Governor Kotek Invokes Conflagration Act for the Highland Fire

Fire in Crook County marks the fifth conflagration this wildfire season

On the evening of July 12, 2025, Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the Highland Fire in Crook County. The Crook County Fire Defense Board Chief requested assistance with life, safety, and structural fire protection, and the state fire marshal concurred with that request.

Following ORS 476.510-476.610, Governor Kotek determined that a threat to life, safety, and property exists due to the fire, and the threat exceeds the firefighting capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment.

The Governor’s declaration allows the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) to mobilize resources through the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System to support local fire service agencies on scene. The conflagration was invoked only for the Highland Fire, threatening structures in Crook County.

A link to Executive Order 25-14 can be found here.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal mobilized their Blue Incident Management Team and five structural task forces to the fire south of Prineville. One task force was sent earlier on Saturday through Immediate Response. The team was briefed Sunday morning and will be in unified command with the Central Oregon Type 3 Incident Management Team.
The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) continues to support local, state and federal partners in wildfire suppression efforts with resources supplied through mutual aid agreements.

The Crook County Sheriff's Office is overseeing evacuations in the affected area. Community members are urged to stay informed about evacuation levels and be prepared to act quickly. For the latest evacuation information, click here. To sign up for alerts in your area, click here.

This marks the fifth time the Emergency Conflagration Act has been invoked by Governor Kotek in the 2025 wildfire season.