SALEM, Ore. – Governor Tina Kotek declared a State of Emergency in Oregon today, citing the “immanent threat” of wildfire. The State of Emergency is set to begin on July 16 until the end of the calendar year.
“Oregon is already experiencing a devastating wildfire season that will have lasting consequences. The summer is only getting hotter, drier, and more dangerous – we have to be prepared for worsening conditions,” Kotek said.
Kotek urged Oregonians to follow local instructions and evacuation levels issued by emergency officials, to subscribe to emergency alerts on ORAlert.gov to have an evacuation plan, to prepare a go-kit and to stay aware of changing conditions.
The prerequisites for the State of Emergency that Kotek cited is the critical fire danger situation threatening life, safety and property because of high temperatures.
Oregon has already experienced wildfires this season that have resulted in six state conflagration declarations and two federal Fire Management Assistance Grant declarations, as well as several community evacuations and damage to structures and critical infrastructures.
Additionally, Kotek cited the wildfires experienced in the neighboring states of California, Idaho and Washington.
Kotek added that people who believe that they have been charged excessively high prices for essential consumer goods during this new emergency state to report violations to the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Protection Services.
The executive order announcing the state of emergency can be found here.
