Oregon Firefighters Assist in NC Wildfire Crisis

Oregon has dispatched 26 firefighters and two representatives from the Oregon Department of Forestry to North Carolina to assist in combating wildfires exacerbated by dry weather and fallen trees left by Hurricane Helene. This deployment is part of a mutual assistance agreement, reciprocating North Carolina's support during Oregon's 2024 wildfire season. The Oregon team is primarily working on the Black Cove Fire, which, along with the Deep Woods Fire, has burned over 4,621 acres with 0% containment in Polk County. Mandatory evacuations have been issued for about 165 properties in the area. The collaboration underscores the importance of interstate agreements, allowing states to pool resources during critical wildfire seasons. Oregon ensures its own fire management is not compromised while extending such international support.