BREAKING: I found the origin site of the massive wildfire that is so far burned 23,000 acres of the Deschutes national forest. It is a large homeless encampment with over a dozen RVs, tents, some makeshift shacks built out of scrap wood, shipping containers,
abandoned cars, and newer cars without license plates, a few old boats and a lot of trash. There is no plumbing or electricity. This fire has destroyed 23,000 acres, five homes and multiple buildings. There has oddly been a debate whether this was a homeless encampment or not.
“I don’t like living in fear” I spoke to Holly Siebert a homeowner that lives closest to the orgin point and the one who called 911. She was evacuated and spent a few days in a hotel. She owns over 100 acres and said her lands have been completely destroyed which
greatly affects her property value. She says that property has always been known to be occupied by squatters and the homeless. She shared a story
where a muddy barefooted man showed under the influence at the local store and a neighbor gave him a ride back to that property. She’s worried they will return and wants elected officials to know that by
allowing the homeless and squatters on these private or public lands put everyone at risk. This encampment is actually over 22 miles from Sisters, Oregon and shows how a small fire can become a massive fire.
Exactly 2 years ago a county commissioner and myself met with Senator Ron Wyden in the Deschutes woods and warned him of the high risk of man-made fires that could destroy the entire area. He downplayed that risk and said he wanted to talk about climate change.
Ignoring a problem, won’t make it go away. This is a Homeless/squatter encampment. Progressive County commissioner Phil Chang though called this encampment and “off the grid neighborhood” not only is this the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. It’s absolutely false.
The homeless have been occupying these beautiful woods for many years and have caused more fires than anything else, including climate change. The homeowner who escaped the fire is fed up and wants change to happen before someone dies.
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