Harney County court declares local disaster as wildfires and extreme fire weather threaten communities

Harney County Court on July 26 declared a local disaster after reading a proclamation that cited multiple fires surpassing initial attack and an extended forecast of higher-than-normal temperatures, low precipitation and winds that could endanger Burns and Hines.

The presiding officer read the proclamation and said the county had implemented its Emergency Operations Plan wildfire annex. The proclamation cites state statutory authority as the basis for invoking the emergency declaration and directs that it take effect immediately.

A Commissioner moved to approve the declaration "as presented," and another Commissioner seconded the motion. The Chair called for the vote; all present members said "aye," and the Chair announced the motion carried.

The proclamation asks the governor to declare the local disaster at the state level and requests expedited federal assistance for local agricultural industries. The Chair said the county has already contacted staff for U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden to raise concerns about power infrastructure, and said local talks with utility companies are underway but that higher-level help might be needed if local negotiations do not succeed.

The court also discussed the mechanics of recording signatures on the proclamation after the vote. With the declaration adopted, the Chair said county emergency management and partnering agencies would proceed with response activities.