BURNS, Ore. – Flooding along the Silvies River in Burns, Oregon, continues to wreak havoc on the local community, despite expectations that water levels will begin to recede on Wednesday. The Harney County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the flood threat in the area remains significant, with more than 1,200 residents under mandatory Level 3 evacuation orders.
As of Wednesday afternoon, approximately 1,266 people in the Burns area remain under the highest level of evacuation orders. For context, the population of Burns is just over 2,700, meaning that nearly half of the town’s residents are currently displaced. Additionally, over 150 individuals are under Level 1 and 2 evacuation notices, which indicate that residents should be prepared to evacuate if the situation worsens.
In response to the emergency, a new sandbagging machine arrived in the area on Tuesday night, significantly increasing the rate at which sandbags can be filled. Local authorities have been working tirelessly to reinforce the levees along the Silvies River, and the Army Corps of Engineers is focusing efforts on “Dike D,” a levee that runs from Foley Drive to the river. The Corps expects to complete this reinforcement work in the coming days, but additional snowmelt runoff from warmer temperatures is anticipated early next week, which may prolong the flooding risk.
“We are doing everything we can to protect the community,” said Harney County Sheriff Dan Jenkins. “Our city, county, and state agencies are working around the clock, and we deeply appreciate the patience of the residents during this challenging time.”
The flooding, which has been exacerbated by rapid snowmelt, has also caused significant damage to infrastructure. The City of Burns’ sewer system is overwhelmed, with crews working around the clock to mitigate issues. On Tuesday, a fire hydrant in a flooded area was damaged, leaving 14 residents without water until repairs are completed.
Despite these challenges, officials reassured the public that drinking water remains safe. “The city drinking water is unaffected by the flooding and continues to meet safety standards,” the Harney County Sheriff’s Office confirmed.
However, health concerns persist due to the presence of harmful bacteria in the floodwaters. Local authorities have strongly advised residents to avoid contact with floodwaters unless absolutely necessary. For those who must enter the water, personal protective equipment such as rubber boots, gloves, and goggles is recommended to reduce exposure to contaminants. Residents are also urged to wash their clothing and disinfect any equipment that comes into contact with floodwaters.
While the flooding situation continues to evolve, the Harney County Sheriff’s Office has been providing frequent updates via its website and social media channels. Officials have also initiated efforts to identify a volunteer coordinator to assist with ongoing recovery efforts.
As the forecast calls for more snowmelt runoff over the weekend, local authorities remain on high alert, with hopes that the levee reinforcements will be enough to prevent further damage. The full extent of the damage will not be clear until the waters have fully receded, but officials are continuing to prioritize the safety and well-being of the community.
