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Hours regs suspended in three states due to wildfires

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Carr Fire levels, ravages Redding neighborhood https://t.co/oDiP2cs98e pic.twitter.com/S3RQJWyUj1

— USA TODAY Video (@usatodayvideo) August 3, 2018

Truck drivers providing emergency relief to areas of California, Oregon and Washington affected by wildfires are temporarily exempt from certain regulations, including hours of service.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Western Service Center issued a regional emergency declaration this week as a result of emergency declarations from governors of the three states.

The declaration addresses “existing and anticipated emergency conditions creating need for immediate transportation of supplies, equipment and persons, and provides necessary relief.” It applies to truckers providing “direct assistance” during the emergency. “Direct assistance” ends when a driver or truck is used in interstate commerce not directly supporting the emergency relief effort.

The declaration is in effect through the duration of the emergency, or until 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 31.