Accidental Statewide Evacuation Notice Sent in Oregon Due to Operator Error
SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Emergency Management unintentionally broadcasted an evacuation notice to residents statewide on Saturday afternoon, citing “operator error” as the cause of the mistake. The incident occurred after Klamath County authorities requested the state emergency notice system to issue a Level 3 evacuation alert to county residents who were in danger due to the Golden Fire.
In a release on Saturday evening, the agency expressed regret over the incident, stating, “Unfortunately, an Emergency Alert System was broadcast statewide due to operator error. The error in the system has been fixed, and the alert will not repeat.”
To reassure residents, Clackamas County shared a post clarifying that the evacuation alert was sent in error.
The Golden Fire ignited east of Klamath Falls on Saturday at approximately 1 p.m. By 5 p.m., it had already consumed an estimated 200 acres and posed a threat to structures in the area.
Authorities are actively working to contain the fire and protect affected communities. Updates on the situation will be provided as more information becomes available.
Golden Fire near Klamath Falls (Oregon State Fire Marshal) – Copyright 2023 KPTV-KPDX. All rights reserved.
How did the Oregon Department of Emergency Management accidentally send out a statewide evacuation notice to residents?
Accidental Statewide Evacuation Notice Sent in Oregon Due to Operator Error
SALEM, Ore. – In an unfortunate turn of events, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management mistakenly sent out a statewide evacuation notice to residents on Saturday afternoon, citing “operator error” as the reason for the mishap. The incident unfolded when Klamath County authorities requested a Level 3 evacuation alert be issued to county residents due to the imminent threat of the Golden Fire.
Following the incident, the agency expressed deep regret for the mistake in a release on Saturday evening, stating, “Unfortunately, an Emergency Alert System was broadcast statewide due to operator error. The error has now been rectified, and the alert will not be repeated.”
To put residents’ minds at ease, Clackamas County promptly clarified in a post that the evacuation alert was sent in error.
The Golden Fire, which sparked east of Klamath Falls at around 1 p.m. on Saturday, had already devoured an estimated 200 acres and was posing a significant threat to nearby structures by 5 p.m.
Authorities are currently working tirelessly to contain the fire and safeguard affected communities. We will continue to provide updates on the situation as more information becomes available.
Golden Fire near Klamath Falls (Oregon State Fire Marshal) – Copyright 2023 KPTV-KPDX. All rights reserved.
Wow, talk about a major “oops” moment. Hopefully, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management will take steps to prevent such operator errors in the future to avoid unnecessary panic and confusion.