Supporting Sisters Country in the Wake of the Flat Fire: A Message from Sisters Rotary President Jim Lanzoratta

Rotarians are “People of Action” helping others with needs during the Flat Fire in Sisters, which came within two miles of Sisters, OR. Your support is welcome.

Judy Corwin, Sisters

Dear Fellow Rotarians,
As we stand together, united in our commitment to service above self, our community faces a moment of both devastation and opportunity.

The Flat Fire, which came within two miles of the City of Sisters, is reported to have destroyed five homes and over a dozen other structures. It burned through hundreds of private properties, leaving burned trees, shrubs, fences, and other debris in its wake. The extent of the damages of this fire will take time to sort out – as will the needs of individuals and local businesses negatively impacted by this event.

This is where we, as Rotarians, can rise to the challenge. It’s in times like these that our Rotary slogan, “People of Action,” can truly come to life.

I attended the first in a series of meetings of various local non-profit, service, and governmental agency leaders to inventory local resources available to assist those impacted, and to begin the process of learning what the needs are. We are early in this process as our residents have only recently been able to go back to their homes.
Many community groups have come together to help clean debris, get drinking water access, and support local firefighters.

A Flat Fire Relief Fund at neighborimpact.org/flatfire is accepting donations to help fire victims and those wishing to help with recovery efforts can contact citizens4community.com/news-posts/flat-fire-help.

As Rotarians, our strength lies in our collective action. This is our moment to show the true power of service. Once we identify our role in the community’s recovery efforts, let’s demonstrate what happens when caring individuals come together with a shared purpose.

Yours in Rotary Service,
Jim Lanzarotta
2025-26 Club President