Fires in Crook, Grant, and Wheeler counties mark the fifteenth and sixteenth conflagrations this wildfire season

On Sep 6th, Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for two fires on September 6, 2024, the Rail Ridge Fire in Crook and Grant counties and the Shoe Fly Fire in Wheeler County. The Grant County and Wheeler County Fire Defense Boards requested assistance with life, safety, and structural fire protection and the state fire marshal concurred with that request.

“September is still a dangerous month of fire season, and our firefighters are working around the clock to protect Oregon’s communities and natural resources,” Governor Kotek said. “I continue to urge all Oregonians and visitors to our state to act with extreme caution, heed all fire restrictions, and know the fire danger level of the areas where they live, work and play.”

As of yesterday afternoon, there were 23 large fires in the state. Oregon is using every resource available through partnerships with many agencies to fight the wildland fires blazing across our state. State agencies are working with local communities to continuously assess what state and federal resources are needed.

Following ORS 476.510-476.610, Governor Kotek determined that a threat to life, safety, and property exists due to the fire, and the threat exceeds the firefighting capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment. The governor’s declaration allows the state fire marshal to mobilize resources through the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System to support local fire service agencies on scene. The two conflagrations are declared only for the Rail Ridge and Shoe Fly fires threatening structures in Crook, Grant, and Wheeler counties.

A link to Executive Order 24-24 can be found here for the Rail Ridge Fire.

A link to Executive Order 24-25 can be found here for the Shoe Fly Fire.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal Blue Incident Management Team entered unified command with the California Team 10 to suppress and contain the Rail Ridge Fire, and the Oregon Department of Forestry Team 1 to suppress and contain the Shoe Fly Fire.

For evacuation updates for Grant County, visit the Grant County Emergency Management Facebook page or call the information line at 541-575-2885. More information on current evacuations in Wheeler County is available here.

Find danger levels and restrictions across the state here.