Governor Kate Brown invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act this morning in response to the Double Creek Fire burning near the community of Imnaha in Wallowa County. This declaration allows the Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) to take unified command today. The fire activity significantly increased overnight to 10,000 acres. The Wallowa County Sheriff’s Office issued Level 3, Level 2, and Level 1 evacuation orders for homes near the fire.
“The Double Creek Fire grew rapidly overnight, requiring additional resources to battle the fire and support the state’s response,” said Governor Brown. “This is a good reminder that conditions can change quickly, and that fire knows no bounds. It is important for all Oregonians to be prepared, follow all evacuation orders, and continue to follow local and statewide fire prevention regulations to keep our communities safe and our natural resources protected.”
In accordance with ORS 476.510-476.610, Governor Brown determined a threat to life, safety, and property because of the fire, and the threat exceeds the firefighting capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment. The governor’s declaration cleared the way for the state fire marshal to mobilize firefighters and equipment to assist local resources battling the fire and further support a coordinated response.
Local mutual aid and federal resources are on scene working to slow the fire’s progress. The OSFM Green Incident Management Team will be briefed and assume unified command with federal partners. OSFM will bring in four additional task forces through the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System from Lane, Clatsop, Washington, and Yamhill counties to assist in the response.
Additional updates:
- Oregon State Fire Marshal Facebook page
- Evacuation levels: Inciweb-Double Creek
Information on wildfire prevention and preparedness: