Oregon Governor Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency for Oregon, citing an imminent threat of wildfire. This executive order grants state responders access to all necessary resources and will remain in effect until the threat subsides, the fire season concludes, or December 31st, 2026.
Wildfire Threat
The declaration, Executive Order 26-10, was issued after Gov. Kotek determined that Oregon faces a critical fire danger situation, endangering lives, safety, and property due to continued warm and dry conditions. So far in 2026, Oregon has experienced 414 fires, which have burned approximately 8,077 acres and caused several localized evacuations.
Gov. Kotek emphasized the urgency of the situation and the necessity of the declaration. She also noted that Oregon has record-setting low snowpack and that nearly half of the state’s counties are experiencing persistent drought conditions. Approximately 70% of wildfires in Oregon are human-caused, prompting Gov. Kotek to stress that prevention starts with every Oregonian.
The declaration authorizes primary state fire agencies, including the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) and the Oregon Department of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM), to access state resources for wildfire suppression missions. This ensures the protection of lives, property and the environment.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
