Heat Wave Forces State's Drivers to Pump Their Own Gas

A heat wave in the forecast for Oregon prompted the state to temporarily suspend a rule prohibiting self-service gas pumps, allowing residents to pump their own gas.

Governor Kate Brown on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in 25 counties as a result of a forecast of "multiple days of extreme heat with little or no cooling overnight."

According to KTVZ in Bend, the emergency declaration allowed the state's fire marshal to temporarily lift a ban on self-service gas pumps.

"Our understanding is that through the life of the emergency declaration, self-serve is allowed through [Sunday] in the applicable counties," Alison Green, spokeswoman for the office of the state fire marshal, told the station.

Oregon Live reported that temporarily lifting the ban on self-service gas pumps will decrease the number of gas station attendants that have to work outside. Self-service gas pumps are normally prohibited in many counties and cities across the state. However, some areas "already allow self-service in various forms," Green told KTVZ.

In a statement announcing the state of emergency, Brown said, "With many parts of Oregon facing a high heat wave, it is critical that every level of government has the resources they need to help keep Oregonians safe and healthy.

"I encourage everyone to take proactive steps to keep themselves and their families safe, including drinking plenty of fluids, taking advantage of cooling centers, and checking in on neighbors, friends, and loved ones."

Brown's declaration allows the state's Department of Emergency Management to activate its Emergency Coordination Center and calls on state agencies to assist the Department of Emergency Management in its "response efforts."

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Portland said that the city earlier this week recorded a temperature of 102 degrees Fahrenheit, passing the previous high of 100 set in 2020.

In an Excessive Heat Warning issued on Friday, the NWS said, "The prolonged heat will continue through the weekend. Saturday is expected to be the hottest day, but Sunday will be only slightly cooler.

"The prolonged period of extreme heat will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities and for those that do not have access to air conditioning," the warning added.

Last week, dozens of other areas across the nation faced a wave of high temperatures. The NWS Weather Prediction center announced on July 21 that "28 states, stretching from California to New Hampshire," were under an excessive heat warning.

Data from the NWS Climate Prediction Center showed that forecasters believe high temperatures will continue in several states, including Oregon, in August.

Newsweek reached out to the state fire marshal's office for comment.