The wildfire raging in central Oregon has destroyed four houses and about half a dozen other buildings, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office said on social media late Sunday.
The Flat fire, about 2 miles northeast of Sisters, has scorched about 22,000 acres and remains 0% contained, fire officials said.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of homes and personal property and extend our sympathy to those affected,” Deschutes County Sheriff Ty Rupert said in a statement. “We are also encouraged that hundreds of homes have been protected thanks to aggressive firefighting efforts and the proactive work of property owners to reduce fuels around their homes.”
The cause of the wildfire, which started Thursday, is under investigation.
Gov. Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act on Friday to open up state resources for local agencies fighting the fire.
Strong winds, high temperatures and dry conditions drove the fire south and into the Wychus and Deschutes canyons, where access is difficult, according to a statement from fire officials over the weekend. But authorities said late Sunday that firefighters “were able to build on progress made overnight in the northeastern and southeastern portions of the fire.”
An air-quality advisory is in effect for Deschutes, Jefferson and western Crook counties due to smoke from the fire. Over the weekend, Redmond, Bend and La Pine all saw official air-quality readings indicating unhealthy conditions for all populations.
Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuation orders are in effect in different areas around the fire.
The Red Cross is manning an evacuation shelter at Highland Baptist Church at 3100 SW Highland Avenue in Redmond. The Jefferson County Fairgrounds is available for large animals, with support provided by the Pet Evacuation Team.
Fire officials will update the community and answer questions at a community meeting Monday at 6 p.m. at Sisters High School.
Go to The Oregonian/OregonLive’s interactive wildfire map to see the status of wildfires across the state.
— The Oregonian/OregonLive
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