Oregon State Fire Marshal mobilizes two structure-protection task forces to ‘stretched’ Southern Oregon
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Oregon State Fire Marshal is mobilizing two structural task forces from Benton and Lane counties to the Rogue Valley in Southern Oregon through Immediate Response.
The agency said it is surging capacity as local structural and wildland firefighters have been busy responding to wildfires on Tuesday. The request for additional aid was made by the Rogue Valley Fire Defense Board Chief.
“Much of Oregon is being challenged by recent heat, Red Flag Warnings, and more lightning in the forecast,” Chief Deputy Travis Medema said. “The local fire agencies in Southern Oregon are stretched, and we are using the power of the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System to bring in extra help.”
The Oregon State Fire Marshal is continuing to monitor the situation and adjust aid as needed. Immediate Response allows the agency to send resources without having the Emergency Conflagration Act invoked. The goal of this response tool is to surge resources to keep fires small and away from communities, preventing costly wildfires.
With the forecast calling for more lightning and hot temperatures in the extended forecast, the Oregon State Fire Marshal is asking all Oregonians to do their part in preventing human-caused wildfires. Oregonians can find wildfire prevention and preparedness information and resources at https://preventwildfires.oregon.gov.
About the Oregon State Fire Marshal
The Oregon State Fire Marshal became an independent state agency in July 2023. The agency is dedicated to protecting people, property, and the environment from fire and hazardous materials. The OSFM works with local fire agencies, communities, and other partners to strengthen fire prevention, preparedness, and response statewide. Please note: the Oregon State Fire Marshal is no longer an office.
