Oregon crews head to new N. California wildfires

The Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal, through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, has activated its Agency Operations Center and sent one strike team and one task force with equipment and personnel who are en route to assist with the Mendocino Complex Fire raging in Northern California.

According to the latest Cal Fire update, the Mendocino Complex, made up of the River and Ranch fires, has destroyed four homes and an outbuilding since being reported Friday afternoon. As of Sunday evening, it was at 14,200 acres and 5 percent contained. The community of Lakeport and nearby areas were evacuated late Sunday afternoon, while the city of Ukiah was reporting widespread power outages.

California fire officials submitted a request asking for assistance Saturday evening from Oregon. The OSFM activated its emergency mobilization plan, sending out the request for assistance to all Oregon fire agencies.

California made the request through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact a national state-to-state mutual aid system. The EMAC request is sent directly to Oregon Emergency Management who contact and coordinate with the appropriate Oregon agency to fulfill the requests.

Oregon county fire defense board chiefs have activated one strike team and one task force that are en route from Columbia and Multnomah counties.