Congresswoman Bynum Calls for Expanded Wildfire Response After First Home in CD5 is Lost

Today, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) released a statement in response to multiple wildfires that are burning in Central Oregon and across the state. Specifically, the Akawa Butte Fire has grown to more than 26,000 acres, resulting in the loss of the first home in her district this season and continues to threaten lives, homes, and businesses.

The fire has also prompted thousands of families to either evacuate or prepare to do so throughout both Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. Recently, the State of Oregon received federal grant support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) after the agency acknowledged that the destruction posed by this fire would "constitute a major disaster."

"Oregon is facing one of its worst wildfire seasons yet," said Rep. Bynum. "Today marked the first home lost in my district. This is tragic. The simple truth is that our first responders don't have all of the resources they need to succeed when the worst happens. This administration has cut thousands of federal staff tasked with wildfire preparedness and response, and now we are seeing the impact. Without adequate personnel, prevention and mitigation efforts have declined and our firefighters are now forced to the frontlines to tackle this rapidly growing problem. More resources, more staff, and more support."

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