Oregon Governor Tina Kotek signed Executive Order 26-10 on June 15, 2026, declaring a state of emergency in response to the imminent threat of wildfire across Oregon. The order was signed the same day the Oregon Department of Forestry officially declared the state had entered fire season — a declaration that activates a range of state fire response protocols and resource-sharing agreements.

What the Declaration Does

Governor Kotek’s emergency declaration is a proactive measure designed to accelerate the state’s ability to respond to fire before major incidents overwhelm local resources. Key provisions include:

  • Directing state agencies to pre-position firefighting resources in high-risk regions
  • Enabling the Oregon State Fire Marshal to mobilize resources from outside Oregon through interstate mutual aid compacts
  • Streamlining procurement of firefighting equipment and personnel without normal administrative delays
  • Authorizing coordination with federal agencies including the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management

“The emergency declaration increases our ability to get resources,” said Travis Medema, Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal. “It allows for us to mobilize resources if needed and communities are threatened.”

Context: Early Season and Drought

The emergency declaration came against a backdrop of serious fire-weather indicators. Oregon has experienced below-normal precipitation and below-average snowpack in many regions this winter and spring, resulting in fuel moisture levels that are running ahead of historical averages in terms of dryness. Fire officials had been warning for weeks that conditions were shaping up for an above-normal fire season.

Within 24 hours of the order being signed, Red Flag Warnings were issued across northeastern Oregon as a cold front brought strong gusty winds and dry conditions to the region — exactly the scenario fire managers had been preparing for.

Oregon Fires This Week

Oregon itself saw fire activity with the emergence of the Cable Creek Fire near Ukiah in Umatilla County, as well as the Old Emigrant Fire burning six miles southeast of Pendleton. The Cable Creek Fire was successfully lined at 100% by Thursday morning following an aggressive attack with eight engines, two air tankers, and one helicopter, burning approximately 610 acres in grass and brush.

The Old Emigrant Fire continues to burn near Pendleton with 1,500 acres and zero containment as of Thursday’s NIFC report, and residents in surrounding areas have been advised to monitor conditions closely.

Looking Ahead

With above-normal fire potential forecast for Oregon through August, officials are urging residents in fire-prone communities to complete defensible space work around their homes, assemble go-bags, and develop household evacuation plans. Information on Oregon fire preparedness resources is available through the Oregon Department of Forestry at oregon.gov/odf.