In response to the rapidly spreading Alder Springs Fire in Jefferson County, Governor Tina Kotek has invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act, as reported yesterday. This decisive measure, as detailed by the Oregon Governor's Office, allows for an aggressive multi-agency firefighting effort, crucial in countering the blaze that has escalated to consume 2,500 acres since its outbreak on Monday.
With the conflagration escalating faster than the current resources could tame, the Governor's declaration is a testament to the fire's ferocity, necessitating statewide mutual aid mobilized by the Oregon State Fire Marshal. Citing the Oregon Governor's Office, the Jefferson County Fire Defense Board chief initially requested help as the threat overpowered the local firefighting capacities. On Tuesday morning, this support materialized in the form of two structural task forces, followed by six additional crews and the experienced Red Incident Management Team to take command today.
The ferocious fire began on the Crooked River National Grasslands and was initially confronted by crews from various agencies, including the Oregon Department of Forestry and the Bureau of Land Management. Despite the challenges aviation resources faced due to limited safe and direct access, they have been essential in supporting ground fire suppression efforts, as reported by the Oregon Governor's Office.
Both Jefferson and Deschutes counties are under evacuation orders as the fire continues its destructive path. The alerts, levels 1, 2, and 3, issued by the counties' Sheriff's Offices, underline the heightened risk to communities. For updated evacuation information, residents can visit the Central Oregon Fire Info website. It is further notable that this is the second time Governor Kotek felt compelled to use the Conflagration Act in the current wildfire season, following the Rowena Fire that threatened Wasco County last Wednesday, as per the Oregon Governor's Office.
