Fire Chief Nick Tyler told the Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance District Board of Directors during its June 17 meeting that this year is already shaping up to be one of the worst in Oregon’s history.
“We’re in June and fire season is here, and it came fast and heavy,” he said.
It’s his understanding that, after talking with partners with the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s department, this year’s fire season is already the third “most catastrophic, in terms of structure losses” in Oregon’s history. As of June 17, Tyler believes more than 50 primary residences and 90 outbuildings have been lost so far.
It is believed the Rowena fire was human-caused, he reported, adding that photos appeared to indicate the origin came from a ditch fire along Hwy. 84. It could be from a train, cigarette or chains, which are among the typical things that cause this type of fire.
A fire near Sisters is “more questionable,” he said, noting there have been a series of lightning events happening.
In other business, the board approved a $16.7 million* budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year – of which $6,594,143 makes up the General Fund – and passed a resolution appropriating unforeseen revenue to the general fund in the amount of $471,126.09 from conflagration funds.
*The New Era erroneously stated in its May 20 issue that the SHFAD was proposing a $6,594,143 budget, but that figure was actually total resources for the general fund.