A
great part of the state’s firefighting resources are now engaged in suppression
efforts on Oregon’s 13 active large wildfires. ODF has also been able to call
on additional resources (see details below).
The
statewide heat wave is also keeping state, federal and local fire
departments busy putting out new fires, which are able to spread quickly in the
dry fuels. Scores of these fires have been successfully quelled this week.
ODF
has been able to call on several out-of-state resources to help with fires for
which the agency is responsible. A 20-person Type 11 initial attack hand crew
from New Mexico has been sent to assist ODF’s Central Oregon District. The crew
is based in Prineville.
Another
22 people – 17 from North Carolina and 8 from Florida – are assisting on
the Garner Complex, with two more expected to arrive tonight. They are mostly
serving in direct operational roles, such as heavy equipment operators,
task-force leaders, and operations chiefs. Another Floridian is on ODF’s Salem
Support Team in an administrative capacity.
Two more people from Idaho are helping backfill for two staff from Douglas Forest Protective Association who are assisting the Southwest Oregon District.
Many other firefighters from outside Oregon are working on federally managed wildfires.