SALEM, OR -- Governor Kate Brown has authorized the Oregon National Guard to deploy soldiers to help state and local agencies during the eclipse. The National Guard will stage six aircraft and about 150 soldiers and airmen ahead of eclipse weekend; they'll provide extra support to locations that find resources squeezed by eclipse chasers. It’s unclear how many of those will come to Central Oregon.
The eclipse is expected to draw a million visitors to the state during the height of fire season and OPB reports soldiers will be prepared to help fight wildfires if necessary.
