State crews, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office helping Burns, Harney County deal with the worst flooding in decades

(Update: Adding photos, video)

BURNS, Ore. (KTVZ) – The state of Oregon and Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office are among agencies rushing to help the Burns area of Harney County deal with the most severe flooding in some 70 years.

Governor Kotek declared a state of emergency over the weekend in response to the severe flooding in Harney County, including on the Burns Paiute Reservation, that prompted numerous road closures and Level 3 “Go Now” evacuations.

"Rapid snowmelt combined with continued precipitation has overwhelmed waterways and wastewater systems, causing significant flooding. Roads, bridges, and culverts have been inundated, disrupting emergency services, essential operations, and local commerce," the governor's office said.

"Floodwaters have damaged homes, businesses, agricultural lands, and livestock areas—and additional flooding remains likely with continued warming."

“Flooding in Harney County and on the Burns Paiute Reservation is creating serious public health and environmental hazards that require all hands on deck,” Kotek said. “This declaration allows the state to act swiftly to support local responders in protecting Oregonians and the things they hold dear. Conditions are evolving quickly. Please check on your neighbors, follow evacuation guidance from emergency officials, sign up for alerts at ORAlert.gov, and have a go-kit ready.”

The National Weather Service continued its flood warning Tuesday for the Silvies River, near Burns, advising that "snowmelt and a breached levee has caused extensive flooding in and near Burns" that will continue.

Sheriff Kent van der Kamp has mobilized the Deschutes County Search and Rescue Swift Water Rescue team to assist in Harney County.

“Our neighbors are in urgent need, and we’re committed to doing everything we can to help,” van der Kamp said. “We’re sending trained professionals with the right equipment to safely evacuate residents and support local emergency crews. This is what community is all about—showing up for each other when it counts.”

The Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office said Monday it has mobilized 25 people to help with the flooding, including 13 from the agency and a dozen from fire departments around the state, to help with sandbagging and other tasks. They are expected to be deployed for about 72 hours

The Harney County Sheriff’s Office was closing more roads Monday as the city of Burns asked residents to conserve water as much as possible. “Homes have their pipes backing up,” they said. Area schools had been closed for the day. The sheriff's office is posting updated info from the agency and others to their Facebook page.