State resources sent to fast-growing wildfire in remote NE Oregon as others grow around state
IMNAHA, Ore. (AP) — Gov. Kate Brown on Saturday invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act in response to a wildfire in remote northeastern Oregon that has grown rapidly to an estimated 10,000 acres and is prompting evacuations.
The Double Creek Fire near the community of Imnaha in the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area grew to about 15.6 square miles overnight into Saturday, according to the Oregon State Fire Marshal's Office. The fire was detected on Tuesday and started by lightning.
“With many fires actively burning across the state and several weeks of peak fire season ahead of us, I am urging all Oregonians to be prepared," Brown said in a statement. "Please continue to follow local and statewide fire prevention regulations and share what you know with others. Every fire we prevent helps keep our communities and firefighters safe, and our natural resources protected.”
Brown’s declaration allows the fire marshal to take command and send other agency resources to help local firefighters battling the blaze. Firefighters have been working to suppress the fire with helicopter and air tanker support, officials said.
The Wallowa County Sheriff’s Office has issued evacuation notices, including those telling people to leave their homes immediately.
State officials said air quality near the blaze was in the unhealthy range on Saturday.
Here's the governor's news release :
Governor Kate Brown Invokes the Emergency Conflagration Act in Response to the Double Creek Fire
Double Creek Fire is burning 10,000 acres in Wallowa County
(Salem, OR) — Governor Kate Brown today invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act in response to the Double Creek Fire burning near the community of Imnaha in Wallowa County. This declaration allows the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) to take unified command today. The fire is estimated to be 10,000 acres in size, and the Wallowa County Sheriff's Office has issued Level 3, Level 2, and Level 1 evacuation orders for homes near the fire.
"The Double Creek Fire grew rapidly overnight, requiring additional resources to battle the fire and support the state's response," said Governor Brown. "With many fires actively burning across the state and several weeks of peak fire season ahead of us, I am urging all Oregonians to be prepared. Please continue to follow local and statewide fire prevention regulations and share what you know with others. Every fire we prevent helps keep our communities and firefighters safe, and our natural resources protected."
In accordance with ORS 476.510-476.610, Governor Brown determined that a threat to life, safety, and property exists due to the fire, and the threat exceeds the firefighting capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment. The Governor's declaration cleared the way for the State Fire Marshal to mobilize firefighters and equipment to assist local resources battling the fire and further support a coordinated response.
Currently, local mutual aid and federal resources are on scene working to slow the fire's progress. An OSFM Incident Management Team will be briefed and will assume unified command today with federal partners. OSFM will bring in four additional task forces through the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System from Lane, Clatsop, Washington, and Yamhill Counties to assist in the response.
Additional updates for the incident may be accessed at:
- Oregon State Fire Marshal Facebook page
- Double Creek Fire Facebook page
- Double Creek Fire InciWeb page
Information on wildfire prevention and preparedness may be accessed at:
Elsewhere, the Cedar Creek Fire by Waldo Lake grew to 16,303 acres by Saturday morning and was at 12% containment. The Rum Creek Fire near Galice has grown to 18,385 acres and is 17% contained. And the Crockets Knob Fire about 20 miles north of Prairie City grew to 4,136 acres and was 10% contained.
