Harney County Sheriff’s Office Continues to Respond to Major Flooding in Burns

Burns, Oregon – April 3, 2025, as of 8:00 a.m. – The Harney County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) continues to respond to the major flooding that has impacted the Burns area due to rapid snowmelt. The flooding has caused significant challenges for the local community, and emergency services are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.

Harney County Sheriff Dan Jenkins stated, “Our primary concern is the safety of our community. Our city, county and state agencies are working around the clock to provide the necessary resources and support to those affected by the flooding. We recognize the flooding has impacted people’s lives in significant ways. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we continue to work to mitigate issues, and we are grateful for your support of one another and your first responders.”

HCSO created a webpage on its website (harneycountyor.gov/flood/) where updates will be published. We are also posting to social media on our Facebook page.

Weather and Water:

Water went up to 200%, which was expected due to snow melt. Expect the Silives river to continue to go down until warmer temperatures hit throughout next week.

Local first responders and partners:

Burns Police requested awareness messaging about donations going to unreliable private sources. On going concerns with public health. Reports of looting are reported, none are verified at this time.

City of Burns advised there is a team from Springfield here to assist with the city works department. Information of where to dispose of hazardous materials is needed.

Operations: The sandbagging work on “Dike D”, the levee that runs from Foley Drive to the Silvies River is complete. The Army Corps of Engineers continues to reinforce Dike D. The work is on schedule and is expected to be completed in a few days. This is particularly important because weather forecasters anticipate additional runoff from snowmelt early next week due to warmer temperatures across the region over the weekend.

Roughly 4500 filled sandbags at the city of Hines. Sandbag filling operations are at a standby until further notice.

A list of sandbag locations is later in this release.

Looking ahead, a volunteer coordinator is being identified.

Ops update: gravel operations on Dike D are continuing. Tree which was blocking was removed.

Friday plans involve passing out the self-damage assessment forms at the Harney Hub, Safeway, and going door to door for tomorrow.

City of Burns advised there is a team from Springfield to assist with the city works department. Information of where to dispose of hazardous materials is needed.

Update for County is exploring options for improvements on dike.

Utilities: The City of Burns sewer system remains overwhelmed. Crews are working around the clock to mitigate issues. Complicating these efforts, on Tuesday, a fire hydrant in a flooded area was damaged. Water is shut off to 14 residents during the repair.

Public Works advised they are continuing to work on bypassing for the city sewers. Work on the broken fire hydrant is continuing and will hopefully be fixed today.

Drinking Water is Safe: The city drinking water is not affected by the flooding or any other complications due to the flooding. It is safe to drink.

Health Risks: Water collection samples show harmful bacteria is present in the floodwaters. STAY AWAY FROM FLOODWATERS UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. Do not allow your children to play in the water and keep your pets away. If you must enter the water, please ensure you are wearing personal protective equipment, such as rubber boots, gloves, waders and goggles to minimize exposure. When you exit, ensure you decontaminate and wash your clothing. Keep items worn in flood waters separate from other clothing/items and don’t wear your shoes/boots from the flooded waters into your home. Do not dump sewage into the floodwaters. The water will continue to be tested until the flood waters recede.

E. coli and Coliform have been found in the Harney County floodwaters. Fact sheet on E. coli in floodwaters.

Road Closures:

• In Burns:
  • Railroad Avenue where it intersects with S. Egan Avenue and W. Fillmore Street
  • Riverside Drive: due to damages/washout from flooding
• In the county:
  • Embree Bridge Lane and Oil Well Road at Highway 78
  • Island Ranch Road at Highway 205 (expected to reopen later this week)
  • Foley Drive is now OPEN

Evacuation Zone Data (These are approximates):

• Structures within level 3 evacuation area: 593
• Addresses within level 3 evacuation area: 502
• Population within level 3 evacuation area: 1,266
• Structures within level 2 evacuation area: 76
• Addresses within level 2 evacuation area: 60
• Population within level 2 evacuation area: 151
• Structures within level 1 evacuation area: 19
• Addresses within level 1 evacuation area: 6
• Population within level 1 evacuation area: 15

Harney County Flood Resources & Updates:

• Evacuation Zone Map
• Genasys Alerts: Enter your address to check alert status in your area.
• Flood Info Line: A staffed hotline for residents to call with questions related to the floods: 541-589-0112. Only call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.
• State of Oregon Flood Dashboard

Sandbag Pickup Locations:

• City of Hines – Public Works Lot: 101 East Barnes Avenue, Hines
• The Pine Room parking lot: 543 W Monroe St, Burns, OR 97720.
• Washington Park: Corner of E. Washington Street and N. Date Avenue, Burns, OR 97720
• DMV Parking Lot: 252 S Date Avenue, Burns, OR 97720

Shelter Options and Personal Resources for Displaced and Impacted Residents:

Currently, 18 people are utilizing publicly available shelter spaces. All displaced residents, including Burns Paiute Tribal members, are welcome.

Red Cross advised there is room in the shelter for up to 50 people indoor and 25 people outdoor. Community meals will start tomorrow at the fairground and the Harney Hub. A disaster mental health case worker was located. Will start distribution for disaster relief supplies starting tomorrow. Will be located at Snow Mountain Ave.

DHS is counting to meet the objective of the evacuees needs. Helped Harney Hub facilitate a community meeting.

• Emergency shelter for all evacuees: Memorial Building — Harney County Fairgrounds
• RV shelter options: Residents in need of temporary shelter may park their RVs in designated areas at Hines City Park and Harney County Fairgrounds.

Portable Toilets: Portable toilets have been placed around town in City of Burns for any residents impacted by not being able to flush toilets due to sewage-system backups. List of locations (subject to change).

Showers: Hines Middle School, 500 W Barnes Ave, Hines, OR 97738. Shower Hours: April 2-3: Noon-8 PM; April 4-6: Noon-6 PM. Towels provided.

Mobile Medical Services: Harney County Health Department & High Country Wellness are partnering with SERV-OR providers to provide mobile medical services to the community.

Public heath is meeting with the local health departments to meet the community heath needs. More information was posted at the port a potty. Medical mobile until will be traveling from Harney Hub, Days Inn, Silver Spur, Fairground shelter, and the Armory.

Donations: You can drop off donations at Burns Christian Church, 125 S Buena Vista Ave, Burns, OR 97720. Questions? Contact Donations Coordinator Melissa Albertson at 541-573-7176.

Crisis Line: Symmetry Care: 541-573-8376. National: 988.

Domestic Well Water Testing (free for impacted residents): Environmental Health Specialist: Jesse Barnes, 541-589-5788. Monday-Thursday: 8-5; Friday: 8-12. 111 W. Washington St., Burns, OR 97720.

Status quoe is being met, water samples results will be obtained this afternoon. Levels of E Coli are regressing but there are still pathogens presents. One well off of Foley Drive tested Positive for E Coli.

Local Agencies: Official/Social Pages:

• Harney County School District #3
• City of Burns, Facebook: City of Burns
• City of Hines., Facebook: City of Hines
• Burns Paiute Tribe, Facebook: Burns Paiute Tribe
• Harney County, Facebook: Harney County
• Harney County Emergency Management, Facebook: Harney County Emergency Management
• Harney County Health Department and High Country Health and Wellness Center
• Oregon Dept. of Emergency Management, Facebook: Oregon Department of Emergency Management
• Oregon Dept. of Transportation, Facebook: Oregon Department of Transportation

Residents are urged to stay informed through official channels and follow any evacuation orders or safety instructions issued by authorities. The HCSO will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed.