Sisters Country is still reeling from the Flat Fire. But as often happens in times of tragedy and disaster, immense goodwill and support are also emerging from our community and beyond.
We’ve heard from many folks eager to assist those impacted by the fire and show gratitude to those who came to our community’s aid. Thank you for your generosity!
Below are a variety of ways you can help victims, responders, nonprofits, businesses, and the broader community recover from the Flat Fire.
For those impacted by the fire, check out wildfire.oregon.gov/recovery for guidance on how to get support, safely return home, and more. Deschutes County has also published re-entry guidance.
Support fire victims
Donate to regional nonprofit NeighborImpact’s Flat Fire Relief Fund. Contributions are tax-deductible, and will go toward financial and resource aid for fire victims, including those who lost homes or otherwise need help getting back on their feet.
Donate to the GoFundMe set up for community member Braxton Holly. Similar campaigns may emerge for other fire victims in the days ahead. Be wary of fake accounts and opportunists; only donate to funds shared by trusted sources.
Support emergency responders
If you see emergency responders around town, treat them with respect and show your appreciation. Better yet, pay for their meal!
Post signs in your yard or business expressing gratitude to those who protected our community.
Donate to our local fire associations. They were some of the first responders to the Flat Fire, and provide an array of programs to help the community better prepare for and respond to fires. Checks can be mailed to:
Sisters Camp Sherman Fire Association | PO Box 1509, Sisters, OR 97759
Cloverdale Fire Association | 67433 Cloverdale Rd. Sisters, OR 97759
Black Butte Fire Association | PMB 8190, PO Box 8000, Sisters, OR 97759.
Central Oregon Public Safety Chaplaincy | PO Box 1898, Redmond, OR 97756
Donate to other organizations supporting emergency response efforts:
Red Cross of Central and Eastern Oregon, which has been hosting a shelter in Redmond for evacuees and providing immediate support for fire victims.
Watch Duty, the nonprofit, volunteer-run app that many community members relied on to inform them of fire updates and firefighting efforts in real-time.
Oregon Volunteer Firefighters Association, which provides support and representation for Oregon's Volunteer Emergency Responders
Wildland Firefighter Foundation, which supports firefighters and their families through financial aid, physical and emotional support, advocacy, and community.
Continue to make your property more resilient to wildfire by investing in home hardening and creating defensible space. Learn more about what you can do at wildfireprepared.org, and request a wildfire home assessment from Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District.
Support local nonprofits
Many local and regional nonprofits are engaged in relief efforts or developing resources to assist victims; others were impacted directly by the fire. Your support – whether through donations or volunteering – helps them rebuild and continue their important community work.
3 Sisters Equine | Assisting with pet evacuation, care, and broader support.
Citizens4Community | Helping to coordinate local nonprofit relief and recovery work, and connecting those in need with regional resources and information.
CORE | Providing rapid relief services and resources to victims who lost their homes.
Deschutes Land Trust | Two nature preserves were burned in the Flat Fire. Restoration will require significant support in the months to come.
Family Access Network (FAN) | Provides basic needs for at-risk youth and their families, and may soon see an uptick in need from families who evacuated.
Furry Friends Foundation | Assisting with pet evacuation, managing a local pet food bank, and broader support for pets of impacted families.
Harmony Farm Sanctuary | Assisting with pet evacuation, care, and broader support.
Native Bird Care | Rehabilitation for local wild birds. Lost all their external structures and apiaries, and will need significant help rebuilding.
NeighborImpact | Support services and financial aid for fire victims through their Flat Fire Relief Fund.
Pet Evacuation Team | Assisting with pet evacuation, care, and broader support.
Seed to Table | Giving away free produce to evacuees.
Sisters Food Bank (Kiwanis) | May prove to be a critical food source for longer-term evacuees.
Sisters Park & Recreation District | Is hosting firefighters for day-sleeping in the Community Center and offering showers for evacuees at the Coffield Center.
Support local businesses
Tourism often drastically decreases after a local disaster. Heading into what’s typically a major holiday weekend for local businesses, many are fearing the worst. You can support our local economy by:
Telling friends and family that Sisters remains “open for business.”
“Shopping like a tourist.” Make an extra effort to patronize local businesses in the coming days. Prioritize shopping local before online, booking services in town, and dining out when you can.
Buying gift cards. Even if you don’t need something today, gift cards put cash in the register now.
Taking a stroll downtown. A busy sidewalk shows energy and encourages others to stop, shop, and enjoy.
Tipping generously. Extra tips help offset reduced hours and unexpected expenses.
Attending local events. Farmers markets, Sisters Business Association’s First Fridays and Sisters Arts Association’s Fourth Fridays, and live music all drive energy downtown.
Offering rides, sharing resources, or lending a hand so impacted employees can still get to work.
The Flat Fire was devastating for many. But beautiful things – including a more tightknit, resilient community – can come from trying times like these. The smoke may be receding, but the connections and lessons learned don’t have to. Let’s work together to make sure Sisters Country comes out of this experience stronger than ever.
Kellen Klein is the Executive Director of Citizens4Community, a nonpartisan nonprofit working to foster a more connected Sisters Country through civility, collaboration and civic engagement. Learn more at Citizens4Community.com.
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