As smoke billows in, gov declares state of emergency

(Update: Adding smoke flowing into area)

Governor Brown declared a state of emergency Wednesday in response to wildfire activity across the state. Hot, dry, and windy conditions and forecasts for more thunderstorms around the state have resulted in multiple red flag warnings, placing Oregon in a critical fire danger situation.

The entire region is experiencing similar issues, resulting in a strain on resources. The declaration enables the Oregon National Guard to mobilize resources on an as-needed basis to assist the Department of Forestry and the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office with firefighting.

“As Oregon faces a near record-breaking heat wave, the threat of wildfires increases,” Brown said. “I am thankful to the firefighters and crews working tirelessly throughout the state, and remind all Oregonians to be safe and follow posted fire bans.

“Our state agencies have a long-standing tradition of collaboration, and this declaration of emergency will ensure they have the resources needed to minimize the impact of wildfires,” the governor added.

The wildfires and record-setting heat have created hazy skies for much of the state and warnings of poor air quality and their health impacts. But the smoke that poured south into the Madras and Crooked River Ranch areas Wednesday afternoon came from blazes as far away as British Columbia, as well as Idaho, Montana and the Cascades, according to National Weather Service forecasters. Lisa Clark of the Central Oregon Emergency Dispatch Center said winds out of the northwest were blowing in smoke from the Whitewater Fire in the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness Area, as well as the Canadian fires.