Merkley: Bill Will Unlock Resources During Wildfire Smoke Events

Oregon’s Department of Forestry declared Monday the start of fire season in the state’s northwest districts.  Senator Jeff Merkley said he expects it to be a tough summer.

“We had many counties, many watersheds that had zero snowfall," Merkley said.  "Unfortunately, the summer conditions look like they’re just going to be hotter and dryer than average.”

Merkley reintroduced the Wildfire Smoke Emergency Declaration Act this month.

"This act really works to provide grants to help businesses that are economically impacted by the smoke," Merkley said.

It would also enable the President to declare a smoke emergency, allowing FEMA to help local jurisdictions establish smoke shelters and other resources.

Merkley added with the potential of a long, hot, dry summer, it’s important all Oregonians are extremely vigilant.

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