Oregon fire marshal Jim Walker put on leave amid historic wildfires
Oregon’s fire marshal has been put on leave amid an unprecedented spate of wildfires that are burning throughout the state.
The Oregon State Police on Saturday announced Fire Marshal Jim Walker had been put on paid administrative leave. The state police did not detail why Walker was put on leave, but agency Superintendent Travis Hampton said a leadership change was needed.
Mariana Ruiz-Temple, Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal, has been appointed the acting fire marshal.
"Mariana is assuming this position as Oregon is in an unprecedented crisis which demands an urgent response,” Hampton, state police superintendent, said in a statement.
“This response and the circumstances necessitated a leadership change. I have the absolute confidence in Mariana to lead OSFM operations through this critical time. She it tested, trusted and respected – having the rare combination of technical aptitude in field operations and administration."
The fire marshal’s office is tasked with protecting people, property and the environment from fire and other hazards. Walker has served as fire marshal since 2014.
Wildfires have scorched more than 1 million acres throughout the state, spanning from the southern border to the coast and Clackamas County. That figure is about twice the yearly average over the past 10 years.
Seven people have been confirmed dead, dozens more are unaccounted for and hundreds have lost their homes.
This report will be updated.
https://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/2020/09/oregon-fire-marshal-put-on-leave-amid-historic-wildfires.html