Near Ashland, Ore.– The Oregon Department of Forestry said while firefighters are making progress on the Oregon Gulch Fire,the cost to make it all happen is costing millions.
Between air tankers, helicopters, 1,500 firefighters and other resources ODF said the fire cost is at $15,300,000.
They said support from the air isn’t the most expensive thing.
“Our air costs are 1.1 million dollars. The cost for the crews are almost 4.5 million. So initially it is the air operation that’s dominating because they’re the ones that get here the fastest but once the fire is engaged we rely heavily on the firefighting crews,” said Keith Dehut.
ODF said the cost is expected to grow. Payment for the fires comes from the state general fund, insurance money, and FEMA.
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