Harney County Court declared a state of emergency Friday, March 28, 2025, citing ongoing flooding in Burns and unincorporated Harney County and failures in the local sewer system that have mixed sewage with floodwaters.

The declaration, read and approved at an emergency session that began at 9:46 p.m., invokes ORS 401.309 and authorizes county personnel to perform emergency functions and to request state and federal assistance. Judge Hart, who read the declaration, said the county’s emergency operations plan flood annex has been implemented.

"I move to accept the declaration of local disaster as presented," Judge Hart said during the session. Commissioner Frank seconded the motion. After vocal "ayes" and no nays, the motion carried.

The declaration states that rapid snowmelt and forecasted warming have raised rivers and streams to dangerous levels, producing road closures, property damage, and risks to human health and the environment. County officials said bridges, culverts and public roadways are inundated, emergency response and essential services are disrupted, and public and private property, including homes, businesses, agricultural land and livestock, have been flooded.

The document specifically notes sewage-system damage and overflow, describing mixed sewage and floodwater as an environmental health hazard. The court authorized the county to request "all assistance available to Harney County pursuant to the laws of the United States of America and the laws of the state of Oregon, the ordinances of Harney County," and to activate applicable mutual aid agreements.

The court asked Governor Tina Kotek to declare a state disaster for Harney County and requested that U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack expedite assistance to local agricultural producers who have suffered extensive and ongoing losses. The declaration takes effect immediately and will remain in place until the flooding threat has subsided and recovery efforts are underway or until the court takes further action.

Court members concluded the brief emergency session by arranging to sign and forward the declaration to the county emergency manager for transmission to state and federal officials.