Gov. Kate Brown declared an emergency in two Oregon counties due to drought conditions, she announced in a press release.

Both Baker and Douglas counties were declared emergencies after a winter that left the region with low snowpack and low stream flows, both of which could spell trouble as fire season approaches.

Douglas County is the first county west of the Cascades to be declared an emergency. Klamath, Grant, Harney, and Lake counties had previously been declared drought emergencies.

"All signs point to another record-breaking drought and wildfire season for Oregon," Brown said in a statement. "That means we must continue our urgent work to build communities that are ready for the challenges of climate change. I have directed state agencies stand ready to help and work with local communities to provide assistance."

Conditions in the affected counties aren't expected to improve, Brown said in her statement, and will likely have significant impacts on agriculture, livestock and natural resources. The governor's declaration gives state and county officials flexibility with water management that they otherwise would not have.

-- Kale Williams

kwilliams@oregonian.com

503-294-4048