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Despite some reports on social media, the cause of the fire is still under investigation. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office also said that, while no cause has been determined, the fire did start on private land.
In a Friday update, JCSO added deputies contacted two individuals associated with the property where the fire likely started. After providing statements, officials with the Oregon State Fire Marshal and the Oregon Department of Forestry began formal interviews and an investigation.
JCSO also addressed continued speculation on the fire being human-caused.
“At this stage of the investigation, there is no indication that this fire was caused by homeless individuals or transient encampments,” the Sheriff’s Office said. “The fire originated on private property and is being investigated in coordination with state fire investigators.”
The Flat Fire has now burned an estimated 23,380 acres just two miles from the town of Sisters, Oregon, and is 32% contained. It has spread across both Deschutes and Jefferson counties since it sparked on Aug. 21.
The Emergency Conflagration Act was invoked the next day to send more resources to battle the blaze as it grew.
On Monday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved the use of federal funds to fight the fire after determining the potential for destruction could constitute a major disaster.
Evacuation levels were only reduced Thursday reduced after fire crews made progress on the flames that afternoon as all Level 3 evacuation levels were reduced to Level 2 “Be Set.”
The most up-to-date information can be found on the Facebook pages below:
Flat Fire — Facebook page from Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
Flat Fire — Facebook page from Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office
Fire officials said five homes have been lost so far and more than 1,400 homes remain threatened.
Crews will now work to increase containment on the blaze, as hot and dry conditions, winds and low humidity will keep fire potential high.
Stay with KOIN 6 News as we continue our wildfire coverage.
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