Washington D.C. – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is extending its Emergency Declaration in order to speed disaster relief to three western states as wildfires continue to rage.

On Thursday, the FMCSA extended its previously issued Emergency Declaration and suspension of certain Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) including hours of service (HOS) rules for carriers directly providing relief to California, Oregon and Washington.

“This Extension of the Emergency Declarations addresses ongoing emergency conditions creating a need for immediate transportation of supplies, goods, equipment, fuel and persons and provides necessary relief,” the Declaration states.

The FMCSA’s Declaration will remain in effect for the duration of the emergency or until 11:59 p.m. EDT, October 19, 2020, whichever is sooner

Meanwhile, the record-setting wildfires have torched more than 2.5 million acres so far.

Get the latest on the #wildfires burning in California and what to expect in the next few days. Visit https://t.co/cJ4J6rn4AX for more information.

Captioned version available on Youtube: https://t.co/VLOUgUMFBo pic.twitter.com/94bWKfurMi

— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) September 8, 2020

The closures of significant stretches of dozens of interstates and highways along the west coast are creating major challenges for truckers and motorists alike.

SR 410 between @CityOfSumnerWA & @CityBonneyLake remains closed until further notice due to wildfire activity. A detour is available via SR 165 & SR 162. Sending a huge thank you to firefighters for all your work! Real time traffic info is at https://t.co/z1FsGKo8rT pic.twitter.com/ZFuSuVrhTD

— WSDOT Tacoma (@wsdot_tacoma) September 8, 2020

Some truckers reportedly abandoned their big rigs along Interstate 5 in southern Oregon on Tuesday.

Evacuation orders have also forced the closures of some truck stops and fueling stations.

Oregon fire update: Sept. 9, 11 a.m.

We hope all evacuees and those traveling through the surrounding areas remain safe throughout this fire event.

Petro Phoenix in Oregon, at I-5, Exit 24, is closed due to an Evacuation Order in the area.

— TravelCenters of America (@TATravelCenters) September 9, 2020

Oregon fire update: Sept. 10, 3:30 p.m. EST

Petro Phoenix in Oregon, at I-5, Exit 24 has reopened. The facility is not reporting any damage, however, many residents in the area have lost their homes.

Please keep this community in your thoughts.

— TravelCenters of America (@TATravelCenters) September 10, 2020

Transportation Nation Network will continue to monitor new developments.

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