Salem, Ore. – Members of the Oregon National Guard are currently conducting wildfire cleanup operations in support of ongoing firefighting efforts throughout Oregon.
Following the activation of the Oregon National Guard by Oregon Governor Kate Brown in August, approximately 375 Soldiers and Airmen completed training at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST), in Salem, Oregon, and deployed to fire camps throughout the state.
The first group of 125 Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers deployed on August 26 to the Canyon Creek Complex near John Day, Oregon.
An additional 250 Soldiers and Airmen from Oregon National Guard units throughout the state deployed August 30 to firebases in eastern and central Oregon.
The Oregon National Guard has an ongoing agreement with the Oregon Department of Forestry known as Operation Plan Smokey, which stipulates the details of how Oregon National Guard members will be utilized to assist in firefighting efforts. This agreement is reviewed by both agencies annually to remain up-to-date for each fire season.
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