Governor signs order to assure firefighting planes get fuel

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown issued an executive order late Monday afternoon declaring a state of emergency to assure the delivery of aircraft fuel directed for use in firefighting activities.

“The governor finds it necessary to suspend the hours of service rules as they apply to drivers operating trucks hauling aircraft fuel directed to airports and/or aircraft engaged in firefighting operations,” the governor’s office said in a statement.

“There are currently more than110,000 acres burning across our state, and we continue to face dry, hot conditions,” Brown said. “This action is necessary to ensure that the men and women engaged in firefighting across Oregon have the tools necessary to secure the safety of people and property to the greatest extent possible.”