Oregon is facing an aggressive start to wildfire season, with an early heat wave and lightning storms causing over 100 new fires to break out across the state. Governor Tina Kotek has declared a statewide emergency and deployed resources from neighboring states to help battle the flames. Fire officials were taken by surprise by the intensity of the fires, which are threatening homes and lives in central and eastern Oregon. The most active fires are currently in the Battle Mountain Complex of fires in Umatilla County and the Durkee Fire in Baker County. Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple estimates that five to 15 structures have been lost so far, with damages still being assessed. The forecast shows more lightning risk over the weekend, indicating that the fires currently burning may be just the beginning of a long and challenging fire season ahead. Despite the early start to the fire season, officials are working tirelessly to protect communities and state land from the raging flames.
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