Oregon Governor Kate Brown invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act overnight in response to the Rum Creek Fire burning outside the town of Galice in Josephine County.
The fire is currently estimated to be 4,700 acres in size. The Josephine County Sheriff’s office has put Level 2 and Level 3 evacuations. This morning the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal Blue Incident Managemen Team is mobilizing to the fire and will assume unified command with the Oregon Department of Forestry and the Federal Team.
The OSFM has also mobilized four structural task forces from Douglas, Linn, Clackamas, and Lincoln Counties. The task forces are composed of 53 firefighters, 16 engines, and 4 water tenders.
“The Rum Creek Fire grew rapidly overnight, requiring additional resources to battle the fire and support the state’s response,” said Governor Brown. “This is a good reminder that conditions can change quickly, and that fire knows no bounds. It is important for all Oregonians to be prepared, follow all evacuation orders, and continue to follow local and statewide fire prevention regulations to keep our communities safe and our natural resources protected.”
In accordance with ORS 476.510-476.610, Governor Brown determined that a threat to life, safety, and property exist 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 firefighters and equipment to assist local resources battling the fire and further support a coordinated response.
Source: OSFM
