A community meeting was held Monday night in Sisters to update concerned citizens on the Flat Fire, as more difficulties or problematic weather events may occur this week
Tracee Tuesday
SISTERS, Ore. {KTVZ} — A community meeting was held Monday night at the Sisters High School auditorium, where fire and law enforcement officials updated the public on the Flat Fire.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal said their mission is to protect people, structures, and firefighting personnel – in that exact order.
As of this report, 827 homes have been saved; 4 homes have been lost; 10 structures such as sheds and chicken coops have also been lost – however, fire personnel say that number may go up.
In the last four days, 425 gallons of retardant have been used to fight the Flat Fire.
With fire containment at only 7%, residents affected by the fire remain nervous.
“We’re above Whychus Creek, over the creek, and the fire came up to our back deck just about, and all around us, and our neighbors, so yes, very much affected,” said Whychus Creek Resident, Wendy Birnbaum.
Fire personnel said their biggest concerns are embers.
“It’s really those embers that move a quarter of a mile, half a mile beyond the fire with the wind that start other fires. So that’s what you got to think of is like, where can embers get into and start a new fire, before the flames come through,” said Gert Zoutendijk of the Oregon State Fire Marshal.
Oregon Senator Anthony Broadman praised the High Desert community.
“I think the takeaway lesson is Central Oregon. We have a way of coming together and getting ready for the fires that we know are coming up.”
The Oregon State Fire Marshal’s said, if the fire continues toward Sisters, many homes and structures will be threatened.
This week, fire crews say they will be dealing with critical fire weather conditions including thunderstorms and erratic winds.