https://mailchi.mp/oregon/news-release-governor-kate-brown-invokes-the-emergency-conflagration-act-in-response-to-the-rum-creekfire?e=b49c223a3b NEWS RELEASE August 27, 2022 Media Contact: Liz Merah, 503-877-8287 Charles Boyle, 503-931-7773 Governor Kate Brown Invokes the Emergency Conflagration Act in Response to the Rum Creek Fire Rum Creek Fire is burning 4,700 acres in Josephine County (Salem, OR) — Governor Kate Brown invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act last night in response to the Rum Creek Fire burning near the communities of Galice and Rand in Josephine County. This declaration allows the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) to take unified command today; local mutual aid is currently on scene. The fire sparked from lightning and significantly increased overnight to 4,700 acres in size. The Josephine County Sheriff's Office has issued Level 3, Level 2, and Level 1 evacuation orders for homes near the fire. "The Rum Creek Fire grew rapidly overnight, requiring additional resources to battle the fire and support the state's response," said Governor Brown. "This is a good reminder that conditions can change quickly, and that fire knows no bounds. It is important for all Oregonians to be prepared, follow all evacuation orders, and continue to follow local and statewide fire prevention regulations to keep our communities safe and our natural resources protected." In accordance with ORS 476.510-476.610, Governor Brown determined that a threat to life, safety, and property exist due to the fire, 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 battling the fire and further support a coordinated response. Currently, local and mutual aid, Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), and federal resources are on scene working to slow the fire's progress. The OSFM Blue Incident Management Team will be briefed and will assume unified command with ODF and federal partners. OSFM will bring in four additional task forces through the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System from Douglas, Linn, Clackamas, and Lincoln Counties to assist in the response. Additional updates for the incident may be accessed at: Oregon State Fire Marshal Facebook page Rum Creek Fire Facebook page Josephine County Sheriff's Office Facebook page Information on wildfire prevention and preparedness may be accessed at: ORAlert.gov Keep Oregon Green Oregon Wildfire Response & Recovery Office of Emergency Management ###