Governor Invokes Emergency Conflagration Act for Tyee Ridge Complex Fires

In response to the escalating threat posed by the Tyee Ridge Complex fires, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act, enabling the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) to deploy additional resources aimed at safeguarding lives and property. The decision was made after a number of lightning strikes ignited a series of fires across the region over the past 36 hours.

Under this declaration, the OSFM is poised to activate five structural firefighting task forces, in addition to the Red Incident Management Team. This combined effort seeks to provide much-needed structure protection for residences within the Tyee Ridge Complex’s perimeter, particularly focusing on two fires spanning approximately 1,000 acres.

The situation prompted the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office to issue Level 3 evacuation orders for households in proximity to the Cougar Creek and Rattlesnake Ridge fires. As the conflagration loomed, Mariana Ruiz-Temple, Oregon State Fire Marshal, emphasized, “With Oregon in the heart of fire season, this conflagration declaration allows the OSFM to mobilize structural firefighting resources through the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System (OFMAS) to help protect the communities impacted by the Tyee Ridge Complex.”

Governor Kotek’s decision, guided by the framework of ORS 476.510-476.610, underscores the threat to life, safety, and property. As the declaration takes effect, the state fire marshal’s office will handle its own resources to collaborate with local counterparts and create a unified response strategy.

The OSFM’s Red Incident Management Team is scheduled to take charge of the two fires at 10 a.m. on August 26th. A coordinated effort is expected, drawing upon the assistance of structural task forces hailing from Lane, Linn, Lincoln, Washington counties, as well as Central Oregon. The Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System forms the backbone of this collaborative effort, fostering a united front against the escalating fires.

You can track these fires through our 2023 Wildfire Season partner’s Wildfire Aware app.