Big Lake Youth Camp near Sisters, Oregon was advised by Willamette National Forest Fire Dispatch on Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 3, 2021, to begin evacuating campers as a precautionary measure due to a nearby wildfire.
Lightning strikes on Aug. 2 ignited the fire on the west flank of Mount Washington, approximately three miles south of BLYC. Fire personnel and aircraft mounted a rapid response to try and contain the blaze but shifting winds and worsening visibility hampered efforts on Aug. 3.
While campers were not in immediate danger, a preemptive evacuation ensured the safety of both campers and staff should fire conditions worsen in coming days. Parents were requested to pick up their children Tuesday evening, Aug. 3, from 7–10:30 p.m. or Wednesday morning, Aug. 4.
The facility remains at an official Level 2 — “Get Set” evacuation alert and camp leadership continues to work with local officials to determine the next steps for camp operations.
Please continue to pray for BLYC, the surrounding community and the many who are courageously fighting the fire.
Big Lake Youth Camp is owned and operated by the Oregon Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and serves campers ages 7–17. Located in the Willamette National Forest, BLYC operates under a special use permit from the U.S. Forest Service.
