Oregon Governor Tina Kotek signed Executive Order 26-10 on June 15, 2026, declaring a state of emergency due to the imminent threat of wildfire. The declaration came on the same day the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) announced the formal start of fire season across the state -- a milestone that arrived earlier than usual given drought conditions and below-normal snowpack across much of Oregon.

What the Declaration Does

The emergency declaration is less about responding to fires already burning and more about positioning the state to respond rapidly when they do. Under the order, the primary fire agencies -- ODF and the Oregon Department of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) -- gain streamlined access to resources from other state agencies, including:

  • The Oregon National Guard (equipment, personnel, logistics)
  • State agency water trucks and heavy equipment
  • Cross-agency personnel and support services
  • Out-of-state mutual aid resources under emergency compact agreements

"The state of emergency declaration streamlines the statewide response to wildfire," said Kyle Williams, deputy director of fire operations with ODF. "What it means is that when our agencies are all ready to go, now we can tap into other state agencies to assist us with the response."

Reducing Response Time

State officials emphasized that having the declaration in place before major fire events occur is the key advantage. During past fire seasons, administrative delays in accessing National Guard assets or cross-agency equipment have occasionally added critical hours to response times.

"Seconds and minutes matter," Williams said. "This removes all barriers to our ability for a full statewide response if we need it."

Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Travis Medema echoed that view: "The importance of it is really from a preparedness and ability to respond perspective. Having that declaration in place should we get significant wildfires allows those resources to flow and to mobilize rapidly and reduces any delays in the response capacity."

Drought and Snowpack Drive Concerns

ODF officials pointed to a combination of drought, high temperatures, and below-normal snowpack as the conditions driving concern. Much of eastern and southern Oregon is experiencing drought conditions, and soil moisture levels heading into summer are significantly below average across the Cascades and the high desert.

The statewide emergency declaration also activates Oregon as a receiving state under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), making it easier to bring in firefighting resources from neighboring states if Oregon communities come under threat.

Public Role in Prevention

Officials are also urging Oregonians to take personal responsibility for preventing human-caused fires. Residents are encouraged to sign up for OR-Alert, the statewide emergency notification system, and to have an evacuation plan and go-kit ready before fires start.