Oregon Fire Marshal Sending Task Forces to the Rogue Valley as Wildfires Increase

Medford, Oregon- The Oregon State Fire Marshal is mobilizing two structural firefighting task forces from Benton and Lane counties to Southern Oregon’s Rogue Valley in response to an uptick in wildfire activity Tuesday.

The deployment, made through the agency’s Immediate Response program, comes at the request of the Rogue Valley Fire Defense Board Chief, as local fire crews contend with a growing number of wildfires in the region.

“Much of Oregon is being challenged by recent heat, Red Flag Warnings, and more lightning in the forecast,” said Chief Deputy Travis Medema. “The local fire agencies in Southern Oregon are stretched, and we are using the power of the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System to bring in extra help.”

Immediate Response is a strategic tool that allows the Oregon State Fire Marshal to send additional firefighting resources without invoking the state’s Emergency Conflagration Act. Officials say the goal is to quickly bolster suppression efforts, keeping fires small and away from homes and communities.

The Fire Marshal’s office is continuing to monitor conditions and says more aid could be adjusted or sent as needed. With continued hot, dry weather and lightning expected in the forecast, officials are urging the public to take extra precautions to prevent human-caused wildfires.