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Klamath County ratifies emergency declaration and asks National Guard for evacuation support
Summary
The Klamath County Board of Commissioners ratified a state of emergency for the Wright Springs fire and authorized formal requests for National Guard personnel to assist with evacuations and traffic control, citing immediate threats to life and property and an estimated Army Guard cost of about $25,688.07 per day.
The Klamath County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 11 ratified a state of emergency for the Wright Springs fire and authorized formal requests for National Guard assistance to support evacuations and traffic control.
Commissioner Minty read the resolution ratifying an emergency declared Aug. 9 under ORS 401.309 and moved to approve the board order. The motion passed on a voice vote. The board then directed staff to request continued assistance from the Oregon Army National Guard after current Air National Guard support, noting the urgency of imminent threats to life and property.
Commissioner Nichols, who has been on the ground with response teams, told the board that National Guard assets are currently supporting operations and that the county expects to transition or extend those assets. He said the estimated daily cost to employ Army Guard personnel is $25,688.07 and that the county has been in contact with the governor's office and state emergency management about reimbursement.
The board also read a request into the record under DOD Directive 3025.18 to ask the 173rd Fighter Wing and other National Guard resources to assist with evacuations. Commissioner Minty said staff will prepare formal letters and work through Oregon Emergency Management to complete requests. The action is intended to provide personnel support while reimbursement and coordination continue.
