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Washington to support NW Firefighting efforts


Camp Murray, Washington – As the wildfire situation across Washington state improves, local fire resources are being mobilized to Oregon to help build containment lines and protect communities still under mandatory evacuation orders.

“Washingtonians are proud to be able to assist our neighbors in Oregon during these historic and devastating wildfires,” Gov. Jay Inslee said. “Fighting these disasters truly takes a united approach and we are ready to pitch in.”

One Task Force consisting of 23 fire personnel, along with five engines and a water tender arrived in Oregon last night. This task force is made up of personnel and equipment from North Kitsap Fire & Rescue, Clark County Fire and Rescue, Eastside Fire and Rescue, Shoreline Fire Department, Seattle Fire Department, Gig Harbor Fire & Medic 1, South Kitsap Fire and Rescue, Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue and Valley Regional Fire Authority.

“We’ve had several conversations with the Department of Natural Resources and our state’s Fire Marshal’s Office,” said Robert Ezelle, director of the state’s Emergency Management Division. “After a thorough assessment, we feel confident we have enough resources in Washington to keep our own neighbors safe. We are grateful to be in the position now to lend a hand to our partners in Oregon as the fires continue to threaten communities and as their residents get back on their feet.”

Additionally, The Washington Military Department is sending eight personnel from the Emergency Management Division to assist the Oregon Office of Emergency Management (OEM) in their State Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) as they continue management of wildland fires.

Personnel include an Emergency Operations Center Manager, Planning Section Chief, Resource Unit Leader, Logistics Section Chief, Logistics Tracking Unit, Volunteer Management, Infrastructure Branch Coordinator and Situation Unit Leader. They will work a 14-day rotation at the Oregon ECC in Salem.

For information on fires in Oregon, visit https://wildfire.oregon.gov/.

The Washington State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) remains at the highest level of emergency activation in support of COVID-19 and wildland fires. Operations will not be affected by providing staff to assist Oregon OEM.