Oregon wildfire threatens thousands of homes as officials issue ominous warning

Firefighters battling the Oregon Flat Fire, which has so far torched nearly 22,000 acres, could face setbacks if the latest weather conditions shift, officials cautioned Monday.

The raging blaze, which is only 5% contained, has destroyed homes and buildings. Thousands of families have been forced to evacuate. 

“The winds here can shift at any moment and that could change everything,” Jason Carr, public information officer for the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, told Fox News Digital.

About 4,000 homes are still under evacuation notice, including 1,000 families ordered to “go now.” 

Despite modest progress in Oregon, the volatility of the Flat Fire means firefighters have to manage spot fires. (Flat Fire Facebook page)

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of homes and personal property. We are also encouraged that hundreds of homes have been protected thanks to aggressive firefighting efforts,” said Deschutes County Sheriff Ty Rupert.

Residents are under Level 1 (Be Ready), Level 2 (Be Set), and Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation levels. 

A Red Cross shelter is also operating in Redmond, and the Jefferson County Fairgrounds is housing large animals.

With hot, dry weather forecast to return, officials said the next few days will be critical.

“We’re certainly hopeful we don’t end up in the situation we were in last week,” Carr warned.

“With triple-digit heat, 10% humidity and high winds, this really pushed the fire quickly.”