Lincoln County declared a state of emergency Tuesday after several wildfires and high winds caused widespread power outages and highway closures.
One firefighter was injured. The county says a Sheriff's patrol car was heavily damaged by a falling tree, but the officer was not in the vehicle at the time. At least three houses have been damaged or destroyed.
The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners approved the declaration during an emergency meeting at 7:30 Tuesday morning.
A spokesman says an estimated 10,000 homes and businesses are without power, mostly in the northern part of the county. Lincoln County residents are being encouraged to limit travel today due to numerous closed roads and power outages.
As of 10 a.m., highway closures include portions of US 101 just north of Depoe Bay, Oregon Highway 18 east of Otis, and Oregon highway 34 east of Waldport.
Officials warn that conditions can change rapidly. Updated highway information can be accessed at tripcheck.com.
