Oregon Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the Town Gulch Fire in Baker County. The OSFM is mobilizing its Blue Incident Management Team and four structural task forces. The fire is burning in timber and steep, rocky terrain with temperatures in the mid-90s.

The fire sparked on Monday eight miles northwest of Richland and quickly grew. On Tuesday, the fire grew significantly and started threatening structures, prompting the conflagration act and the Oregon State Fire Marshal structural protection resources.

“As the Oregon fire season continues, we face another fire in tough terrain and conditions,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “Our teams are working hard to protect structures, doing their best to keep fires away from communities. We are asking everyone to stay vigilant to prevent sparking a wildfire.”

The Baker County Sheriff’s Office has issued Level 1, 2, and 3 evacuations for areas around the Town Gulch Fire. For evacuation information, follow the Baker County Sheriff Facebook page.

All Oregonians should do everything they can to be wildfire aware. Find tips to prevent wildfires 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.