Gov. Brown visits fire-hit Santiam Canyon towns, thanks first responders

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Gov. Kate Brown on Wednesday visited the front lines of the Beachie Creek Fire, stopping in Lyons and Gates and expressing gratitude for the efforts by so many to battle the flames and protect lives.

The governor received a fire briefing from the Incident Management Green Team at the Beachie Creek Command Post, met with National Guard members at highway checkpoints, and visited the Team 13 Incident Command Post in Gates, which had burned down while crews worked to protect homes and evacuate Oregonians from harm’s way.

“In my meetings today at the Beachie Creek Fire, again and again I was awed by the brave, dedicated, and empathetic people who have been doing anything and everything it takes to help their fellow Oregonians,” Brown said. “Thank you.”

She was joined by Senate President Peter Courtney, Adjutant General Michael Stencel, Oregon Military Department Deputy Director Dave Stuckey, Oregon Department of Forestry Chief of Fire Protection Doug Grafe, State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple, Oregon Office of Emergency Management Director Andrew Phelps, Incident Commander (Green Team) Les Hallman, Incident Commander (Northwest Incident Management Team 13) Brian Gales, and State Forester Peter Dougherty.

Photos and video from the Governor’s visit are available here.