Governor Kulongoski Invoked Emergency Conflagration Act in Response to the GW Fire
Salem – Last night Governor Ted Kulongoski invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act in response to the GW fire in Deschutes County .
The Governor will be touring the fire later this afternoon.
In accordance with ORS 476.510-476.610, the Governor determined that a threat to life, safety, and property exists due to the fire and that the threat exceeds the fire-fighting capabilities of local fire-fighting personnel and equipment.
By invoking the Emergency Conflagration Act, the Governor ordered the Oregon State Police and the Oregon State Fire Marshall to mobilize fire resources statewide and coordinate with all appropriate Fire Defense Chiefs for the use of personnel and equipment to suppress and contain the fire.
“This fire has continued to grow and threaten both life and property throughout the Black Butte area, which is why I have directed all available state resources to help contain this fire,” said Governor Kulongoski. “I want to make sure that this community has every resource necessary to fight this fire and protect the safety of citizens in Deschutes County.”
The fire, which has burned approximately 7,300 acres, is located one-half mile west of Black Butte Ranch and is nearly five percent contained. Rain showers have helped slow the fire, but more lightening is expected throughout the week.
This emergency is declared only for the GW Fire and was effective immediately.
More details to follow soon on the Governor’s tour of the GW fire.
A copy of the Governor’s Emergency Conflagration Act can be found here: http://governor.oregon.gov/Gov/pdf/eo0714.pdf
Contact:
Patty Wentz, 503.378.6169
Kristina Edmunson, 503.378.5040
Rem Nivens, 503.378.6496
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