(PORTLAND, Ore.) Gov. Kate Brown declared a state of emergency Thursday in 23 Oregon counties ahead of excessive heat forecasted for this weekend, KATU reports.
The Oregon Health Authority requested the emergency declaration, according to the governor’s office.
The declaration impacts the following counties: Benton, Columbia, Clackamas, Curry, Douglas, Gilliam, Grant, Hood River, Jackson, Josephine, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Umatilla, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler and Yamhill.
A Heat Advisory is currently in effect for the Portland metro area and extends to the Gorge and Hood River, as well as Eugene. Central Oregon is under a Red Flag Warning due to forecasted showers and thunderstorms, along with high temperatures, putting the region in critical fire danger.
Temperatures aren’t expected to break records like the heat wave parts of Oregon saw in June, but some areas are expected to hit triple digits Friday. Daytime temperatures are expected to return to the 80s after Saturday.
Brown has also directed* the state’s Office of Emergency Management to activate* the emergency coordination center.
With the declaration, OHA can utilize its volunteer medical workers to help respond to residents impacted by the heat.
Additionally, the Oregon State Fire Marshal announced Thursday that it’s suspending the enforcement of rules against people pumping their own gas for 24 hours, in an effort to keep employees who typically work outside safe.
“With the hot incoming weather, the Oregon Office of the State Fire Marshal acknowledges employees working outside. For businesses who choose to continue to provide full service, our Office encourages them to provide water and cool areas to keep employees safe,” the fire marshal said in a press release.
This suspension will expire at 11:59 p.m. on Friday.
To read the governor’s executive order, click here.