Political speech, timestamped and in context

Jeff Merkley: “Wildfires are ravaging states across our country, including my home state of 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

And that's certainly true when it comes to wildfires and smoke. And as climate chaos makes the fire season longer and hotter and more dangerous, Wildfires are ravaging states across our country, including my home state of Oregon. this year at the beginning of fire season, the risk maps showed that the state of Oregon was the epicenter of the highest risk for the most time anticipated. (00:13–00:25)

STATEMENT

Asserts that wildfires are affecting multiple states, including Oregon.

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 had a record 2.5 million acres burned this summer [in Oregon].”
Asserts that 2.5 million acres burned in Oregon during the summer, setting a record.00:48-00:53
“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
“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