Oregon Governor declares a state of emergency due to the threat of wildfires

Oregon Governor declares a state of emergency due to the threat of wildfires.

Officials said the Cow Valley Fire, which broke out Thursday about 9 miles east of Ironside, Oregon, has burned more than 132,500 acres.

Gov. Tina Kotick declared a state of emergency due to the threat from wildfires that have burned tens of thousands of acres across Oregon.

At least eight wildfires were burning in the northwestern state early Tuesday, state fire officials said.

The largest is the Cow Valley Fire, which broke out Thursday about 9 miles east of Ironside, Oregon.

It has consumed more than 132,500 acres, with officials stating that only 5% is contained.

"Firefighters are working around the clock to extinguish the Cow Valley fire," fire officials said in a statement.

Although its cause is under investigation, officials believe humans cause it.

Kotick invoked the emergency rule over the Wadi al-Baqar fire on Friday and declared a state of emergency retroactive to Saturday that will last until Oct. 1, the end of the fall fire season.

"Wildfires are active across Oregon and growing at an alarming pace. Hot and windy conditions this weekend, including lightning expected in some areas, threaten larger wildfires," she said Monday.

"It will become hotter and drier throughout the summer, presenting a greater risk of catastrophic wildfires. The best way to reduce the impacts of wildfires on our communities, natural areas, and first responders is to be aware of the conditions and prevent wildfires from starting."

Her office said the announcement was made after Oregon was determined to be at serious fire risk due to extremely high temperatures, threatening life, safety, and property.

The Oregon Fire Marshal and Oregon Department of Forestry said out-of-state firefighters and equipment were brought into the state to respond.

Seventy-one suppliers are sent to Oregon from Hawaii, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and the western Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Okon, and the Northwest Territories.