In response to a wave of misinformation circulating on social media and some news outlets, the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s office has issued a statement to set the record straight regarding its firefighters and equipment sent to assist with California’s wildfires. Claims that Oregon strike teams were delayed or turned away due to emissions tests or other regulatory issues have been categorically debunked.
The false claims alleged that Oregon’s firefighting equipment was subjected to emissions tests in California and, as a result, delayed in joining the firefighting efforts. According to the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM), these assertions are entirely false.
On Wednesday, January 8, Oregon strike teams departed from various locations across the state, heading toward California. Midway through their journey, they arrived in Sacramento, where they rested overnight. Early Thursday morning, January 9, at 6 a.m., the teams underwent a routine safety inspection conducted by CAL Fire. This check, standard protocol for all firefighting equipment deployed in California, ensures that the engines are mechanically sound and ready for the challenging conditions of wildfire response. CAL Fire subsequently documented and shared details of this routine process through their social media channels.
Contrary to misinformation, no Oregon equipment was delayed or turned away at any point. All engines completed their safety checks without incident and proceeded to Southern California as scheduled. By Thursday evening, all 15 strike teams had reached their destinations and began their first 24-hour shifts early Friday morning.
The OSFM emphasized the critical importance of safety protocols. The rigorous safety standards applied to all equipment are essential to ensuring the well-being of the firefighters. Given the demanding nature of wildfire operations and the distances traveled, these inspections are a vital step in preventing mechanical failures that could compromise the mission or put lives at risk.
Firefighter safety remains the number one priority for Oregon’s strike teams. The OSFM noted that their equipment is not typically used for such extensive travel, adding to the importance of these thorough checks.
The OSFM is urging the public to help dispel any lingering misinformation by sharing the accurate details of the deployment process. They encourage those who encounter false claims to redirect people to their official statement.
For further clarification or inquiries, the OSFM has provided a contact email: ask.osfm@osfm.oregon.gov.
This swift debunking of misinformation underscores the professionalism and dedication of Oregon’s firefighters, who traveled hundreds of miles to assist their counterparts in California. By responding decisively to these false claims, the OSFM reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and the critical mission of protecting lives and property in the face of devastating wildfires.
The Oregon firefighting teams’ successful deployment and immediate engagement in wildfire suppression highlight the importance of inter-agency cooperation and the readiness of these first responders.
