BREAKING NEWS: Crook County declares state of emergency as multiple wildfires continue to threaten communities

CROOK COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Crook County commissioners declared a state of emergency Wednesday as multiple wildfires continue burning across the county and surrounding region, citing exhausted local resources and ongoing threats to public safety.

The emergency declaration, approved during a special meeting of the Crook County Board of Commissioners on July 22nd, comes as firefighters battle several major blazes, including the Brewer, Coyote, and Henry fires, along with other smaller fires within the county.

Officials also noted that neighboring fires, including the Box Springs Fire, have threatened or already crossed into Crook County.

County leaders said the fires were sparked following widespread lightning during the week of July 13 and continue to be fueled by drought conditions, challenging weather, and limited firefighting resources due to the large number of wildfires burning throughout the region.

According to the resolution, the fires pose an ongoing threat to human health and safety, homes and other property, as well as the livelihoods of Crook County residents.

The county’s Emergency Operations Center has been activated, with emergency responders continuing to monitor fire activity, issue evacuation updates and take other measures intended to protect the public.

Under Oregon law, the emergency declaration recognizes that local resources have been exhausted and authorizes Crook County Emergency Services to take all necessary steps permitted by law to protect people and property throughout the county.

You can view the declaration in its entirety below: