Oregon's state fire marshal has been placed on leave as firefighters are battling deadly blazes in the state.
State Police Superintendent Travis Hampton made the announcement in a news release Saturday, saying the “unprecedented crisis” demanded an urgent response — and that necessitated a leadership change.
Fire Marshal Jim Walker was placed on paid administrative leave and replaced on an acting basis by Mariana Ruiz-Temple, the chief deputy state fire marshal.
Hampton said, “I have the absolute confidence in Mariana to lead OSFM operations through this critical time. She is tested, trusted and respected – having the rare combination of technical aptitude in field operations and administration.”
Walker had served as the fire marshal since 2014.