URGENT UPDATE: A massive wildfire known as the Flat fire has surged to over 22,000 acres and threatens nearly 4,000 homes in central Oregon, as evacuations continue in the face of rapidly spreading flames. The fire, which ignited on Thursday, has already destroyed several structures, including the beloved Native Bird Care sanctuary, leaving its operators devastated.
Elise Wolf and her husband, Whitney Lowe, fled their property near Sisters, Oregon, on Saturday, releasing some of the birds in their care before evacuation. Upon returning home on Monday morning, they discovered that while their house survived, the sanctuary suffered significant damage. “The property is blackened,” Wolf stated, expressing grief over the destruction. “The Flat fire checkerboarded the rest of the property.”
The fire, fueled by dry conditions and strong winds, has already claimed at least four homes and multiple other structures. Officials are cautiously optimistic, reporting that the fire is currently 5% contained. However, with unpredictable embers capable of igniting new fires, the situation remains dire.
Officials from the Oregon Department of Forestry confirmed that over 1,200 fire personnel are currently engaged in firefighting efforts after Gov. Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act to mobilize additional resources. “We have a lot of resources poised for that exact scenario,” said EJ Davis, a spokesperson for the Department of Forestry.
Local officials are urging residents to prepare their properties for the growing wildfire threat. Jennifer Letz, the mayor of Sisters, emphasized the importance of proactive measures, stating, “Residents can no longer expect to take days to prepare their homes when wildfires start in the area.”
The fire’s rapid progression has prompted numerous evacuations. Jessica Nylund, a resident who moved to Oregon from Texas, described the panic as they prepared to leave their home, hosing down the property as a massive smoke cloud loomed overhead. “Is this really happening?” she recalled. “Is everything that we have going to burn up?” Fortunately, her home survived, and she expressed gratitude for the firefighters’ tireless efforts.
As the community grapples with the aftermath, Wolf remains hopeful for the future of the Native Bird Care center. “Somehow they saved one of our aviaries and even some of the trees around it,” she noted. The birding community has rallied to offer support, with donations pouring in to aid recovery efforts.
Despite the devastation, residents like Valori Wells, co-owner of a local shop, have banded together to create a “firewise community,” clearing vegetation to protect their homes. “We’ve all been doing massive cleanup,” she said, reflecting on the shared experience of anxiety and resilience.
As the situation evolves, authorities continue to monitor weather conditions, including the potential for thunderstorms that could exacerbate fire risks. The community remains on high alert as they navigate the challenges posed by the Flat fire.
Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops, and follow local authorities for evacuation orders and safety information.
