Governor Kotek Calls Special Session to Address Wildfire Costs

SALEM, Ore. — Governor Tina Kotek has called a special session of the Oregon Legislature for Dec. 12 to allocate funds to cover costs from the record-breaking 2024 wildfire season. Nearly 1.9 million acres burned this year, far exceeding the state’s 10-year average of 640,000 acres and accruing firefighting expenses of more than $350 million.

While federal disaster relief is expected to cover over half the costs, state officials say $218 million is urgently needed to meet financial obligations to contractors and agencies. Governor Kotek emphasized the importance of paying the bills promptly, describing the fire season as an unprecedented challenge requiring statewide cooperation.

“Fighting wildfires of this magnitude required extraordinary resources,” Kotek said. “Now, we must fulfill our fiscal responsibilities before year-end.”

The funds would support the Oregon Department of Forestry and the Office of the State Fire Marshal in settling accounts with firefighting contractors. House Speaker Julie Fahey highlighted the urgency, noting the impact on communities and workers who provided critical services throughout the five-month fire season.

Wildfires this year destroyed 42 homes and 132 structures and caused widespread damage to transportation and utility infrastructure. Governor Kotek declared a state of emergency in July and invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act a record 17 times to deploy firefighting resources.