Disaster declaration issued for Oregon wildfires

Age and size of smoke is increasing the toxicity of wildfire smoke

Washington toxicologists say the list of harmful chemicals in wildfire smoke is a long one, but what makes it more toxic in the state is the long distance the smoke has traveled from Eastern Washington.

SALEM, Ore. - President Donald Trump has issued an emergency declaration for Oregon due to the deadly wildfires that have burned across the state and federal officials have also declared a public health emergency as dangerous, smoky conditions continue.

The major disaster declaration, issued late Tuesday, allows a range of federal help for people and public infrastructure affected by the blazes. The public health emergency declaration will give hospitals and other organizations in the state more flexibility to meet the needs of people who are on Medicare and Medicaid.

The melted sign of the Oak Park Motel destroyed by the flames of the Beachie Creek Fire is seen in Gates, east of Salem, Oregon on September 13, 2020. - The wildfire caused the evacuation of 40,000 residents, killing four people and five are still mi

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Wildfires raging across the state have burned more than 1,300 square miles (3,360 square kilometers). At least eight people have been killed.

And authorities say more than 1,140 residences have also been destroyed by the blazes and 579 other structures decimated.

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