Oregon
Governor Brown issued the following statement on her request to President Biden to approve a federal emergency declaration for the State of Oregon due to extreme risk of significant wildfires

Medford, OR – According to the state officials, Governor Brown issued the following statement: “Last week, as Oregon faced forecasted high winds, sustained hot and dry conditions, and the potential for lightning — and with 168,000 acres burning across the state at the time — Oregonians braced for increased and worsening fires. State firefighting teams and agencies, along with local partners and resources brought in from California and Washington through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, mobilized to prepare for a swift response and to protect lives, communities, and our natural resources.
“Thanks to science and data, we know enough in the days ahead of anticipated weather and fire patterns — just like states that prepare for hurricanes — that it is imperative to communicate with the public, pre-position resources for our fire response, and employ preventive measures, such as public safety power shut-offs. All of these efforts reflect a modernized approach to meeting the needs of fighting the fires of this century; they are proactive measures that we can take to protect communities and save lives.
“The request I made for a federal disaster declaration is critical to helping bolster our state’s response, and it presents an opportunity for Oregon to partner with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to bridge the gaps we know exist as we work hard to protect our communities. We still have several weeks of peak fire season ahead of us, five large active fires, and 274,000 acres burning statewide. If granted, Oregon would be the first state ever to receive such a declaration for wildfire response — but unfortunately, certainly not the last to need this important assistance.
“I am incredibly grateful for the strong partnership we have with the Biden-Harris administration and with FEMA, with whom we have worked over the past several years on various emergencies. I urge their earnest consideration of my request so that, together, we can protect Oregonians and our communities, and serve as a model of federal support for states facing the ongoing threat of wildfires.”
-
Eugene5 days ago
Firefighters contain South Hills house fire in Eugene, prevent spread to nearby trees and homes
-
Oregon5 days ago
Governor Kotek invokes Emergency Conflagration Act for Elk Fire in Klamath County as wildfire threat grows
-
Eugene3 days ago
19-year-old taken into custody on drug and weapon charges after early morning contact at Skinner Butte Park
-
Eugene5 days ago
Eugene braces for heat advisory as temperatures near 100 degrees, splash pads open daily to help residents stay cool
-
Eugene3 days ago
Propane leak shuts down section of Danebo during emergency response in west Eugene
-
Eugene3 days ago
Eugene firefighters battle three suspicious brush fires in early morning hours along East Bank Bike Path
-
Eugene3 days ago
Dozens begin careers in emergency response as 43 new recruits enter Eugene Springfield Fire EMS academy
-
Eugene1 week ago
34-year-old suspect wanted for murder apprehended by Eugene police using license plate reader system