Political speech, timestamped and in context

Jeff Merkley: “We had a record 2.5 million acres burned this summer [in Oregon].”

Featuring: Jeff Merkley, Democratic | U.S. Senate from Oregon

Jeff Merkley Praises Bill To Give 'Our Communities The Tools They Need To Prepare For Wildfires'

Published October 5, 2026

… the state of Oregon was the epicenter of the highest risk for the most time anticipated. And unfortunately, that crystal ball prepared by the experts turned out to be right. We had a record 2.5 million acres burned this summer [in Oregon]. Well, we broke the 2 million acre last summer. 2.5 million acres this summer. Wasn't that long ago when a million acres would have been an extraordinarily horrific fire year. (00:48–00:53)

STATEMENT

Asserts that 2.5 million acres burned in Oregon during the summer, setting a record.

This is an excerpt from a raw transcript. The assertions have not been audited or verified. Tap the video to view the source footage and understand the context.

See the main statements from Jeff Merkley in this video

“We broke the 2 million acre [burned] last summer.”
Asserts that more than 2 million acres burned in Oregon the previous summer.00:55-00:59
“We had six cities burned to the ground [during the Labor Day fires].”
Asserts that six cities were completely destroyed by fires during the Labor Day fires.01:48-01:54
“Wildfires are ravaging states across our country, including my home state of Oregon.”
Asserts that wildfires are affecting multiple states, including Oregon.00:13-00:25
“We need to pass the bipartisan Wildfire Emissions Prevention act.”
Asserts the necessity of passing the Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act.03:08-03:14
“This bill prepares our communities in two different ways.”
Asserts that the Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act prepares communities in two specific ways.03:19-03:23
“This bill solves that problem so that smoke from a prescribed fire does not create a penalty under the Clean Air Act.”
Asserts that the bill prevents prescribed fire smoke from incurring penalties under the Clean Air Act.04:33-04:41
“This bill helps communities prepare for smoke to have locations that are safe for people.”
Asserts that the bill aids communities in preparing safe locations for people during smoke events.04:42-04:50
“This bill incorporates the Smoke Ready Communities program.”
Asserts that the bill includes the Smoke Ready Communities program.05:07-05:11
“The Wildfire Emissions Prevention act will give our communities the tools they need to prepare for wildfires and smoke pollution.”
Asserts that the act provides communities with necessary tools for wildfire and smoke pollution preparation.05:27-05:38