Medford, OR – State officials have announced that Governor Kotek was reportedly oined by Oregon Department of Forestry Director Cal Mukumoto and Chief of Fire Protection Mike Shaw, Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz Temple, Oregon Department of Emergency Management Interim Director Matt Garrett, Oregon Military Department Major General Michael Stencel, Public Utility Commission Executive Director Michael Grant, Department of Environmental Quality Director Leah Feldon, Oregon Department of Human Services Mass Care Coordinator Ed Flick and Oregon Health Authority Director of Public Health Rachael Banks.
The Governor briefed members of the press on what subject matter experts anticipate in the 2023 fire season. Her briefing included the following key items:
Drought intensity across the state is less severe than this time last year, though some regions have experienced persistent droughts.
Many regions have experienced a high volume of spring rain and are benefitting from a strong snowpack.
Oregonians are likely to see a delayed wildfire season given favorable winter moisture, with precipitation amounts in May and June influencing the start of the season.
Wildfire prevention efforts including public information campaigns, early fire detection, leveraging aviation and ground assets for early deployment for a safe and aggressive initial attack are all key to our success this year.