SALEM, Ore. — Oregon is scaling back statewide emergency coordination as wildfire conditions improve, but officials caution that the change does not mean the threat has passed.
The Oregon Department of Emergency Management announced that the State Emergency Coordination Center is returning to Level 4 — Steady State. State employees assigned to the center during the height of the wildfire response will return to their regular duties.
The Oregon Department of Forestry and Oregon State Fire Marshal will continue fire suppression and monitoring through the remainder of wildfire season. OEM’s 24-hour emergency coordination center also remains prepared to increase the state’s response if conditions worsen.
“The downgrade in state-level coordination reflects a reduced need for support and supplemental firefighting resources on the ground — not a reduction in wildfire risk,” OEM said.
Oregon’s forests and grasslands remain extremely dry following a historic fire season in which more than 2.6 million acres have burned. Fire restrictions and some road, trail and public-land closures remain in effect.
Several large fires also remain active.
The McCully Fire, burning about seven miles northwest of Sumpter in Baker and Grant counties, had grown to approximately 9,934 acres by Sunday and was two percent contained. Firefighters continue working to protect nearby communities and recreational areas, including portions of the Elkhorn Crest Trail.
The lightning-caused Rowe Creek Complex, about 10 miles south of Fossil, has burned 373,927 acres but is now 92 percent contained. Nearly 1,000 firefighters remained assigned Sunday, checking the perimeter, extinguishing hot spots and repairing areas damaged during suppression operations. Central Oregon Fire Information says some roads and public lands remain closed.
Crews also continue monitoring the Grasshopper, Big Grass, Austin, Narrows and several other fires around the state. Current incident information is available through the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center.
Rain could help firefighting efforts
A major change in the weather is expected this week.
After another warm and dry day Monday, showers are forecast to begin moving into parts of Oregon Tuesday. A stronger weather system is expected Wednesday and Thursday, bringing cooler temperatures and the potential for widespread wetting rain from the coast to the Cascades and into portions of central and south-central Oregon.
That rain should increase humidity, reduce fire activity and help firefighters strengthen containment lines. However, one storm will not necessarily end Oregon’s wildfire season. Heavy timber, deep ground fuels and large logs can retain heat even after several days of rain.
Gusty winds ahead of the rain could initially create problems for crews. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for Monday afternoon and evening in portions of south-central Oregon, where low humidity and strong winds could cause fires to spread rapidly.
There is also a slight chance of thunderstorms in southern Oregon Tuesday through Thursday. The greatest concern would be lightning striking dry vegetation before widespread rain arrives. However, the National Weather Service fire-weather forecast indicates that the main system should carry considerable moisture. At this point, forecasters are not describing it as a widespread dry-lightning event.
Lightning remains a concern because strikes can start fires that smolder for hours or even days before being detected. Fire officials will likely monitor lightning-affected areas after the storm passes.
Oregonians are still being asked to follow local fire restrictions, avoid activities that create sparks, properly dispose of cigarettes, keep vehicle tow chains from dragging and avoid parking on dry grass. Residents can sign up for local emergency notifications at ORAlert.gov.
Wildfire insurance protections extended
Meanwhile, the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation has extended its wildfire emergency order for another 30 days, through September 29.
The order applies to property and casualty insurance policies covering people and property in wildfire-affected ZIP codes identified by the state. It suspends insurance cancellations and nonrenewals, establishes a grace period for premium payments, extends certain claim-reporting deadlines and requires insurers to provide reasonable opportunities for policyholders to report losses.
“Wildfire season is not over, and the last thing consumers should be worried about is receiving a cancellation or nonrenewal notice right now,” Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen said.
Anyone whose home or property has been damaged should contact their insurance company as soon as possible. Consumers who need assistance can reach DFR advocates at 888-877-4894 or dfr.insurancehelp@oregon.gov.
The emergency order, covered ZIP codes and additional insurance guidance are available on the DFR wildfire insurance resource page.
