Gov. Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act on Monday for a wildfire burning in Jefferson County.
This is the second time Kotek has invoked the act this fire season. The first time was the Rowena fire, which has burned 3,700 acres in the Columbia River Gorge and is 53% contained.
Kotek’s declaration allows the Oregon State Fire Marshal to mobilize resources to support local fire service agencies when the threat exceeds the firefighting capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment.
The support from the Oregon State Fire Marshal will help protect residential homes and other structures from the fire, according to the statement.
The Alder Springs fire, which sparked on Monday, quickly grew to 3,400 acres by Tuesday evening. The Jefferson County and Deschutes County Sheriff’s offices have issued evacuation orders since Monday.
Level 3 (go now) and Level 2 (be set) evacuation orders cover the area east of the Deschutes River near Crooked River Ranch. Level 1 (be ready) evacuation orders extend south of the Deschutes County line and west of the fire’s perimeter toward Camp Sherman.
The fire is still active and 0% contained as of Wednesday morning.
—Kimberly Cortez covers breaking news, public safety and more for The Oregonian/OregonLive. She can be reached at kcortez@oregonian.com
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