Oregon Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the Bensel Fire near Hermiston in Umatilla County late Sunday night. The move allows the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) to send additional resources to protect life and property. The OSFM Green Incident Management Team and task forces from Central Oregon, Benton, Lane, and Marion counties were sent to protect homes and other buildings near the fire.
Sunday afternoon, the Umatilla County Sherriff’s Office had put in place level 1, 2, and 3 evacuation orders. Those looking for evacuation information can follow the sheriff’s office on Facebook.
“Although portions of Oregon are receiving rain, this is a reminder that we are not out of wildfire season yet,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “We are asking Oregonians to help prevent human-caused fires by remaining wildfire aware.”
Earlier Sunday, the OSFM mobilized fire boss air tankers and a helicopter to support firefighters on the ground.
The OSFM’s Green Incident Management Team will be briefed and assume unified command of the Bensel Fire at 8 a.m. on September 4, 2023. The structural task forces were mobilized through the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System.