Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act on the evening of July 9, 2024, in response to a wildfire in Wasco County: the Larch Creek Fire. The resources necessary for protecting life and property from the Larch Creek Fire are beyond local capabilities. Assistance with life, safety, and structural fire protection was requested by the Wasco County commissioners and the state fire marshal concurred with that request.

“Oregonians across the state have been battling unusually high temperatures over the past week, which increased the threat of wildfire,” Governor Kotek said. “I authorized an emergency conflagration to allow additional resources to fight the Larch Creek Fire. I want to extend my gratitude to Wasco County, Oregon State Fire Marshal, Oregon Department of Forestry, and our federal wildfire protection partners for working around the clock to keep Oregonians safe.”

A link to Executive Order 24-11 can be found here.

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 cleared the way for the state fire marshal to mobilize resources through the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System to support local fire service agencies on scene. This conflagration is declared only for the Larch Creek Fire threatening structures in Wasco County.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Green Incident Management Team was mobilized. Along with the local responding agencies, four structural task forces from Clackamas, Linn, Multnomah, and Washington counties were sent to the fire. The incident management team arrived and was briefed Tuesday night.

For the latest on evacuations, please check the Wasco County website.