Firefighters made progress overnight on the Flat Fire, which is burning about two miles northeast of Sisters. The fire is estimated at 21,971 acres and is 7% contained.
Crews worked through the night to strengthen fire lines, extinguish hot spots around homes, and extend mop-up efforts up to 50 feet inside the fire’s perimeter. Dozer operators improved lines, and firefighters prepared for warmer, drier, and windier conditions expected later this week.
Mop-up is a critical operation where firefighters dig out and extinguish smoldering material such as roots and stumps, ensuring hidden embers don’t reignite when temperatures rise and humidity drops. On the fire’s western edge, crews are expanding mop-up to 100 feet inside the perimeter, while portable pumps are being used to cool hot spots along Wilt Road and near Whychus Creek.
On Tuesday, firefighters are installing hose lays, conducting foot patrols, and removing overhead hazards in multiple areas. Structural crews remain in residential neighborhoods to continue extinguishing hot spots and reduce the chance of flare-ups near homes.
Deschutes and Jefferson counties have evacuation levels in place. A 24-hour Red Cross evacuation shelter is open at Highland Baptist Church in Redmond, and large animal sheltering is available at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Madras and the Kerley Horse Center in Powell Butte.
Road closures remain in effect, including Wilt Road and Panoramic Drive at Camp Polk Road, Goodrich Road north of Highway 126, and Holmes Road north of Fadjur Lane. Residents are asked to stay alert, avoid fire traffic areas, and monitor sheriff’s offices for the latest evacuation updates.
Air quality continues to fluctuate. Current conditions can be found at fire.airnow.gov.
For official updates, visit the Flat Fire Facebook page.