Senator Merkley to speak with KTVZ News about Oregon wildfires and FEMA funding

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) will speak one-on-one with KTVZ News on Wednesday as wildfires continue to threaten communities, force evacuations, and blanket parts of Oregon in smoke.

More than one million acres have burned across the state this fire season, with thousands of Oregonians placed under evacuation orders.

Merkley and Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) are also demanding answers from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) after it denied Fire Management Assistance Grants for the Rowe Creek Fire Complex and East Evans Creek Fire. Both fires were under Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation orders when Oregon requested the assistance, according to Merkley’s office⁠.

KTVZ News will ask Merkley what immediate federal assistance is available for affected communities, whether FEMA’s funding decisions can be reversed, and how his proposed legislation could help Oregon homeowners.

Tune in to KTVZ News at 6:00p.m. for the full report.