.
The declaration directs the Umatilla County Office of Emergency Management to “take all necessary steps authorized by law to secure the persons and property of the citizens of Umatilla County.”
