Oregon Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the Elk Lane Fire in Jefferson County. The move comes following a request made by the local fire defense board and approved by the state fire marshal Monday morning.

On Sunday night, two task forces from Lincoln and Polk counties, pre-positioned in Central Oregon, helped local responding agencies with structure protection. This morning, the OSFM mobilized its Red Incident Management Team and three additional structural task forces to protect life and property. The OSFM moved to swiftly bring in more resources through the Emergency Conflagration Act.

“The two task forces we pre-positioned in Central Oregon on Friday have been busy helping several local agencies respond to wildfires including two fires that sparked moments after they arrived,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “Pre-positioning these resources has been an extremely valuable tool as our agency focuses on being proactive in keeping fires small and away from communities.”

According to Jefferson County Fire District 1, the region was hit by a massive lightning storm last night that brought gusty winds and sparked the Elk Lane Fire. As of this morning, the fire was estimated to be roughly 3,000 acres. The region is expecting temperatures in the high 90s on Monday, with wind gusts up to 18 miles per hour. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has levels 1, 2, and 3 evacuation orders in place. A map of evacuations can be found here.

The OSFM mobilized its Red Incident Management Team and five structural protection task forces from Clackamas, Lincoln, Polk, Washington, and Yamhill counties.

There isn’t much relief in sight for improved fire weather conditions over the next week. The Oregon State Fire Marshal is calling on everyone to be wildfire aware. Find wildfire prevention tips here.

About the Emergency Conflagration Act

The Emergency Conflagration Act is invoked by Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, allowing the state fire marshal to mobilize state resources to wildfires to protect life and property.

The conflagration act is invoked following ORS 476.510-476.610 when Governor Kotek determines threats to life, safety, and property exist because of the fire, and the threats exceed the capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment.