Gov. Brown activates more Natl. Guard for fire duties
Gov. Kate Brown announced Saturday she has authorized the Oregon National Guard to provide additional resources to support fire suppression across the state. Approximately 125 additional service members are scheduled to be activated Monday .
“As several quickly-burning fires spread throughout Oregon, and as state and local authorities prepare for the total solar eclipse, we need to be ready to put more boots on the ground,” Brown said. “Oregon National Guard soldiers and equipment are being deployed to support the response to wildfires and will be ready to provide the necessary reinforcements to local communities.”
The Oregon National Guard is scheduled to assist first responders with the Spruce Creek and Blanket Creek fires near Crater Lake.
“The Crater Lake area is one of our country’s national treasures,” said Stephen Bomar, director for public affairs for the Oregon Military Department. “Oregon Guard volunteers are definitely eager to support and assist. This is what the Guard does.”
Additionally, Governor Brown has requested MEDEVAC support Oregon Department of Forestry for wildfires in Southwest Oregon. An HH-60M Blackhawk and crew are based out of the Deibert Flight Facility in Salem.
The Oregon Guard volunteers are scheduled to equip, train and mobilize, with training taking place at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training in Salem before moving forward to support first responders by Wednesday , Aug. 16.
