Oregon governor says wildfires could be ‘greatest loss of human lives’ due to wildfires in state’s history

Governor Kate Brown said during a news conference that "this could be the greatest loss in human lives and property due to wildfire in our state's history." She noted that rescue teams allegedly pulled people out of rivers where they found safety from the flames.

Even firefighters were reported to have retreated in the face of the conflagration while officials gave the word for residents to evacuate immediately.

“It was like driving through hell,” Jody Evans said after a midnight evacuation from Detroit, about 50 miles west of Salem, Oregon’s capital city.

Brown stated that over 500 miles—or 300,000 acres—are ablaze throughout the state, forcing thousands of Oregonians from their homes, adding that "we expect to see a great deal of loss—both in structures and in human lives."

"This situation is very dangerous," Brown added. "Wind continues to fuel these wildfires, with devastating consequences across Oregon. People’s homes, lives and land are at risk. If you are in an evacuation area, please pay close attention and listen to local calls to evacuate as needed—this can save your life, your family and the lives of our firefighters."

The wildfires are set to create other complications too, including COVID-19 issues. Willamette Week reported that on Tuesday, the Oregon Department of Corrections "transferred approximately 1,450 inmates from Oregon State Correctional Institution, Santiam Correctional Institution and Mill Creek Correctional Facility to the Oregon State Penitentiary in Salem, bringing its inmate population up to 3,300."

The outlet continued by suggesting that though the move was necessary, it could present a coronavirus disaster amid the forced overpopulation.

"It's not hard to see that this is a catastrophe in the making," Juan Chavez, an attorney who represents Oregon inmates, said. "There are people who will catch COVID-19 in the next few weeks."

With the influx of new inmates, Oregon State Penitentiary has seen a 78 percent increase in inmates. Though the facility is reported to have 1,850 adults in custody, the additional 1,450 inmates brings the total to 3,300 inmates in one facility. That is a quarter of the 14,200 people incarcerated in the state of Oregon.