OR State Fire Marshal Release, July 22, 5:38 p.m. – SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has mobilized two task forces to Klamath County to provide added capacity to protect structures near the Golden Fire. The task forces from the Rogue Valley and Central Oregon are being sent through Immediate Response, a tool the OSFM uses to send additional firefighters and equipment outside of a conflagration. According to the South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership, the Golden Fire began the afternoon of July 22 at approximately 1 pm on Bly Mountain, 18 miles east of Klamath Falls, Oregon. The fire is estimated at 200 acres, with structures threatened. Highway 140E is currently closed at this time. Those in the area should be aware of the wildfire and check highway information before traveling at www.tripcheck.com. Questions about the fire can be directed to the South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership at scofmp.org.
Conflagration Declared at Golden Fire
OR State Fire Marshal release – SALEM, Ore. – Oregon Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the Golden Fire to allow the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) to mobilize more resources to protect life and property. The OSFM is mobilizing additional task forces and an incident management team to Klamath County as firefighters continue to battle the fire Saturday evening. Earlier Saturday, OSFM mobilized two task forces through immediate response to help bolster the response to the Golden Fire. Level 3 evacuation orders are in place through the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office for the Golden Fire. “The Golden Fire has been growing rapidly due to the dry, windy conditions in Klamath County,” said Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple. “With the continued hot, dry conditions on the way for Klamath County, the OSFM is mobilizing additional resources through the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System (OFMAS) to help the local fire service agencies on scene.” In accordance with ORS 476.510-476.610, Governor Kotek determined the fire poses a threat to life, safety, and property, 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 in battling the fire and further support a coordinated response. The OSFM’s Blue Incident Management Team will be briefed and assume command of the Golden Fire. The additional task forces are coming from Yamhill and Clatsop Counties through the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System.