Oregon Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the Golden Fire in Klamath County Saturday, The act allows the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) to mobilize resources to protect life and property. The OSFM mobilized several task forces and its Blue Incident Management Team. Earlier Saturday, the OSFM mobilized two task forces from Central Oregon and the Rogue Valley through immediate response. The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office issued Level 3 evacuation orders for several areas.
“The Golden Fire has been growing rapidly due to the dry, windy conditions in Klamath County,” said Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple. “With the continued hot, dry conditions on the way for Klamath County, the OSFM is mobilizing additional resources through the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System (OFMAS) to help the local fire service agencies on scene.”
In accordance with ORS 476.510-476.610, Governor Kotek determined the fire poses a threat to life, safety, and property, 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 in battling the fire and further support a coordinated response.
The OSFM’s Blue Incident Management Team will be briefed and assume command of the Golden Fire. The additional task forces are coming from Clatsop and Yamhill counties.