Governor approves Emergency Conflagration Act in Glendale

One of my sons, Alex, is fighting wildfires in the Douglas Complex near Glendale, Oregon. Lightening strikes started dozens of small fires which spread to 10,000 acres by yesterday. Hot, dry conditions continue and homes have been evacuated. The state Conflagration Act was invoked Saturday and an Oregon Fire Marshal’s structural fire management team has been mobilized to aid local fire departments with protection of homes.

In accordance with the terms of Chapter 112, Oregon Laws of 1947, known as “The Emergency Conflagration Act”, it is, ” the duty of the State Fire Marshal to prepare plans for effective carrying out the provisions of this act…” The Emergency Conflagration Act can only be authorized by the Governor. The Conflagration Act is only used for fires that involve or threaten life and structures.

How is the Conflagration Act invoked?
The local fire chief and County Fire Defense Board Chief assess the incident status with the following kinds of questions in mind:

Are there structure fires not controlled due to sheer size and/or speed of the fire?
Is a wildland fire threatening structures?
Have all local and mutual aid resources been depleted?
Would mobile support resources be effective?
If the answers are yes, then the County Fire Defense Board Chief notifies the State Fire Marshal through the Oregon Emergency Response System. The State Fire Marshal decides, in discussion with the County Fire Defense Board Chief, if the situation warrants Conflagration Act implementation. Once decided, the State Fire Marshal notifies the governor, who authorizes the act to be invoked. At this point, the Fire Service Mobilization Plan becomes effective.