Press Release   ·   August 28, 2026

State Emergency Coordination Center Downgrades to Level 4 - Steady State

SALEM, OR – The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) announced today that the State-level Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) is demobilizing and transitioning its activation status to Level 4 – Steady State. This change reflects current wildfire conditions and allows state agency staff who have been supporting response operations to return to their normal roles across the enterprise.

OEM’s wildfire partners at the Oregon Department of Forestry and the Oregon State Fire Marshal will continue their regular fire‑suppression and monitoring activities throughout the remainder of wildfire season. The downgrade in state‑level coordination reflects a reduced need for support and supplemental firefighting resources on the ground — not a reduction in wildfire risk. Even with this shift, conditions remain very dry, and wildfire potential persists.

Oregonians are urged to continue practicing fire prevention by:

• Limiting activities that could spark a fire, such as debris burning or using equipment that produces heat or sparks.
• Following all local fire restrictions and bans.
• Properly disposing of cigarettes.
• Keeping tow chains from dragging, tires inflated and don’t park on dry grass..
• Reporting any signs of smoke or fire immediately.
• Signing up for alerts at ORAlert.gov.

OEM emphasizes that this transition does not mean the state is stepping back from supporting wildfire-affected communities or our local, Tribal, and county partners. The agency remains available to coordinate assistance through the Oregon Emergency Communications and Coordination Center (OEC3). This center provides 24/7 all-hazard monitoring should additional resources and elevated support be needed. Through the OEC3, OEM will continue to closely monitor wildfire activity and rapidly increase ECC activation levels if conditions change.

As suppression efforts progress across the state, OEM is also shifting focus toward long-term recovery support. Many communities face complex recovery challenges, and OEM will continue working with partners to help navigate federal programs, damage assessments, mitigation planning and other essential components of recovery.

“OEM’s transition to Steady State ensures we can continue supporting wildfire-impacted communities while also allowing state partners to return to their core responsibilities,” ECC Manager Alaina Calhoun said. “Our team will maintain close situational awareness, remain ready to increase activation if conditions change and stay engaged in both response and long-term recovery efforts.”

It is the mission of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) to lead collaborative, statewide efforts to support Oregon’s communities before, during and after emergencies, with a vision to create a ready and resilient Oregon. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times in crisis. For more information about the OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem. You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille, or a format you prefer. For assistance, email OEM_PublicInfo@oem.oregon.gov. We accept all relay calls, or you can dial 711.  

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