Crook County commissioners declare emergency as wildfires spread

The Crook County Board of Commissioners approved a countywide declaration of emergency on July 22 to address multiple wildfires and the potential for rapid fire growth.

County staff told the board the request came from the sheriff's office and emergency management, and cited the county's emergency operations plan and state statute as the legal basis. "We received a request from the sheriff's office and emergency management, today, to declare an emergency," the staff presenter said. Commissioners moved quickly to consider the resolution listed as 2026-34.

Fire district Chief Smith told the board that recent thunderstorms, abundant lightning and unpredictable outflow winds had created red-flag conditions that can rapidly expand fires and endanger both firefighters and nearby homes. "It is certainly a heightened awareness, and I would say a heightened threat today," the chief said.

The board approved the declaration by voice vote after a motion and second; the transcript records vocal assent from Commissioner Crawford and no recorded opposition. The declaration is intended to authorize emergency-management and sheriff's-office actions to protect life, property and livelihoods, and to position the county for potential state and federal assistance.

The emergency was placed on the record as Resolution 2026-34, and commissioners agreed to revisit the declaration in the coming weeks to determine whether to continue it or request further action from the governor.